August 2018 PMID 30108284

Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators.

André Nel, Jakub Prokop, Martina Pecharová, Michael S Engel, Romain Garrouste

Mentions

26
Peak: 13 in Mar 2024
across 5 sources since Sep 2018

Extended reach

231,274
potential audience

Total likes

5,990

Video views

147,033

Mentions per month

Sep 2018 – Apr 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter18 posts
  • Bluesky3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News2 articles
  • Facebook1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a strong engagement with the research, highlighted by posts sharing artistic interpretations like sculptures and references to the detailed features of these ancient insects, conveying a sense of fascination and respect for the science. Words like 'not bad' for the sculpture and references to the paper exemplify admiration and curiosity, influencing the overall positive perception of the publication.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts recognize and support the findings of the publication, indicating general agreement with the conclusions about the predatory nature and habitat of these ancient insects.

InterestHigh interest

The discussion shows high interest, with several posts referencing detailed aspects of the research and expressing fascination, such as admiration for the models and reconstructions.

EngagementModerate engagement

Some users engage deeply by sharing personal projects like sculptures inspired by the findings and discussing the implications of atmospheric conditions on ancient life.

ImpactModerate impact

While the overall impact is moderate, the posts reflect an awareness of the significance of the research, especially the implications for paleoart and understanding Earth's history.

Abstract in brief

  • The largest insects in history were giant dragonfly relatives called meganeurids from the Late Palaeozoic era, with wingspans up to 71cm, and they likely preyed on other animals, similar to modern hawker dragonflies.
  • Unlike past reconstructions suggesting they thrived in dense forests, evidence shows these giant dragonflies lived in open habitats, with large eyes adapted for long-distance vision during flight.
  • Their body features, such as strong mandibles, spines on limbs, and a skewed thorax, indicate they were skilled hunters that caught prey while flying, showing advanced adaptations similar to modern dragonflies.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr Dean Lomax
@Dean_R_Lomax · X

This ~300-million-year-old specimen is from Auvergne, France.   From Nel et al. 2016. Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators. https://t.co/9FzdPq7EDJ  Life-size model of a large griffenfly made by @Paleocreations.

Apr 1, 2022 · 10 likes · 1 share · 21,457 followers View post →
GeologyHub
@HubGeology · X

Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/wfkLBJxbuL via @YouTube #ancient #geology #earth #oxygen

Mar 8, 2024 · 10 likes · 1 share · 7,976 followers View post →
Sonnie Harris
@sonnieh.bsky.social · Bluesky

Here's a Meganeura sculpt I did for my dissertation, not bad for my first bug sculpt. Colour scheme was inspired by the reconstruction in "Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators" paper #Meganeura #palaeoart

Apr 22, 2025 · 10 likes · 5 shares View post →
autismsupsoc
@autismsupsoc · X

Time Traveller’s guide to what eras in Earth’s history you can breath without assistance (assuming you are human) https://t.co/qgCb18kooE

Jun 27, 2024 · 6 likes · 29,231 followers View post →
Russell Garwood
@RussellGarwood · X

If you want to learn more, the source I used for these images is a great place to start: Nel, A., Prokop, J., Pecharová, M., Engel, M.S. and Garrouste, R., 2018. Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators. Scientific reports, 8(1), pp.1-5.

May 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 1 share · 1,642 followers View post →
❄️ Sean Dreamer ❄️
@whateverblues · X

@BacchusAwakes @L3v1athanS @BasqueOli It's probable that the levels are too low for the Jurassic/Cretaceous due to fires. Still wouldn't have been able to breathe unaided forever, but maybe could've lasted a bit longer. https://t.co/uM54tgjUzU

Mar 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 764 followers View post →

All mentions

Sonnie Harris
@sonnieh.bsky.social · Bluesky

Here's a Meganeura sculpt I did for my dissertation, not bad for my first bug sculpt. Colour scheme was inspired by the reconstruction in "Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators" paper #Meganeura #palaeoart

Apr 22, 2025 · 10 likes · 5 shares View post →
❄️ Sean Dreamer ❄️
@whateverblues · X

@BacchusAwakes @L3v1athanS @BasqueOli It's probable that the levels are too low for the Jurassic/Cretaceous due to fires. Still wouldn't have been able to breathe unaided forever, but maybe could've lasted a bit longer. https://t.co/uM54tgjUzU

Mar 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 764 followers View post →
Paleo-Autist
@PaleoAutist · X

