The Garbage Adoring Dragonfly

Around the world, the threat of extinction frightens a multitude of species. According to The IUCN Red List, “​​There are more than 169,000 species on The IUCN Red List, with more than 47,000 species threatened with extinction.” Unfortunately, most of the threats to animal populations are due to the ignorance and actions of humanity. Regardless, certain animals continue to thrive and persevere throughout society; the blue dasher dragonfly is just one. 

Many dragonflies are extremely sensitive to heavy pollutants; they tend to avoid major cities and survive in rural locations. The blue dasher, on the other hand, finds shelter within various metropolises, including the Big Apple. Across New York City, dashers constantly zoom around as if it is their natural habit. This precarious event sparked the initial curiosity of Dr. Manpreet Kohli, the Co-author of a recent research article in the journal BMC Ecology and Evolution. She witnessed this magnificent sight for the first time when she took students on a field trip to the city. She even recalls spotting larvae thriving in algae-choked seeps and adult dashers mingling in Central Park. 

Additionally, compared to most dragonflies, blue dashers are not prone to migrating between ponds or bodies of water. As a result of this instinct, Kohli and her co-author Ethan Tolman found it strange for the dashers to be in New York, so they began an investigation into how the blue dashers first arrived. They utilized museum collections and an online science app called iNaturalist to delve deeper to uncover the truth. The pair analyzed the genomes of dragonflies located in manmade ponds throughout Tennessee, New Jersey, and Idaho. Their studies revealed blue dashers are certainly migrating toward the East Coast. Sadly, the definite cause is still unknown, but they hypothesized that longer wing length may be the cause.

Furthermore, due to their natural adaptability, it is relatively simple for dashers to acclimate to urban environments. These intuitive traits make the transition even more seamless by allowing them to adapt fast to changes in the temperature, precipitation, and pollution. Dashers also contain specific genes designed to combat oxidative stress, as well as strong immunity systems to prevent bacterial issues. This combination of fiery attributes proves the true might of the dasher species.

There is no denying that dashers may prefer cleaner water and land; however, their adaptability makes it easier to survive in new environments and climates. Their story of resilience despite the weirdest of habitats fosters hope in scientists for the futures of other dragonflies and animals across the globe. Proving that animals may have a chance against the wicked powers of climate change after all.