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Dragonflies
ExploreInsects
Dragonflies
anisoptera
Dragonflies are amazing insects that can fly in any direction, just like a superhero! They have big, colorful wings and love to zoom around near water.
Habitat: Dragonflies live near ponds, lakes, and streams where there is plenty of water.
Appearance
The Dragonfly has a long, slender body, two pairs of strong, transparent or colored wings, and massive compound eyes that cover most of its head. They often display brilliant metallic blues, greens, or reds, making them striking aerial hunters distinct from their damselfly relatives by their robust build and resting wings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidae
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Dragonflies don't sting or bite humans; they only use their powerful jaws for bugs!
Dragonfly babies, called nymphs, live underwater for years and breathe with gills!
Some dragonflies embark on epic migrations, flying thousands of kilometers like tiny birds!
They catch over 95% of prey, making them one of nature's best hunters!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sight
Dragonflies can see almost all around them because of their huge, multifaceted compound eyes, helping them spot prey and predators instantly.
Ability
Aerial Acrobatics
Dragonflies can fly forwards, backward, hover, and turn in mid-air because their two sets of wings beat independently, making them agile hunters.
Ability
Mid-air Snatcher
Dragonflies can snatch insects right out of the air using their spiky legs, which form a 'basket' to catch and hold prey.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-150 mm
- Size
- 30-90 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-180 days
- Flight Speed
- 50 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Dragonflies are skilled hunters that feast on tiny insects both as adults and underwater as nymphs.
Age differences: Nymphs hunt underwater, while adults hunt flying insects in the air.
Primary Foods
- mosquitoes
- flies
- midges
- moths
- small butterflies
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Common mosquito
Culex pipiens
Adult dragonflies prey on these flying insects.
eaten by
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Adult dragonflies can be caught and eaten by these aerial birds.
eaten by
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Dragonfly nymphs are often prey for these large aquatic frogs.
eaten by
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Aquatic dragonfly nymphs are a food source for many fish.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
DartersEmeraldsHawkers
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dragonflies's wingspan?
40-150 mm
How big is Dragonflies?
30-90 mm
How long does Dragonflies live?
30-180 days
How fast can Dragonflies fly?
50 km/h
What does Dragonflies eat?
Dragonflies are skilled hunters that feast on tiny insects both as adults and underwater as nymphs.
Where is Dragonflies usually found?
Dragonflies live near ponds, lakes, and streams where there is plenty of water.
How does Dragonflies hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Dragonflies have?
6
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