Interesting Insects

             Among the many insects the class has discussed thus far, dragonflies have proven to be the most interesting in my opinion. I can't help but admire the success of these ancient insects. While this detail may not apply to me on any sentimental level as it potentially could influence the more elderly, the vast expanses of time this order has survived is nonetheless astounding. I also resonated with the dragonfly as I read Dr. Evans review of the dragonfly's uncanny eyesight. Bear with me, I don't see any part of myself specifically in a dragonfly, but in general, humans rely on their eyesight to make sense of the world. The average man is reluctant to relate to insects because of their supposedly supernatural abilities. Most mosquitos find their mate by searching for specific frequencies at which those of the opposite sex can beat their wings. Certain roaches will lose their minds if they smell a certain pheromone. These sensations and experiences are alien to man. However, the dragonfly relies on the same sense humans use in order to survive a world of threatening stimuli. While the dragonfly can see all the way around itself and I can only see a little of my surroundings when I look at my laptop, I can relate more of my sensations to the dragonfly's sensations compared to most insects.
                I started searching the internet for information on dragonflies. Soon, I realized that Dr. Evans had made a great effort to describe all of the general aspects of the dragonfly. He even went into detail about distinct species that emphasize the roles the anatomy of the general dragonfly plays in their survival. Many of the facts on the web have already been discussed in Dr. Evans book. The only fact never discussed was that dragonflies could make their body temperature rise with the rapid motion of their wings (http://insects.about.com/od/dragonfliesanddamselflies/a/10-Cool-Facts-About-Dragonflies.htm). I am rather unimpressed with this act of thermoregulation. Most animals have ways to achieve homeostasis. Humans will use the same technique with different appendages to warm themselves. Not impressed. Please don't mistake my indifference as poor speech craft when previously I had stated that one of the many reasons I admire dragonflies is because they are more relatable to man. There simply more interesting aspects of dragonflies discussed in Dr. Evans book.
                  One aspect that draws my attention that each dragonfly wing can move independently of the other wing allowing for great maneuverability despite its great size and relatively slow wing beat. I would imagine their flight pattern resembles the flight patterns of birds in some cases. If I could fly an insect, I would fly a dragonfly.