Dragonfly

Dragonfly

A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the suborder Anisoptera of the order Odonata. About 3,000 living species of dragonflies are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions. Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Adult dragonflies are characterised by a pair of large, multifaceted, compound eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly's compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each.

Dragonfly (Titan space probe)

Dragonfly is an upcoming NASA mission to send a robotic rotorcraft to the surface of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. It is to be launched in July 2028 and arrive in 2034, becoming the first aircraft on Titan. Built to study prebiotic chemistry and extraterrestrial habitability, it is intended to make the first powered and fully controlled atmospheric flight on any natural satellite. It will then use its vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL) capability to move between exploration sites. Its main mission will last for around three years and could cover 115 km from its original landing site; visiting and landing at 20-30 sites.

dragonfly

Noun

1. An insect of the suborder Epiprocta or, more strictly, the infraorder Anisoptera, having four long transparent wings held perpendicular to a long body when perched.