Dragonflies

Dragonfly and Damselfly Beneficial Insects

Dragonfly and Damselfly Beneficial Insects
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  • Jacob Bradley

Both dragonflies and damselflies are insect predators. Dragonflies feed on mosquitoes, gnats, flies, swarming ants, swarming termites, moths, and butterflies. Damselflies feed on mosquito larvae, aquatic insects, flies, mosquitoes, moths and some species also feed on beetles and caterpillars.

  1. Are dragonflies beneficial insects?
  2. Are damselflies beneficial?
  3. How are dragonflies helpful to humans?
  4. Do dragonflies and damselflies eat mosquitoes?
  5. Are dragonflies beneficial to gardens?
  6. Are dragonflies a sign of a healthy yard?
  7. What do damselflies turn into?
  8. Are damselflies the same as dragonflies?
  9. Why are they called damselflies?
  10. Do dragonflies carry diseases?
  11. What are the purpose of dragonflies?
  12. Are dragonflies a good sign?

Are dragonflies beneficial insects?

Dragonflies are voracious predators. Their diet consists a wide variety of insects including flies, mosquitoes, midges and other flying insects.
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Quick Facts
Common Name:Dragonflies
Size:3/4 to 2 inches average (varies by species)
Type of Beneficial:Insect predator

Are damselflies beneficial?

Damselflies are extremely beautiful, beneficial predators because they help control populations of harmful insects. Adults consume large quantities of other insects such as flies, mosquitoes and moths and some eat beetles and caterpillars. One way to conserve them is by avoiding indiscriminate use of pesticides.

How are dragonflies helpful to humans?

Since dragonflies eat mosquitoes and other insects, they help gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts. This also helps the environment, because it allows humans to reduce the use of pesticides to kill these insects.

Do dragonflies and damselflies eat mosquitoes?

The dragonflies' and damselflies' fondness for mosquitoes puts them in the category of beneficial insects, but they eat many other annoying bugs. Their diet includes midges, moths, flies, and other flying insects. Unfortunately, they also sometimes eat butterflies.

Are dragonflies beneficial to gardens?

A landscape designer by trade, Cook says that the voracious appetite of dragonflies makes them a great asset to the garden. "Because they're top predators in the insect world, they keep a balance with the insects in your yard. ... These plants will attract tiny pollinators, which also serve as food for the dragonflies.

Are dragonflies a sign of a healthy yard?

Dragonflies are attracted to areas where there is standing water. Dragonflies are not a bad species of insect to have in a yard -- they do no harm to humans, and their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. They are beneficial in many ways, and some gardeners strive to attract the insects into their yard.

What do damselflies turn into?

The adult emerges

This is the final stage in the metamorphosis of a damselfly. The nymph (young insect) has grown up living in the water. Now it is big enough to shed its skin for the last time and transform into a flying adult.

Are damselflies the same as dragonflies?

Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.

Why are they called damselflies?

Zygoptera (damselflies) means “equal winged,” while Anisoptera (dragonflies) means “unequal winged.”

Do dragonflies carry diseases?

Unlike many other insects, they do not damage crops or spread diseases, says Christine Lewis, director of education at the Virginia Living Museum in southeastern Virginia. Despite their intimidating size, dragonflies are harmless to humans.

What are the purpose of dragonflies?

The dragonfly does an amazing job of helping humans by controlling populations of pest insects, especially those that bug us most, such as mosquitoes and biting flies. A single dragonfly can reportedly eat anywhere from 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.

Are dragonflies a good sign?

Dragonfly Superstitions

In some cultures, dragonflies represent good luck or prosperity. So make a wish when you see a dragonfly and it'll come true. ... Plenty of dragonflies meant there were plenty of fish around. If a dragonfly hovered near the fisherman, he took it as a good luck sign.

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