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Natural Dragonflies

Dragonflies (Smithsonian’s Natural World Series)

Nov 3rd, 2011
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Dragonflies (Smithsonian's Natural World Series)

Dragonflies and damselflies have lived on earth for hundreds of millions of years, and there are thousands of different species living in watery environments throughout the world. But few people will have looked beyond the flash of blue, red, green or yellow to consider the lives of dragonflies.These masters of aerial combat are the best fliers in the animal kingdon. Harmless to humans, yet a dreaded predator in the insect world, dragonflies swoop after prey, fight rivals, hover like helicopters as they defend territory, and engage in elaborate courtship displays. Brooks explains how ferocious larvae bloom into masters of aerial predation and reveals the beauty and complex lives of these intriguing

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Giant Dragonflies of the Paleozoic had 2-Foot Wing Spans!

Oct 25th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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Dragonflies (Odonata): 1--nymphs (naiads) of d...

Dragonflies (Odonata): 1--Nymphs (Naiads) Of Damselflies (Zygoptera); 2, 3--Nymphs (Naiads) Image via Wikipedia

Think you’ve seen some big bugs? According to Wikipedia, the largest insects ever were dragonflies with 28-inch wing spans. Imagine, over 2 feet wide!

Wikipedia says, “The fossil Paleozoic ”giant dragonflies” like Meganeuropsis permiana from the Permian of North America with up to a 71 cm)[9][10] wing span and 43 cm body length have been the largest insects of all times and belonged to the order Meganisoptera, the griffenflies, related to odonates but not part of the modern order Odonata in the restricted sense.”

So the bodies of these prehistoric fliers were almost 17 inches long. One is reminded of fairy tales and art deco sculptures of tiny human figures with dragonfly wings. Only these giant dragonflies existed long before there were human beings to make up stories about them.

Giant Dragonflies & Damselflies of Today

Even the largest of today’s dragonflies are much smaller. But some are still pretty impressive. Let’s take a look:

Biggest Odonate

Wikipedia says the largest living odonate is the giant Central American helicopter damselfly Megaloprepus coerulatus (Zygoptera: Pseudostigmatidae) with a wing span of 7.5 inches (19 centimeters). That is big enough to inspire some interesting folklore.

Heaviest Odonates

The heaviest living odonates are

Tetracanthagyna plagiata (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) with a 6.25-inch (16 cm) wing span.

Petalura ingentissima (Anisoptera: Petaluridae) with a that is body 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) long. Though some sources as long as 4.92 in. (12.5 cm). It also has a 6.25-inch (16 cm) wing span.

Longest-Bodied Is a Damselfly

The longest-bodied odonate still living today is the Neotropical helicopter damselfly Mecistogaster linearis (Zygoptera: Pseudostigmatidae). Its body is 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) long.

Biggest Living Odonate, or Just a Legend?

Some people believe that the Giant Hawaiian Darner Anax strenuus (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) is the largest living odonate. Its wing span is claimed to be up to 7.48 inches (19 cm). But that may be an exaggeration, because the biggest one ever scientifically documented was 5.98 inches (15.2 cm). Still, almost 6 inches across is not small.

Smallest Dragonflies and Damselflies

Wickipedia also says that the smallest living dragonfly is Nannophya pygmaea (Anisoptera: Libellulidae) from east Asia. Its body is .59 inches (1.5 cm) long, with it has a wing span just .78 inch (2 cm).

They say the smallest damselflies (and smallest odonates of all times) are species of the genus Agriocnemis (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) with a wing span of only .68 inch (1.7-1.8 cm).

Now that’s the size a bug should be. Don’t you think?



Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West (Princeton Field Guides)

Oct 24th, 2011
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Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West (Princeton Field Guides)

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the first fully illustrated field guide to all 348 species of dragonflies and damselflies in western North America. Dragonflies and damselflies are large, stunningly beautiful insects, as readily observable as birds and butterflies. This unique guide makes identifying them easy–its compact size and user-friendly design make it the only guide you need in the field. Every species is generously illustrated with full-color photographs and a distribution map, and structural features are illustrated where they aid in-hand identification. Detailed species accounts include information on size, distribution, flight season, similar species, habitat, and natural history. Dennis Paulson’s introduction provides an essential primer on the biology, natural history, and conservation of these important and fascinating insects, along with helpful tips on how to observe and photograph them. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the field guide

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Wetlands or Water Gardens, It’s Still Swamp Mud

Oct 8th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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Whether you hike through wetlands to watch dragonflies or maintain a water garden to attract them, one thing you learn: swamp mud stains. It often smells bad, too.

And make no mistake, the mud on the bottom of your pond or caked on your hiking boots is swamp mud. That is, it is high in organic content. It will stain floors, carpets and upholstery like crazy.

Experienced oders (dragonfly watchers), hikers, and pond maintenance workers know to leave hiking boots or waders on the porch or in the garage to dry out, and then to knock off the mud after it dries. It’s much easier that way.

