
Community identification
Dragonfly
Anisoptera (Suborder)
- Order & Family
- Order Odonata, multiple families
- Size
- Wingspan typically 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Found near freshwater such as lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands where their larvae develop.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; adults hunt flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats in mid-air.
Behavior Patterns
Expert fliers with the ability to hover and fly in all directions; they have a multi-stage life cycle involving an aquatic nymph stage.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to humans as they act as natural pest controllers by eating large quantities of mosquitoes; they do not sting or bite humans.