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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Indian Independence Day
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The Millennium at 20
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Star Wars Day
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2022 FIFA World Cup
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Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California
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World Space Week
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World Bicycle Day
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Santorini, Greece
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Pi Day
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A day to celebrate teachers
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Angkor, Cambodia
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Just another day in paradise
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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Macro photograph of a migrant hawker dragonfly
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Lunar eclipse
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National Park Week: Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
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World Frog Day
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Christmas Tree Point Road and Twin Peaks, San Francisco
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Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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A day to celebrate the sun
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park turns 103
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Ski touring in Austria
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Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
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Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
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Boxing Day
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A storied trail marks a century
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Assembling the Smithsonian
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Happy Arbor Day!
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

