Why dragonflies are important

Type of Beneficial:. Insect predator. Type of Metamorphosis:. Mature stage is different in appearance to immatures i. Beneficial Stage s :.

Immatures known as nymphs and adults; i mmature stages are aquatic. Adults feed on mosquitoes, gnats, flies, swarming ants, swarming termites Nymphs feed on aquatic insects, even small fish. Widespread across the county. Mounted Specimen? Yes mounted specimen for viewing available in insect collection at County Extension Office.

Dragonflies are beautiful to watch as they sweep back and forth over open areas of water, lawns, or parking lots. Their bright colors and powerful flight attract our eye to them. They are hunters, like hawks, with good eyesight and great speed. The Dragonfly has eyes that cover most of the head surface and they can fly at speeds of miles per hour.

Their prey include mosquitoes and midges as well as moths, butterflies, smaller dragonflies, and other flying insects. Other common names for Dragonflies include mosquito hawks, devil's darning needles and snake doctors. Dragonflies may be confused with their smaller cousins the damselflies.

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One group of insects that play an important role in controlling the population unwanted insects are Dragonflies.

These fast flying insects are incredibly maneuverable and do an excellent job of naturally controlling the numbers of many unwanted insects, including mosquitoes. Dragonflies are voracious eaters and can consume their own body weight in as little as thirty minutes. This translates to hundreds of mosquitoes a day.

The diet of a Dragonfly is not limited to mosquitoes, as they eat other insects including flies and ants. With the increased risk of West Nile Virus in Southwestern Ontario, mosquito control is on the minds of everyone. What better way to control these pesky insects than a chemical free natural approach? If see a Dragonfly on your property, consider yourself lucky.