Dragonflies are large flying insects. They have been on earth for many years. Fossil records suggest that dragonflies in the Jurassic period may have been much larger than modern dragonflies.   Dragonflies are members of the insect order Odonata. There are several species in the United States.

^{Photo of Dragon Fly}

Adult dragonflies have two pair of wings. The back, or hind, wings are slightly larger at the base than the front wings. Dragonflies do not fold their wings when they land. Their wings extend from their body even when they are resting.

Most dragonflies can be considered beneficial. Some people call them “mosquito hawks” because they eat mosquitoes. They also eat gnats, flies, and other flying insects. Dragonflies have even been seen eating winged termites as they flew out of the ground. In some cultures, dragonflies are considered good luck. In other cultures, they are considered bad. In parts of Europe, poultry producers fear dragonflies. There may be a good reason for this fear. Some species of dragonflies can be hosts of a flatworm that is harmful to poultry and waterfowl.

Adult dragonflies deposit their eggs in water or on aquatic plants. When the eggs hatch, the immature dragonflies, called naiads, live in the water.   The naiads have gills in their abdomen so they can breathe underwater. They also use the gills for a form of “jet propulsion” so they can move around in the water. Naiads eat mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects. Large naiads can even eat tadpoles and small fish.

When it is time for the naiad to change into an adult dragonfly, it crawls out of the water. As it dries, its skin splits and the adult emerges. This process takes several hours and it usually happens at night. After their wings are dry, the adult dragonflies fly away to find food. They return to the water to mate and lay eggs. The male dragonflies hover over the water and are often territorial about the breeding site.

Dragonflies very seldom invade homes. They are beneficial insects. It is very seldom necessary to apply insecticide to control them.