Bug Identifier
Dragonfly
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.