Dragonfly

*Anisoptera*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+5 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

Wetlandspondslakesstreamsriversgardens

Taxonomic Group

Dragonfly & Damselfly

Order

Odonata

Family

Aeshnidae, Gomphidae, Libellulidae, Corduliidae, Macromiidae, Cordulegastridae, Petaluridae

Lifecycle

Dragonflies have a three-stage life cycle: egg, nymph (naiad), and adult. The female lays eggs in or near water. The aquatic nymphs are voracious predators, feeding on other aquatic invertebrates and even small fish and tadpoles. The nymph stage can last for several years, depending on the species. The nymph then crawls out of the water and molts into a winged adult. The adult stage is relatively short, lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months, during which they reproduce.

Overwintering Strategy

Most species overwinter as aquatic nymphs (naiads) in ponds and other bodies of water, remaining dormant under the ice.

Native Range

Worldwide, except for Antarctica

Attracted By

Black-Eyed SusanConeflowerAsterSwamp MilkweedWater LilyWild Celerysunny areasflat rocks

Repelled By

No specific plants are known to repel dragonflies. Their presence is generally considered beneficial.

Companion Planting

Planting emergent aquatic plants like cattails and rushes provides perching spots for adult dragonflies and shelter for nymphs. Submerged plants like hornwort and eelgrass are also beneficial.