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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Birds of a feather
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Happy Arbor Day!
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Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida
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Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
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An opulent backdrop for a historic event
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Chinese New Year
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World Whale Day
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The Battle of the Bulge 75 years later
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A day for our oceans
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A place fit for the gods
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Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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A river on the tundra
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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
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Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
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Taughannock Falls State Park
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Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
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National Napping Day
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‘Ocian in view! O! The joy.’
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Chapel on the rock
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Illuminations on the Gulf of Poets
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Arbor Day
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High tide at the walled city
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Edinburgh festivals
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Happy birthday to the Peak!
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Who left the tub running?
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World Space Week begins
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International Moon Day
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Assembling the Smithsonian
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Keyholes to the kingdom
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Where fire meets water
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

