Bug Identifier
Dragonfly
Community identification

Dragonfly

Anisoptera

Order & Family
Order: Odonata, Family: Various (e.g., Libellulidae)
Size
Wingspan averages 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found near freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous. Adults catch flying insects like mosquitoes and flies in mid-air. Larvae (nymphs) eat aquatic insects and small fish.

Behavior Patterns

Highly skilled aerial hunters known for their agility. Life cycle involves aquatic egg and nymph stages before emerging as winged adults.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and humans as they act as a natural pest control, consuming large amounts of mosquitoes.