The colorful world of dragonflies
CGTN

There are over 6,000 dragonfly species of different colors and shapes around the world. 

A Matrona basilaris in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A Matrona basilaris in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A dusky lilysquatter in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A dusky lilysquatter in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A spot-fronted darter in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A spot-fronted darter in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A lesser emperor in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

A lesser emperor in Beijing. /Terry Townshend

The insects can spend years in freshwater as nymphs, while adults are able to fly only for a few weeks or even just a few days.

Beijing is home to about 60 species.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)