This time of year, millions of dragonflies are returning to the Maldives, a stage in the longest insect migration in the world. Flying thousands of miles across the open ocean, these dragonflies are known as globe skimmers, which refers to their migratory behavior. Until about 20 years ago, no one knew where they came from. But researchers have since discovered that the dragonflies take advantage of moving weather systems and monsoon rains to make their epic migration across the Arabian Sea from India. From the Maldives, the dragonflies will continue their journey, passing through the Seychelles and then on to East Africa.
The globe skimmers return
Today in History
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World Bamboo Day
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Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
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Digging the birds
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50 years of the Endangered Species Act
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A bird of beauty
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Bathing in the light of Pride
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Through an artist s eyes
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Bonifacio on the island of Corsica, France
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It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Manatee Awareness Month
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Celebrating the Acadians
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You re feeling sleepy
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Daylight saving time
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Square Tower House in Mesa Verde National Park
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Into the woods
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Hey, don t you guys have somewhere to be?
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Native American Heritage Month
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The globe skimmers return
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Procida, Italy
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A day of death and rebirth
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Languid life on the Lakes
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A Christmas market with a long history
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Ode to the sun
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South Padre Island, Texas
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Flower of Life symbol drawn in snow
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Henningsvær Stadion, Norway
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Almond trees in full bloom, California
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Borrego Badlands
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Celebrating National Dentist Day