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Dragonflies, like most other flying insects, have five eyes. Two compound eyes with thousands of lenses each, and a set of three simple or camera type eyes (like human eyes) known as the dorsa ocelli. A compound eye is a visual organ found in certain arthropods. The compound eye consists of between 12 and 1,000 ommatidia, little dark/bright sensors. The image perceived by the arthropod is "recalculated" from the numerous ommatidia which point in slightly different directions. In contrast to other eye types, there is no central lens or retina. Though the resulting image is poor in resolution, it can detect quick movements and, in some cases, the polarization of light. Dragonflies have about 30,000 facets to their compound eyes, giving them nearly a 360° field of vision. Because of these amazing eyes, I thought this would be an appropriate entry in the "Eyes" contest. Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a small to medium dragonfly (1.0 to 1.7 inches in length) of the skimmer family. It has huge close-set compound eyes which are red in the female, green in the male. Blue dashers rarely sit in one spot for long. The males are constantly patrolling their territory, dashing out from their perch to challenge other dragonflies or large insects flying nearby, and looking for females with which to mate. This species is found from southern British Columbia east to Ontario, extending south through the U.S. from southern California east to Florida. It also occurs in the Bahamas. In Idaho, it can be found throughout the state at lower elevations, usually below 3000 feet (914 meters). This dragonfly can be found near lakes, ponds and slow streams at low elevations. This one was found in our 2010 garden. I think his face looks somewhat like a cartoon character. Thanks for viewing. Hope you enjoy!