Sometimes you see something flying that looks like a stick, and, not feeling particularly creative that day, call it a “flying stick.” That is the etymology of “tonbo” (always katakana - トンボ, but which derives from 飛ぶ棒; I just looked it up), and what the English, who, when they invented English and were busy fighting dragons (double tasking!), termed “dragonfly.”
They are a symbol of autumn in Japan and are quite carnivorous - if you were small and flying, you probably wouldn’t be anymore by this time - but I had no idea of life cycle details until I watched this video. (Note: the creator, zefrank1, is famous for being risque but scientifically accurate and very funny. Do not show this to your children.) - William
