DRAGONFLY GOLDEN-RINGED (PEPATUNG CINCIN EMAS)
DRAGONFLY GOLDEN-RINGED (PEPATUNG CINCIN EMAS)
INFORMATION The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is one of the most distinctive and easily recognizable dragonflies, known for its striking black and yellow bands across its body and its large size. Here are some key details about this species: Appearance: They have a distinctive black and yellow striping on their bodies, and the males possess a club-shaped abdomen. Habitat: They are commonly found near streams, rivers, and sometimes ponds, where they lay their eggs. Behavior: This species is territorial, with males often seen patrolling along a stretch of water. They are strong fliers and can catch their prey while flying. Lifespan: The larvae, which are aquatic, can take up to 5 years to develop, depending on their habitat. The adult dragonflies typically live for around 6 to 8 weeks. Conservation Status: Generally, they are not considered endangered, although habitat destruction and pollution can pose threats to local populations.
LABELLED DIAGRAM
2.Flight Mechanics and Energy Efficiency: The flight mechanics of dragonflies are a subject of extensive study due to their ability to execute precise and agile maneuvers. The mechanical characteristics of their wing beats allow dragonflies to hover, glide, and even fly backward, showcasing a flight efficiency that is finely tuned through millions of years of evolution. This efficiency is achieved through a combination of wing structure and the unique flapping dynamics, enabling dragonflies to conserve energy while maximizing their flying capabilities (Nakata et al., 2020) THE UNIQUENESS OF GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLIES 1.Wing Structure and Aerodynamics: Dragonfly wings, including those of the golden-ringed variety, are known for their exceptional aerodynamic capabilities, which are crucial for their agile flying patterns. The wings exhibit a complex structure that allows for efficient flight, high maneuverability, and stability in the air. Studies have focused on the aerodynamic characteristics of dragonfly wings, highlighting their intricate vein patterns, which contribute to their high lift and low drag, optimizing their flying efficiency (Hefler et al., 2018) 3.Surface Nanoarchitecture of Wings: The wings of dragonflies are covered with a waxy layer that has a unique nanostructure, consisting of an array of tiny pillars. This nanoarchitecture grants the wings superhydrophobic properties, which means they repel water effectively. This feature helps in keeping the wings clean and dry, reducing the risk of microbial growth and ensuring optimal flying conditions. The self-cleaning capability is vital for maintaining the wings’ aerodynamic properties and contributes to the dragonfly’s overall survival and efficiency (Cheeseman et al., 2019)
5.Bioinspired Engineering Applications: The unique flight capabilities and wing structures of dragonflies have inspired bioinspired engineering applications, particularly in the design of micro air vehicles and drones. The understanding of their flight mechanics and wing morphology has potential implications for the development of new materials and aerodynamic designs that mimic the efficiency and agility of dragonfly flight (Chahl et al., 2021). THE UNIQUENESS OF GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLIES 4.Adaptations for Flight Performance: Research has shown that dragonflies have wings that are highly adapted for their specific flight needs. Their wings are not only strong and lightweight but also capable of undergoing passive deformations which optimize their flight performance. These adaptations are seen in the structural resilience to aerodynamic and inertial loads, contributing to their agility and effectiveness as predators (Wootton, 2020)
REFERENCES Chahl, J., Chitsaz, N., McIvor, B., Ogunwa, T., Kok, J.-M., McIntyre, T., & Abdullah, E. (2021). Biomimetic Drones Inspired by Dragonflies Will Require a Systems Based Approach and Insights from Biology. Drones, 5(2), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5020024 Cheeseman, S., Truong, V. K., Walter, V., Thalmann, F., Marques, C. M., Hanssen, E., Vongsvivut, J., Tobin, M. J., Baulin, V. A., Juodkazis, S., Maclaughlin, S., Bryant, G., Crawford, R. J., & Ivanova, E. P. (2019). Interaction of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles with the Surface Nanostructures on Dragonfly Wings. Langmuir, 35(6), 2422–2430. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03470 Hefler, C., Qiu, H., & Shyy, W. (2018). Aerodynamic characteristics along the wing span of a dragonflyPantala Flavescens. Journal of Experimental Biology. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.171199 Nakata, T., Henningsson, P., Lin, H.-T., & Bomphrey, R. J. (2020). Recent progress on the flight of dragonflies and damselflies. International Journal of Odonatology, 23(1), 41– 49. https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2019.1688502 Wootton, R. (2020). Dragonfly flight: morphology, performance and behaviour. International Journal of Odonatology, 23(1), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2019.1687991