# DNA study finds globe skimmer dragonflies share global gene pool 2026-08-07T12:00:01+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A Rutgers University study published in PLOS ONE reveals that globe skimmer dragonflies (Pantala flavescens) form a single global breeding population, with minimal genetic differences between specimens from India, Japan, Canada, and the United States. The analysis of 49 mitochondrial DNA sequences found only 4.26% of variation between geographic groups, suggesting these insects interbreed across oceans. The genetic data supports earlier speculation that the globe skimmer is the world's longest-flying insect, with a migratory range exceeding 4,400 miles per generation. The group's annual circuit between India and East Africa may total 14,000 to 18,000 kilometres, surpassing the monarch butterfly's 2,500-mile journey and making it the only insect known to cross an ocean. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: dragonfly, genetics, globe skimmer, insect, longest flight, migration Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/dna-study-finds-globe-skimmer-dragonflies-share-global-gene-pool/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/dna-study-finds-globe-skimmer-dragonflies-share-global-gene-pool/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.