In a happy coincidence, since I was planning a blog about dragonflies, the biologist on Creature Comforts from the August 10 Mississippi Public Radio podcast discussed them. I listened as I walked as he shared fascination with these insects. I related to his comment that they were very hard to photograph. They do not sit still and say, “Cheese.” They also frequently have sheer transparent wings that just disappear in the picture, leaving what looks like a colorful stick.
My interest in dragonflies had been minimal until we made a move to the country four years ago. The place that we share with our youngest son’s family has a boggish creek that runs around two sides with a small branch separating their side from ours. I anticipated a huge mosquito problem – more about that later.
Instead, I noticed an abundance of dragonflies in various colors and designs, more than I had ever seen in one place at one time. I decided to do a bit of research about the curious creatures. It turns out I am not the only one fascinated with the contradictory folklore that has arisen around them.
One theory claims the dragonfly is a visual reminder that a loved one is near, particularly a deceased relative who is still watching out for us. If I bought into that one, it might explain why I had such a vivid dream this week after watching a cluster play around my bird feeder. In the dream, I was together with Mama, who died more than twenty years ago, and my three sisters having a wonderful visit. A second theory is that dragonflies are indicators of new beginnings, a fresh start, or change. Another idea is the dragonfly could be an angel, spirit, or loved one wanting you to lighten up. In some Native American cultures, they symbolize happiness, healing, or fresh water, and it is taboo to kill one.
In negative interpretations, the dragonflies flying around your head are signing you up for Satan, with whom they are in cahoots. European traditions have them causing mischief.
In reality, dragonflies are more ancient than dinosaurs. They see 200 images a second in all 360 degrees with 80% of their brain devoted to sight which might explain why you can’t sneak up on them to get a picture. (Humans can see only 60 images per second which leaves me thinking that if I could see like a dragonfly, I might make a greater dint in my TBR pile of books.)
That all leads me back to the greatest thing about dragonflies. It turns out that they love mosquitos like a kid loves French fries. Mosquito bites have been rare with dragonflies darting everywhere, and I have enjoyed the challenge of trying to get that illusive picture.
