Dragonfly

Dating back to the Carboniferous Period of 300 million years ago, this insect has a distinguished history. With a wingspan of 3 feet the fossil species Meganeura was Lord of the Skies in an era that predated both winged reptiles and birds.

As fossils, the larvae - known as Libellula doris - are more widespread than fossils of the complete adult dragonfly. The best source of these being the Monte Bolca beds of Northern Italy. Adult fossils, though rare because of their delicate wings and bodies, have been found in the fine-grained lithographic limestones of Solnhofen, Germany.