Damselfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, slender, usually drab insects, with 6 thin legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. … Adult damselflies have very slender, elongated abdomens, delicate bodies, and 2 pairs of wings that are typically held together over the body.
Where are damselflies found?
Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings. Damselflies are generally smaller, more delicate, and fly weakly in comparison with dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera).
Why are damselflies called damselflies?
Zygoptera (damselflies) means “equal winged,” while Anisoptera (dragonflies) means “unequal winged.” When they are not flying, damselflies usually hold their wings up over their backs (with the exception of spread-winged damsels), but dragonflies hold their wings open and to the sides.
Do damselflies bite?
They are also one of the most beautiful insects that ever roamed Earth, and they have always been completely harmless to humans. They do not sting or bite. Damselflies are related to Dragonflies.
How long do damselflies live for?
The small damselflies live for a couple of weeks as free-flying adults. The larger dragonflies can live for 4 months in their flying stage. In Britain, lucky Damsel adults seldom manage more than two weeks and Dragons more than two months. Most Damsels rarely go more than a week, and Dragons two or three weeks.
Are damselflies harmful?
Damselflies are not considered dangerous to humans, fish, or pets. Whether aquatic larvae or flying adults, their mouthparts simply are not capable of harming our skin, nor do they try to go after things larger than they are.
What do damselflies turn into?
The adult emerges
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.
What are damselflies good for?
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.
How does a damselfly nymph get away from enemies?
Leaves resembling gills, with highly branched small veins, are held vertically and all three are about the same length. These fragile structures are sometimes broken off or lost when escaping the predators. The head is wider than thorax and the abdomen (in contrast to the majority of dragonfly nymphs).
How do you get rid of damselfly larvae?
Removing damselfly nymphs
The most effective and least intrusive way of getting rid of a nymph is by manually removing it with a net or a water siphon. Since they like to hide, it is recommended to gently move any plants or pieces of driftwood around to force them out.
Where do damselflies lay eggs?
The life cycle of the dragonflies and damselflies is fascinating as they spend most of their life underwater. Eggs are laid in the water of ponds and rivers and after a few weeks or even months (depending on the species), the egg will hatch into a larvae or nymph.
Do dragonflies only live for 24 hours?
There are many people who believe that these insects live only for a day. This however is not true. At the shortest the life cycle of a dragonfly from egg to the death of the adult is about six months.
Do dragonflies eat mosquitoes?
Among the best contenders for insects that will patrol your yard and eat mosquitoes are dragonflies and damselflies, which can eat upwards of 100 mosquitoes a day, according to Treehugger.
What do dragonflies symbolize?
In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life. … The Dragonfly moves with elegance and grace.
Why is dragonfly not moving?
Turns out dragonflies can’t fly when their blood is too cold. … Down in the dusty shady path, the dragonfly was deprived of oxygen, warmth and light and so couldn’t fly or move itself into the sun in order to save itself.
What bug has the shortest lifespan?
Researchers believe the record for shortest adult life span belongs to the female mayfly called Dolania americana. After spending a year or more living on the bottom of a stream in its aquatic nymph form, it emerges as a flying adult — and lives for less than five minutes.
Who eats dragonfly?
Who eats them? Just about everything. Birds, especially the more acrobatic fliers such as flycatchers, swallows, kingfishers, falcons and kites, eat countless dragonflies, while spiders, praying mantids, robber flies and even early-emerging bats will dine on dragonflies as well.
Do dragonflies carry diseases?
They are not only beautiful, have wonderful aerobatic skills and a fascinating life-cycle but they are very beneficial to humans too. Adult dragonflies consume large numbers of biting insects such as mosquitoes, midges and other flies that can carry diseases such as Dengue Fever — a dangerous tropical disease.
Do dragonflies bite humans?
If you see a lot of dragonflies where you live, you may ask whether these winged insects bite. The short answer is yes. … Dragonflies aren’t an aggressive insect, but they can bite out of self-defense when they feel threatened. The bite isn’t dangerous, and in most cases, it won’t break human skin.
Can damselflies eat?
Adult damselflies eat mainly flying insects. Larvae eat insects in the water, worms, and occasionally small fish. Fish, turtles, frogs, and birds all like to eat damselflies. Adult damselflies breathe by drawing air into special breathing tubes in their bodies.
Do damselflies lay eggs in water?
Dragonflies and damselflies lay their eggs on the water surface, or insert them into moss, debris, or aquatic vegetation. After hatching, the larvae hunt and grow in their watery kingdoms until it is time for them to emerge as adults.
Is a dragonfly good luck?
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.