Dragonflys
Dragonflys belong to the Odanata order. There are over 5,000 different species of dragonflys, some of which existed prior to the dinosaurs. They have evolved over the last 300 million years to be what they are today. As nymphs, they spend a majority of their time underwater and breath through gills. The period of time they spend as nymphs varies between a few weeks to a couple of years depending on which species of dragonfly they are. They are known as one of the most deadly predators of the insect world. Adult dragonflies have two sets of wings that work independent from each other to control their altitude, speed and ability to hover. Dragonflys consume other small insects that are captured during flight. Some studies have shown they can catch 90-95% of their prey in flight.
Although this dragonfly looks like a fossil it is not. Fossilized remains are formed in the ground. It is assumed that the dragonfly’s body temperature dropped so low it was unable to move or fly. They use movement to keep them warm or when resting stay in the sunlight to remain warm. The petrification occurred when calcium carbonate (calcite) covered the surface of the dragonfly. Hot Springs or limestone regions produce this type of petrification called Calcareous sinter.
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