The first in a series of dragon guide books that goes deeper into the know information about the dragons of Calluncia. Published in the year 1958 D.E. (Dragonotic Era) this book is considerably old, however is the only guide about dragons.
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Draco diplodiptera. This unusual species seemed to have evolved from a reptilian/avian species into an insect-like one. The nickname for this dragon is one people become confused about. Why? well have you ever heard of an dragon hunter looking for dragonflies? Well, that's what this species is called: Dragonfly. Unlike the previously described dragons within this book, Dragonflys are not the loveable, apex flying insect found over ponds and in the sky in summer or fall. Their large eyes protected by a thin membrane, small rounded heads, and long fangs gives the dragon's face the appearance of a nightmare dragonfly. however the similarities don't stop there. They have two pairs of wings which flap independently, an adaptation where the fore legs of this dragon became thin pterodactyl wings, which makes it one of the faster flying dragon species alive. It's hind legs can fold under it, almost disappearing against it's blur of a body when flying at top speeds. The membrane on it's wings are connected to it's legs, the lower pair to it's thighs while the top pair to it's hips. Then there is it's tail. Like many species of reptile, these Dragonflys store their fat in their tail. A thin spike at the tip makes it look like some giant stinging insect, which it is forever mistaken for when whizzing by. The only things that are not insect-like are it's long, skinny neck and pair of small horns.
The coloration of a Dragonfly varies. Females tending to be a darker, duller color while males the brighter bolder colors. However all Dragonflys are typically ruby, gold, indigo, or jet black. Horns, claws, and spikes are white with a tint of their body's main color. while males are visually bold and bright, they are greatly dwarfed by their duller female counterparts. A Dragonfly egg is a dull yellow with green speckles.
ADragonfly's life cycle begins after the annual winter migration, when this dragon species moves deeper into the forests closest to it's swamps for safety against the freezing cold winds. They congregate around any large water source, the place where their aquatic prey live, and huddle in the trees for warmth. It is during the winter that the vivid males begin their aerial display, tumbling, spinning, diving, soaring, gliding, and climbing the air currents above the treeline and over the lake. Females choose one of these vivid dancers to mate with, for the healthiest, strongest, and most experienced males create the best displays.
After winter thaws, the migration back home begins. Males depart in small groups while the females continue in a large swarm, splitting off once they arrive in their respectable territories. In the center of their land, they build a basket shaped nest out of branches, grass, lily pads, and algae on top of an safe, raised place such as ontop of a rotting log or between two branches of a tree. She will then lay six to ten eggs inside of the nest. She will then continue her usual activities, her only interaction with the full nest is to check on it and protect it from hungry scavengers.
It only takes a month for the young to hatch, and a few of the eggs probably hadn't made it by then already. They look much like their parents, but are thin, frail, and unable to fly. Their wings are underdeveloped, lacking the fullness of their parent's own wings. Once mother arrives, they cling onto her tail, belly, and back for an entire year before having the size and wing development that will give them the best chance at survival alone. It isn't unusual for young to be eaten by older members of their kind when they are not under the protection of their parents. However once they are three years old, they have the ability that all adult Dragonflys have to protect themselves, making them a hassle to hunt. At four years of age they are fully grown. Males have been known to join courtship dances at two years of age. Females typically join only after the age of three.
Dragonflys possess an unusual ability. They are unable to breathe fire, smoke, nor spit venom. Instead they can temporarily manipulate the air currents to create large dust demons (mini tornados) or a burst of high air pressure that could simply blow a man over or cut a mature oak in half. A deadly skill that takes huge amounts of skill and energy to tame.
Tips! If an angry Dragonfly uses it's unique ability, they will land soon after to regain their energy. To dragon hunters and mages alike, this period of rest is called "the recharge effect" and this doesn't end with Dragonflys, all dragon species must "recharge" after fully extending their energy. Dragonflys are one of the few dragons that are piscivores, meaning that they mainly eat fish! (besides the occasional young Dragonfly) Their favorite fish is the powerful pikes.
