Dragonfly
Wandering Glider
Pantala flavescens
The most widespread dragonfly on Earth.
Least ConcernIUCN status
45.0km/h top speed
8.4cm wingspan
4.8cm body length
0.5years lifespan
Speed against a 60 km/h scale — the ceiling for the fastest dragonflies.
Broad hindwings turn this small golden dragonfly into a glider. It rides monsoon winds thousands of kilometres and breeds in puddles that will be dry again in a month.
Habitat. Temporary pools worldwide, from India to the Maldives to Africa
Posts featuring Wandering Glider
🌊 Wings & Water
The Insect That Crosses an Ocean Without Any Individual Making the Trip
Pantala flavescens rides the monsoon between India and Africa in generational relays. No single glider sees both shores.