The Eyes Have It

Dragonflies can fly on average between 22 and 45 mph, with a 10mph cruising speed. Can hover and go backwards, though with 6 legs cannot walk. The stats in themselves are amazing for this small insect the female Sympetrum Striolatum or Common Darter.

It's 2 large multifaceted eyes (30,000 facets to be exact) have excellent vision allowing it to see colours beyond human capabilities such as ultraviolet while they also detect polarisation of light.

If that is not enough it's beautiful too with vibrant colours and iridescent wings. She is smiling back at me. I'm just lost in those eyes!

View LARGE to see the eye facets