Which dragonfly family is characterized by large eyes and a bulls-eye pattern on the forehead, using mouthparts to catch prey in flight?

Which dragonfly family is characterized by large eyes and a bulls-eye pattern on the forehead, using mouthparts to catch prey in flight?

• A. Libellulidae
• B. Aeshnidae
• C. Gomphidae
• D. Lestidae

Answer: (B)

Eye size and head markings are key clues for identifying dragonfly families. This group stands out because the eyes are extremely large and typically meet or nearly meet at the top of the head, giving exceptional range and depth perception for catching prey in flight. A bulls-eye pattern on the frons (forehead) is a distinctive marking that helps separate this family from others. They are powerful aerial hunters, using their extendable mouthparts (the labial mask) to snatch prey midair and then chew it in flight. These traits—the very large, tightly paired eyes, the bulls-eye forehead, and predation by mouthparts in flight—point to the dragonfly family Aeshnidae.

Eye size and head markings are key clues for identifying dragonfly families. This group stands out because the eyes are extremely large and typically meet or nearly meet at the top of the head, giving exceptional range and depth perception for catching prey in flight. A bulls-eye pattern on the frons (forehead) is a distinctive marking that helps separate this family from others. They are powerful aerial hunters, using their extendable mouthparts (the labial mask) to snatch prey midair and then chew it in flight. These traits—the very large, tightly paired eyes, the bulls-eye forehead, and predation by mouthparts in flight—point to the dragonfly family Aeshnidae.