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About Dragonflies
About Dragonflies
While they have a misleading name, dragonflies are a very interesting insect that really draws attention to its appearance. You have probably seen dragonflies in a variety of areas with a water source nearby. They are a unique creature that can actually be beneficial in some cases. If you want to learn more about the dragonfly, continue reading.
Appearance
The first thing people notice about dragonflies is their wings. They possess two pairs of wings that are situated right behind and in front of each other. The back wings of the dragonfly are generally larger than the front set is. Another interesting feature is that the wings always stay pointed straight out even when the insect is not flying. While each individual species has wildly varying characteristics of size, color, and distinguishing markings, they all have generally the same wing structure and long, pencil thin bodies. Some of the smaller species can be around an inch long, while the largest species can be several inches long. The modern dragonflies that inhabit Earth today are far smaller than the large ones that dominated the Jurassic time period of life.
Behavior
Also called “mosquito hawks”, dragonflies have a voracious appetite for eating pest insects such as mosquitoes, midges, and even flies, moths, and other dragonflies. A unique reproductive feature of the dragonfly is that adult dragonflies leave their eggs in the water. Once the eggs that an adult laid have hatched, the young, called naiads, emerge and live in the water. At this naiad stage, the insects possess gills that allow them to move around the water and breathe underwater. Naiads eat many different aquatic insects, specifically mosquito larvae and even small fish. Once they have matured enough, naiads will move out of the water and let their wings dry. Once dry, the dragonflies are mature adults that are free to fly around. At this point they will likely fly away to a different source of water to find food and begin their new stage of life.
Habitat
It is probably apparent by now that dragonflies will spend their whole lives right around aquatic sources, as they need water for food sources, reproduction, and early life survival. In nature, dragonflies are frequently found around marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. There is an abundance of mosquitoes, flies, and many other insects around these aquatic sources. If you ever have dragonflies on your property, they are likely frequenting some area of moisture in your yard. You could have a pool, a decorative pond, or even just wet spots in your yard that are attracting mosquitoes, causing dragonflies to be attracted as well.
Damage They Cause
Dragonflies do not damage houses or properties, as they only feed on insects. These insects also cause no harm to humans or pets. In fact, most homeowners would encourage dragonflies to come to their properties. Not only do dragonflies add some colorful wildlife to decorative ponds, but they will clean up other pest insect populations. Not only do they ravage mosquitoes, but they also kill flies, termites, and moths, helping to get rid of some of the worst insects you can have on your property.
Infestation Signs
If you have a dragonfly infestation it is highly likely that you either live very close to a water source or you have either a natural or artificial water feature in your yard. There are no real signs of a dragonfly infestation other than seeing the insects themselves. If you have very large populations, it would be almost impossible to miss, as their rapid movement and large size help them stand out from their surroundings.
How to Get Rid of Them
If by chance a dragonfly entered into your home, it would not survive for more than a few days at most, as they require water sources to live. If you were going to search your home, you will likely find dragonflies in your bathrooms, kitchens, or any other more humid rooms. It is a good idea to open a window and door and let them out safely, as they take care of many pest insects and cause no damage. If you are fed up with dragonflies or have a serious infestation, be sure to call pest control specialists as they will be able to take care of your problem quickly and effectively.
Pest Control Professional
Pest Information is a non-profit organization, offers pest control resources, as well as bug and insect pictures, information, facts, and more.
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