Insect order Odonata- dragonflies

Dragonflies have two pairs of almost equally sized long thin membranous wings; both pairs of wings usually have a stigma (a dark or coloured patch near the middle of the leading edge) and a mass of cross veins giving them the appearance of being a mesh. Unlike most insects, which either flap both pairs of wings in unison (i.e. Bees and Butterflies), or only flap the hind pair (i.e. Beetles), or only have one pair (i.e. Flies), Dragonflies can flap or beat their wings independently. This means the front wings can be going down while the back ones are coming up.  Dragonflies are excellent fliers, they can hover and fly backwards quite easily.