Dragonflies are captivating insects, often admired for their iridescent wings and aerial acrobatics. Their intriguing name sparks curiosity, leading to an exploration of how these creatures came to be called “dragonflies,” a name reflecting both historical perceptions and their biological characteristics.
The Origin of the Name
The origin of the name “dragonfly” is not definitively known, but historical and linguistic theories offer insights. One theory suggests it derived from Old English, where “dragoun” referred to a mythical creature, and “fleoge” denoted a flying insect. This likely formed “dragon-like flying insect,” evolving into “dragonfly” by the early 17th century, replacing older names like “adderbolt” or “devil’s darning needle.”
Folklore also influenced the name. A prominent theory links the name to an ancient Romanian folktale where Saint George’s horse was cursed by the devil and transformed into a giant flying insect. In Romanian, “drac” means both “devil” and “dragon,” suggesting a translation to “Devil’s Horse” or “Devil’s Fly.” This highlights how perceived negative qualities contributed to the naming.
Another European tradition from ancient Sweden called the dragonfly “Skams besman,” or “Devil’s Steelyard.” This came from the belief that the devil used the dragonfly, resembling a weighing tool, to weigh people’s souls. These tales illustrate a historical tendency to associate dragonflies with powerful, mythical entities, contributing to the “dragon” part of their name.
Traits That Shaped the Name
The physical and behavioral attributes of dragonflies suggest why early observers linked them to mythical dragons. Dragonflies are effective predators, both as aquatic nymphs and winged adults. They capture prey in mid-air with high success rates, consuming insects like mosquitoes and flies. This predatory ability contributes to their reputation.
Their appearance also suggests power. Dragonflies possess large, multifaceted compound eyes that cover most of their head, providing nearly 360-degree vision. This extensive field of view allows them to track prey with precision. They also have strong mandibles, capable of tearing apart prey while in flight.
Their flight capabilities are remarkable. Dragonflies are known for agile and powerful flight, able to fly in any direction, including sideways and backward, and to hover. Their two pairs of wings move independently, allowing for superior maneuverability and contributing to their effectiveness as aerial predators. These characteristics—their hunting efficiency, eyes, jaws, and flight—reinforced the perception of these insects as “dragon-like” creatures.