What dragonfly larvae look like?

Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, usually drab, with 6 legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. Gills are located inside the rectum (unlike those of damselflies, which extend from the hind end like 3 leaflike tails). They breathe by drawing water in and out of their hind end.

How long does it take a dragonfly to turn into a nymph?

Larval development typically takes one or two years, but ranges from 2–3 months (emerald damselflies) to more than five years (Golden-ringed Dragonfly). Development takes longer in cooler waters where food is scarcer, whilst in warm waters there may be a new generation every year.

What is a dragonfly nymph called?

Dragonflies are predatory insects, both in their aquatic nymphs stage (also known as naiads) and as adults.

Do frogs eat dragonfly nymphs?

Dragonflies serve as food for many different aquatic species and amphibians, birds, and even mammals. Fish, frogs, newts, and other larger aquatic creatures eat the dragonfly nymphs.

What do dragonfly nymph eat?

Larger dragonfly nymphs may even eat minnows or tadpoles. Adult dragonflies will also eat any insect they can catch. While they usually eat mosquitoes and midges, they’ll also eat butterflies, moths, bees, flies and even other dragonflies.

How long is a dragonfly a nymph?

The nymph stage of dragonflies lasts up to five years in large species, and between two months and three years in smaller species. When the naiad is ready to metamorphose into an adult, it stops feeding and makes its way to the surface, generally at night.

Do dragonfly nymphs eat fish?

#6 Dragonflies are predators. As nymphs they feed on aquatic insects, fish, tadpoles, and mosquito larvae. As adults, they eat other flying insects, including mosquitoes and biting flies.

Do dragonfly nymphs bite?

Do dragonfly larvae bite or sting? Again basically, despite their ferocious appearance, dragonfly larvae do not harm people. However, late-instar larvae of larger species can use their mandibles to take a nip at an intrusive odonatist’s finger to give a noticeable poke.

Where can I find dragonfly nymphs?

Dragonfly nymphs are aquatic, and can be found in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and wetlands.

• They live in areas where water is slow-moving or still.
• They are likely to be found under rocks and wood.