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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Commemorating the life of a famous railroad conductor
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An endless journey
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Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
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Belted Galloway cows
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Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
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Happy Panda Day!
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European beech forest, Belgium
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Sedona, Arizona
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Going with the floe
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All Rhodes lead to the beach
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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In the valley of the doll
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Mackerel forming a bait ball to avoid predators
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What happened to these clouds?
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A shell of many colors
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Astronomy Day
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Grandparents Day
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Take the Stairs Day
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A valley view at 9,000 feet
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Trevi in bloom
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International Moon Day
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An underwater rainbow
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It s time for spring
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National Panda Day
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A Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park, India
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Gardens by the Bay nature park, Singapore
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St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC
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Birds and bees, and why they re so important
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico