Under the Microscope: A Valentine’s Day Special
Love is in the air… and in nature! Did you know that dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) form a heart-shaped loop when mating? Males transfer sperm to their secondary genitalia before clasping the female behind her head, while the female curls her abdomen forward to connect - creating a perfect symbol of love in the wild.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the beauty of nature’s most romantic gestures!
Captured in the wild at Grootbos Foundation.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Grootbos Foundation Entomology Team!
