What is a unique characteristic of dragonflies?

The unique characteristic of dragonflies is their remarkable two pairs of wings. This anatomical feature allows dragonflies to achieve impressive flying capabilities, including the ability to hover, fly backward, and change direction rapidly. The two pairs of wings can operate independently, giving dragonflies a high level of maneuverability, which is essential for hunting prey and evading predators.

In contrast, while some other options mention physical features that can be found in various insect species or describe traits of other insects, they do not highlight the defining aspect of dragonflies. For instance, external gills are primarily associated with the larval stage of some aquatic insects, and although long, slender bodies and tails are common in many insect species, they are not as distinguishing for dragonflies specifically. The wide, robust body shape is more characteristic of other insects, such as cockroaches or beetles, rather than the sleek form of dragonflies. Therefore, the feature of having two pairs of wings distinctly identifies dragonflies within the insect world.