Dragonflies are recognized by their distinctive translucent wings, long, thin bodies, and multifaceted compound eyes. They are generally seen around waterbodies and marshes and are known for their flying agility. It was this feature that got the researchers wondering about their ability to recover from a scenario when they are suddenly dropped upside down.
Researchers analyzed the flight mechanics of the dragonflies. They began by grabbing specimens, turning them over, and letting them fall. The insects recovered so quickly that their actions couldn’t be followed.
Next, little white dots were painted on the wings and bodies of several specimens. And were filmed using a high-speed camera. In the slow-motion video, it was only partially determined what the dragonflies were doing to turn themselves right side up.
This footage was used to create a computerized 3D model of the dragonflies. Now it was clearly seen what the dragonflies were doing as they fell. Their left and right wings were pitched at slightly different angles, forcing their bodies to twist until they were right side up again. Some rolled to the left, while others rolled to the right, but the ultimate result was the same, a resumption of normal flight.
Experimenters then pondered, how the insects knew they were inverted. They covered the eyes of many specimens before turning them over and dropping them in order to identify a probable explanation. None of the dragonflies were able to recover, implying that they use visual cues for orientation.
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by Sanika Mungekar
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