Which dragonfly species migrates across the Indian Ocean from India to East Africa?

The globe skimmer, Pantala flavescens, is the dragonfly associated with a transoceanic migration between India and East Africa.

This widespread species uses seasonal winds and monsoon systems to move across the Indian Ocean. Models propose a route from India toward East Africa in autumn, with later generations returning toward India. A direct crossing can span about 3,000 km, although stopovers in places such as the Maldives, Seychelles and Mozambique may occur on some routes.

The claim is scientifically important but should be stated with care: the India–Africa cycle is strongly supported by wind modelling, observations and isotope evidence, yet the complete route has not been conclusively tracked for individual dragonflies. Globe skimmers are often confused with darters or other wandering dragonflies; their huge global range and migration explain names such as “globe wanderer” and “wandering glider.”