@RichardHanania A small change in atmospheric gas content is enough to kill every human after two days https://t.co/o7KVATLFYv

Sep 21, 2024 · 1 like · 2,126 followers View post →
Bad Munkeh
@GreenMonkeySoup · X

https://t.co/kbW5KmK4CB

Aug 25, 2024 · 1 like · 202 followers View post →
autismsupsoc
@autismsupsoc · X

Time Traveller’s guide to what eras in Earth’s history you can breath without assistance (assuming you are human) https://t.co/qgCb18kooE

Jun 27, 2024 · 6 likes · 29,231 followers View post →
Haroldo O. Pinheiro
@Haroldo0k · X

Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/eUqq6Pf3Q3 via @YouTube

Mar 27, 2024 · 250 followers View post →
LynxGames
@LynxGamesPub · X

Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/KcK53iLiL6

Mar 19, 2024 · 64 followers View post →
Timothy Gray
@usa2z · X

Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/x1Uhnf45SM via @YouTube

Mar 15, 2024 · 437 followers View post →
Neither Rockism Nor Poptimism
@soundmirrors.bsky.social · Bluesky

One of the many reasons why I refuse to ever write time travel stories. youtu.be/Fn-IHi3PGDI

Mar 15, 2024 View post →
alurineeverblue.bsky.social
@alurineeverblue.bsky.social · Bluesky

youtu.be/Fn-IHi3PGDI?...

Mar 15, 2024 · 1 like View post →
Brian McNett
@b_mcnett · X

There are only a limited number of eras you can time-travel to in the past where the O2 levels are not so inappropriate they will OUTRIGHT KILL YOU. If you are not careful when you time-travel to YOU WILL DIE, usually within 48 hours. https://t.co/qaAMND33LV

Mar 14, 2024 · 1 like · 1,224 followers View post →
Ra
@slimepriestess · X

@drethelin i like my atmosphere breathable, thanks https://t.co/5JW8uwgHrU

Mar 11, 2024 · 1 like · 10,682 followers View post →
Future8Jerry
@Makerbreakerpro · X

A 4': 39" Educational Analysis Of O2 On Planet Earth ... & How One Cannot Go Back In Time At Will ---The O2 Content (the dearth thereof) Would Kill You. The Content Provider Of "geology hub," Is Just About My Fav Guy. It Is Him Talking ---From A Mss. https://t.co/HI6AkNtjrM

Mar 8, 2024 · 278 followers View post →
Life In FEH
@MickEFlip · X

WHOA!!! There goes all my scifi fantasies of going back in time to see dinosaurs. I’ll never look at movies the same again Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/pO7Iw1pH7X via @YouTube

Mar 8, 2024 · 756 followers View post →
Mars Dragon Naga Xian, Sagacious KaBaNaGa
@TheGodzZilla · X

RT @HubGeology: Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/wfkLBJxbuL via @YouTube #ancient #geology #earth #oxygen

Mar 8, 2024 · 1 share · 124 followers View post →
GeologyHub
@HubGeology · X

Going Back in Time is Lethal; Oxygen Toxicity https://t.co/wfkLBJxbuL via @YouTube #ancient #geology #earth #oxygen

Mar 8, 2024 · 10 likes · 1 share · 7,976 followers View post →
kodiakbear
@kodiakbear1969 · X

GeologyHub https://t.co/thJhvw9oBQ

Mar 8, 2024 · 90 followers View post →
Jun
@ni075 · X

RT @RussellGarwood: If you want to learn more, the source I used for these images is a great place to start: Nel, A., Prokop, J., Pecharov…

May 6, 2022 · 1 share · 6,149 followers View post →
Russell Garwood
@RussellGarwood · X

If you want to learn more, the source I used for these images is a great place to start: Nel, A., Prokop, J., Pecharová, M., Engel, M.S. and Garrouste, R., 2018. Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators. Scientific reports, 8(1), pp.1-5.

May 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 1 share · 1,642 followers View post →
Dr Dean Lomax
@Dean_R_Lomax · X

This ~300-million-year-old specimen is from Auvergne, France.   From Nel et al. 2016. Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators. https://t.co/9FzdPq7EDJ  Life-size model of a large griffenfly made by @Paleocreations.

Apr 1, 2022 · 10 likes · 1 share · 21,457 followers View post →
青柳
@FBWM8888 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: Palaeozoic giant dragonflies were hawker predators | Scientific Reports https://t.co/kJprHKQC0M

Dec 20, 2021 · 8 shares · 723 followers View post →
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