There are over 6,000 dragonfly species of different colors and shapes around the world.
A Matrona basilaris in Beijing. /Terry Townshend
A dusky lilysquatter in Beijing. /Terry Townshend
A spot-fronted darter 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.
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