In Japan, samurai considered the dragonfly a symbol of victory. It also stands for strength, courage, and happiness. In other parts of the world, it goes by names like Ear Cutter, Devil's Needle, Snake's Servant, and Horse Stinger.
Dragonflies are built for speed and precision. They can fly at an average speed of 30 to 45 miles per hour. They can also move in six different directions. On top of that, a dragonfly can see almost 360 degrees around itself. There are more than 5,000 species of dragonflies around the world.
Habitat
Different dragonfly species live in different places. Some prefer marshlands. Others like clean or still water in ponds. Some species choose the cool, running water of streams or rivers.
Most of a dragonfly's life is actually spent underwater, in the nymph stage. The female lays her eggs on a plant in the water. If she can't find a plant, she lays them directly on a balanced surface in the water.
Once the eggs hatch, the nymph lives underwater until it is fully grown. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the species. When the larva is ready, it climbs out of the water onto a plant stem. There, it begins to breathe air for the first time. The old skin splits and falls away. Powerful wings inflate and harden. This whole process takes a few days. The adult dragonfly that emerges lives for about four to six months.
Dragonflies are very picky about where they live. They will not lay eggs in polluted water. If you see dragonflies near a pond or stream, that is actually a good sign, it means the water is clean and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order do dragonflies belong to?
Odonata, meaning 'tooth', referring to their strong mandibles.
What do dragonfly nymphs eat?
Aquatic insects, worms, mosquito larvae, small fish, and tadpoles.
How fast can a dragonfly fly?
30 to 45 miles per hour on average.
How long do adult dragonflies live?
About four to six months.
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Feeding Habits
Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, meaning "tooth." But dragonflies don't actually have teeth. Instead, they have strong chewing parts called mandibles. These act like crushing tools for breaking down prey. All dragonfly species are carnivores, they eat other animals at every stage of their life cycle.
As a nymph living underwater, a dragonfly eats aquatic insects, worms, mosquito larvae, small fish, and little tadpoles. It has a built-in jet-propulsion system: it can eject water from its body to boost its speed when chasing prey.
Adult dragonflies sometimes hunt in groups. When large numbers of ants or termites take to the air, or when swarms of gnats, caddisflies, or mayflies appear, dozens of dragonflies will gather to pick them off together. They also eat mosquitoes, bees, ants, wasps, butterflies, flies, and midges. Because they can fly in any direction and change course instantly, they can out-maneuver almost any prey.
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