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GrandCanyonNPS
@grandcanyonnps

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The helicopters of the insect world; let’s talk dragonflys at Grand Canyon! This beauty in the genus Cordulegaster (dragonflies), also known a the Apache Spiketail, are remarkable fliers and can achieve impressive speeds relative to their small size. There are approximately 2,875 discovered species of dragonflies in the world – about 315 in North America. Dragonflies are one of the fastest insects – flying up to 40 mph! Dragonflies fly left, right, up and down. They sometimes even fly upside down, but only when they need to catch an agile prey. They can also hover in the air. What else hovers in the air over Grand Canyon? Our own “bumblebee” (or Cordulegaster), also known as helicopter 368! Helicopter 368 has a twin turbine engine (MD-900), and much like its it’s splitting image, it’s prepared for light utility and traveling at top speeds. It uses the NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor) system, giving it a very quiet noise footprint. It also makes it safer due to the elimination of the tail rotor. It has a busy job and wouldn’t be possible without the trained staff and pilots who help support inner canyon operations and evacuate hundreds of medical patients per year. What similarities and differences do you seen between these ‘species’? Share your thoughts in the chat below! #dragonflys #searchandrescue #MD900 #GrandCanyon #GrandCanyonNationalPark