Where Do Dragonflies Live?

Large, colourful dragonflies are commonly found near freshwater bodies of water, such as riverbanks, canals, ditches, ponds, and lakes. They can also be found in habitats of their smaller relatives, the damselflies. According to fossil evidence, they have been flying for over 300 million years! They are usually active during the day, but some dragonflies can also be active at night. Dragonflies are generally attracted to greenery more than the plain areas.

• They can be found in many shallow freshwater areas but are most common and diverse in slow-moving waters without fish (small streams and ponds).

• Dragonflies that are adults frequently stay close to bodies of water but may leave the area when feeding or migrating.

• Dragonflies spend most of their lives underwater; we typically only observe short-lived adults.

A Dragonfly

The Largest Dragonfly in the World

Megaloprepus Caerulatus, a dragonfly nymph from Central and South America, has a wingspan of about 180 mm and is the largest odonate in the world. It is found in Central and South American woodlands that are rainy and humid. Megaloprepus eats spiders that build webs. It hunts in locations with direct sunlight.

• It is a distinctive species due to its size and the colours of its wings.

• A "pulsating blue-and-white beacon," is the second name of this dragonfly.

• It is one of the few species in the family Odonata where the males are more significant than the female dragonfly.

Megaloprepus Caerulatus

The Importance of Dragonflies

• The population of insects is significantly reduced by dragonflies, especially pest insects like mosquitoes and agro-pests.

• Dragonflies have fundamental significance as a source of genetic diversity around the globe.

• Both as prey for birds and fish and predators (especially mosquitoes), dragonflies play a vital role in their ecosystems.

• They consume dangerous aquatic creatures.

• They benefit the environment by enabling people to use fewer pesticides to eliminate these insects.

A Dragonfly’s Habitat

Small Facts About Dragonflies

• Dragonflies have excellent eyesight.

• Many dragonflies enter adulthood, die or get eaten by other animals or birds.

• Some of the dragonflies go on migration.

• They existed even before the existence of dinosaurs. 

Conclusion

Dragonflies are really interesting insects. They are among the oldest insects on Earth and have exquisite wings that make them the top predators of other insects. They also consume bothersome insects like gnats and mosquitoes. The vicious predators are known as dragonflies. Flies, mosquitoes, midges, and other flying insects make up a large portion of their food. Even better, they are powerless to harm us.