Where is dragonfly found

The nymph hatches out of the egg and takes years to develop depending on species. Whilst developing, the nymph is a veracious predator and when fully grown the larger species can tackle tadpoles and small fish. Once the nymph has fully developed, during late spring or summer, it crawls up a plant stem, splits its skin and the adult emerges. It takes a while before they can fly as their wings dry out and they pump themselves up.

Vegetation in the water is important for most species. Dragonflies and damselflies need roots to hide in as nymphs, not only for protection from predators, but also to hide from their prey when hunting.

They also need to be able to get out of the water and have somewhere safe to change into their adult form. Most individuals are caught and eaten by predators. Dragonfly behavior remains mysterious in lots of ways, but there are some notable dragonfly behaviors. They usually stay nearby, defending their territory from other dragonflies or sometimes, other insects. Males in particular are known to be highly territorial , and even more so during breeding season, when females have to mate with them in order to lay eggs in their territory.

Dragonflies are strong and agile flyers. They are capable of flying over large bodies of water. They use a number of different flying techniques, which helps them hunt and cover a lot of ground when looking for mates. They can fly at speeds up to 34mph , though their cruising speed is around 10mph.

Dragonflies are also known to hover. Dragonflies are actually carnivorous. They have strong jaws with sharp teeth that they use for catching and eating, and primarily eat other bugs. Their diet consists of smaller bugs like mosquitos, moths, and butterflies.

Dragonflies use their flying skills and excellent eyesight to pursue their prey. When catching larger prey, the dragonfly will subdue it by biting its head and dragging it back to its perch. Nymphs are also aggressive hunters, eating most of the small living things they encounter underwater.

The green darner is a North America dragonfly species that migrates each year. However, they migrate individually, not in groups like birds. Dragonflies are a key controller of mosquito populations.

They can eat up to a hundred mosquitoes per day. Some species occasionally meet in swarms. Scientists are unsure about what causes this behavior, but think it has something to do with hunting or mating.

Dragonflies are considered near perfect flyers, and they have been studied by scientists to see if replicating their structure is possible. There are many legends and myths about dragonflies and damselflies from all parts of the world. Many are evident from their common nicknames.

This name may come from the way a captured dragonfly curls its abdomen as if in an attempt to sting. Another possible explanation of this name is that the big Aeshnids etc. Here they were actually feeding on the flies attracted to the horses. People seeing it made the inference that it was the dragon, being big and obvious, stinging, rather than an unseen fly biting.

Naturally there is no truth in either myth Similar myths are found throughout the world. You can find more about them by visiting Cultural Odonatology References , a site which has reference material relating to myths, legends, folklore and cultural significance of Odonata throughout the world. For more myths, and mythical names used in Europe you could visit Swedish Dragonflies where you will find a page of such items.

Both these links will open in a new window. Yes, Dragonflies do have a pair of antennae. They are very tiny and difficult to see. If you look at the photo you will just be able to see the antennae between the front of the eye and the front of the face of this Emperor dragonfly. As dragonflies rely much more on their eyesight than on a sense of touch or smell, they do not need the large antennae found on some beetles and moths. Several species of dragonfly are known to collect in large aggregations or swarms.

In most cases this appears to be due to very favourable feeding conditions in the locality. This is less likely as males are much more aggressive to each other when looking for a mate.

The Four-spotted Chaser occasionally collects in these large aggregations before making a mass movement to another locality like a bird migration. The reasons for this are unclear but may be due to population pressures. There are records from the US of migratory assemblages of species such as the Green Darner Anax junius and various species of Saddlebags Tramea.

It is laying eggs. While damselflies and some dragonflies will settle on vegetation and insert eggs into stalks and other material in or near the water, many dragonflies will fly across the water dipping the end of their abdomens into the water and releasing eggs. These eggs are surrounded by a jelly-like substance which enables the eggs to stick to vegetation or the bottom of the pond. Some species will remain paired while the female does this, while in others the male will fly nearby to guard the female from the attentions of other males.

Dragonflies have extremely good vision, which they use to locate and catch small insects in flight. Like most insects, they have compound eyes. In the case of dragonflies the eyes contain several thousand individual facets, each containing a tiny lens. Each individual lens has a low resolution but by combining the images from all of them dragonflies can achieve a level of resolution that is better than most other insects and thus their sight is particularly good.

They use their amazing sight to catch other insects in flight, in addition to spotting potential mates and predators. Visual acuity varies between species, with migratory dragonflies having the best sight and damselflies with their rather smaller eyes somewhat less, but still very good.

Open the doors and windows and leave it to find its own way out if possible. If it does not find its own way out after leaving the doors and windows open for some time, you could try gently ushering it out with a newspaper.. As a last resort, grasp the base of the wings firmly between your fingers and release it outside quickly.

The best advice is to leave it be. If it has only recently emerged it will just be resting to gain strength to start its adult life. If it is cool it may be gathering any sun or other warmth to enable it to fly, as temperature has a significant effect on dragonfly activity levels.

It may have just eaten and is digesting its meal, with no need to eat again for a little while. It uses a lot of energy to fly so it will only do so if there is a purpose — usually to find food or a mate. Even if it is unwell there is not really anything that can be done and it is best left alone.

If deemed necessary, move it to a safe location, such as high up on some sheltered plants in a sunny location, by grasping it firmly by the base of its wings.

Dragonflies can usually fly with a damaged or even missing wing, unless it has been damaged during emergence from its larval skin. If so, it is likely to be perched near to water.

Emerging or newly emerged dragonflies are very vulnerable to damage by rain or strong wind, or attack by other creatures e. A mature individual with a ragged wing will be a less accomplished flier, but may still catch prey and survive quite well. Scientific Name: Anisoptera. Type: Invertebrates. Diet: Insectivore. Group Name: cluster. Not evaluated. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Decreasing.

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