Can Dragonflies Fly Backward? Lesson 150

Dragonflies are marvels of engineering. These expert stunt flyers can wow us with their sharp turns, hovering, and aerodynamic acrobatics. They are often called the greatest flyers of the insect world, and for good reasons. Discover how God designed dragonflies for expert flight, and how God is the very first—and very best—engineer.

Here’s our trail map:

• Why Do Dragonflies Have Huge Eyes?
• Why Do Baby Dragonflies Live Underwater?
• Can Dragonflies Fly Backward?
• How Can We See God’s Engineering In Dragonflies?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-dragonflies-fly-backward/

Related Lessons to listen to next:

• Why Does a Fly Rub Its Hands Together?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/04b01308-808a-47ff-8fd0-61caa5113c8e/

Eryn's Books:

• Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
• Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
• The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
• 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

• Children’s Atlas of God’s World by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/childrens-atlas-hardback-single
• Passport to the World by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/passport-to-the-world-hardback-single
• A Child’s Geography Series by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/a-childs-geography-series
• Flying Creatures Course by Apologia: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-1-course-set/
• Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
• Free Dragonfly Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-dragonflies-fly-backward/
• Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“How many are your works, Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

“Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord;

those who obey his orders have good understanding.

He should be praised forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NCV)

“Great are the works of the Lord;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Odonata: The order or group of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies.
• Mandible: Strong, jaw-like mouthpart that an insect uses to bite, cut, or chew food.
• Compound Eye: An eye made of many tiny lenses working together.
• Ommatidia: Tiny sections of a compound eye, each with its own lens that helps the insect see.
• Ocelli: Simple eyes on an insect’s head that mainly help detect light, darkness, and changes in brightness.
• Labium: A dragonfly nymph's lower jaw that shoots out as a weapon to catch prey.
• Direct Flight Muscle: A muscle that is attached to one wing and moves just that wing.
• Leading-edge Vortex: A small, spinning swirl of air (like a tiny tornado) made at the front edge of a wing that gives an insect extra lift to stay in the air.
• Wisdom: Knowing what is right and true, and using that understanding to do good.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Explore common creatures and plants in Made to Marvel

Order a signed copy of Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel

Bundle both of Eryn's new books: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle