The biomechanics of Odonate flight

Abstract Dragonflies and damselflies are renowned for their extraordinary capabilities of flight. As adults, they are captivating and conspicuous as they engage in tasks such as hunting, defending territories, courtship, reproduction, and—in many species—migration. Despite the adult phase accounting for a shorter period than their aquatic juvenile stage, life in the air represents a relatively brief but vital time, where the stakes are high and aerobatic prowess is a prerequisite. For aerial success, dragonflies and damselflies must be equipped with suitable anatomy and physiology to move, to perceive their environment, and to monitor their own behavior within it. This chapter frames these concepts in the form of an engineer’s control loop. It illustrates the framework with key research into each element, from structural responses and aerodynamics to physiology and neuroscience.