Ancient Insect Design Helps Shape Modern Engineering
Dragonflies are among the oldest insects on Earth and continue to inspire modern science and engineering. Researchers study these remarkable insects because their natural abilities provide solutions for challenges in flight, sensing, and navigation technologies.
These insects belong to the order of Odonata, which also includes damselflies. Dragonflies are known for their strong jaws, excellent hunting skills, and powerful flight abilities. Unlike many insects, they are predators throughout their lives and help control populations of mosquitoes, gnats, and other small insects.
“As a group, dragonflies are incredible examples of bioengineering,” said Jon Zawislak, assistant professor of apiculture and urban entomology for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “Nature has already solved so many problems, and scientists and engineers often study insects to mimic what nature has overcome.”
Dragonflies first appeared around 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs existed. Their ancestors survived major global changes and extinctions, making them one of nature's most successful groups of insects. Today, they can be found near ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands across many regions.
“Just like an orthodontist works with teeth, Odonata as a name comes from the strong chewing mandibles of dragonflies and damselflies,” said Austin Jones, instructor and director of undergraduate education and outreach coordinator with the Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
He added, “This is one of only two orders of insects known to be comprised exclusively of predators, and therefore considered beneficial unless they are eating other beneficial insects like pollinators.”
One reason scientists are interested in dragonflies is their extraordinary flight performance. They can hover, change direction quickly, fly backward, and move with impressive precision. Engineers are studying these abilities to improve the design of small drones and unmanned aircraft.
Dragonflies also possess advanced sensory systems. Their wings and bodies contain tiny sensors that help measure movement, speed, and position. Researchers are exploring how these natural sensors can be adapted for use in aircraft and other modern technologies.
Another remarkable feature is their vision. Dragonflies have large compound eyes that process visual information extremely quickly. This allows them to track moving prey with exceptional accuracy. Scientists believe these visual systems could inspire new technologies for navigation and motion detection.
The dragonfly life cycle is also unique. Eggs hatch into aquatic nymphs that live underwater, feeding small creatures. After growing through several stages, they emerge as winged adults focused on hunting and reproduction.
Photo Credit: UADA-Mary Hightower