Dragonfly (specifically resembles the female Common Darter or a Sympetrum species)
Scientific Name: Sympetrum striolatum (as a representative species for Common Darter)
Order & Family: Order: Odonata, Family: Libellulidae
Size: Body length is commonly around 35-45mm, with a wingspan of approximately 50-60mm.
Natural Habitat
They are typically found near freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, canals, and ditches where they breed.
Diet & Feeding
They are carnivorous predators, feeding primarily on other small flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, midges, and gnats. They catch prey mid-air.
Behavior Patterns
Dragonflies are expert flyers capable of hovering, flying backward, and changing direction instantly. They often perch on vegetation or sticks to spot prey (as seen in the image) and return to the same perch repeatedly. Their larvae (nymphs) live underwater before emerging.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They are highly beneficial for the ecosystem and humans as they control populations of pests like mosquitoes. Risks: They are harmless to humans; they do not sting and rarely bite unless handled roughly.
Identified on: 2/6/2026