Kids and dogs (and sometimes husbands) don’t always grasp—or remember—that. So they may wade in your pond or the boggy area at the edge of most ponds, and track that nasty, smelly, hard-to-clean swamp mud indoors. Whether playing or doing maintenance, the mud is the same.

When they do that, here’s what you should do: Call an expert to get the stains out. (Yelling only helps prevent future stains, and only sometimes.)

For example, in central Texas you can get help from the steam team: http://www.thesteamteam.com/ for all kinds of stains, including swamp mud. They clean carpets, upholstery, and hardwood floors, using green carpet cleaning products austin. And they can repair all kinds of flood, fire, and water damage, and get rid of fish smells and pet odors, too.

So, swamp mud or not, it’s not the end of the world…It just smells like it. So get help quick, and get the swamp mud smell out of the house. 



Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Dragonflies

Jul 24th, 2011
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Stokes Beginner's Guide to Dragonflies

A pocket-size, brilliantly colorful, simple-to-use guide to dragonflies, containing dozens of full-color photographs that enable readers of all ages to identify the most common species; range maps; tips on attracting dragonflies, information on habitat needs, life cycle, food preferences; and much

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Your Questions About Dragonflies And Ladybugs

Jun 27th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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Richard asks…

Where are dragonflies, ladybugs, praying mantises, fireflies, and honeybees located?

i need help.. thank you. need to know country and if possible climate… thank.

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Most of these are found all over the world. From tramp species found globally to endemic species that are only found in particular locales.
For example, the South African pray mantis (Miomatis caffra) is found in New Zealand, where it has become naturalised, alongside the Native Zealand species (Orthodera novaezealandiae), which is found nowhere else naturally. Though the rarity and bright colouration of the NZ species makes it a popular pet overseas

Mary asks…

Where are the honeybees, other insects and birds?

I’ve heard some “buzz” that there’s a marked decrease in the honeybee population. I live in upstate New York. This year I bought a basil plant that was in bloom at the nursery 5 miles from my house where bees were swarming around it. Thinking to attract bees, I set it outside when I brought it home. I haven’t seen so much as a mosquito around it! At this time of year we’re usually inundated with all types of insects – ladybugs, dragonflies, mosquitoes, etc. I haven’t seen ANYTHING this year but a few hornets. Same with birds. It’s like the outdoor fauna is non-existent in my town. What gives?

Dragonfly Lore answers:

It’s not a buzz ,in the last few years the honey bee population has lost about 60 percent. They are all dying (mostly in N. America and Germany) and nobody can figure out why. The bee keepers that supply orchards with bees for pollination are quitting because their bees are all dying.

Mosquitos have been hiding because of the drought but check out the lightning bugs tonight, there aren’t near as many as there were a few years ago. Butterflies? Same thing. The govt agencies are trying to keep it all quiet because they are at a loss for answers. Every now and then there is an article or news bit about all of this but it seems not enough people care. Could it be the start of something big? We’ll have to wait and see.

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Your Questions About Attract Dragonflies

Jun 14th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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Donna asks…

what attracts dragonflies?

in our backyard just above our roof there are probably about 20 dragonflies all flying around in a small range all together, is it because of the weather? we have a terrible storm on the way

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Dragonflies love to eat mosquitos, maybe you have alot of them and the dragonflies are chowing down.

James asks…

how to attract dragon flies to my pond?

i have a 300 gallon pond for my res turtles. they live with some goldfish and guppies. unfortunately its attracting lots of mosquitoes. what is the best way to attract dragon flies, and suggestions on how the deter my turtles from eating dragonfly nymphs?

thanks!

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Your turtles are eating your dragonflies. And you can’t stop them. Use mosquito dunks in the pond to deter mosquitoes. Check to be sure they are safe for turtles. They are safe for fish, I know.

Sandy asks…

are dragonflies attracted to bright shiny things?

 

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Dragonflies are not really attracted to water, they are attracted more to the insects around water and swampy areas. I don’t think there is any real way to attract them to an area, because their lifespan is way to short. Once a dragonfly morphs from its nymph stage into the fly itself it will only live for 24 to 36 hours. Most of its time is spent eating. The rest of its time is spent doing the mating and laying eggs to make more dragon flies.

Ken asks…

Butterflies & Dragonflies?

Is it possible to keep Butterflies as pets? And I live in the North in the U.S. and its winter now, so how would I keep them alive?
Also, how do I attract other types of butterflies & dragonflies to my garden, I usually get Monarchs and little yellow and white ones, and the occasional “Zebra” butterflies.

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Butterflies are generally very difficult to keep as pets. While they thrive during the warmer spring and summer they are difficult to get through their entire lifecycle. A zoo near where I lived kept trying for several years before stopping. Many people are content with keeping a few hardy species for a few months each year. Dragonflies need water and vegetation while butterflies are specifically attracted to certain plants. Butterflies especially like glucose water. I suggest researching what foods your butterflies like and planting those plants.

Betty asks…

I had 15 dragonflies in my back yard,why?…are they attracted to something?

 

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Dragonflies are found in numbers in areas where food is abundant, which is why you are likely seeing them in your yard. In our garden throughout the summer we have loads of dragonflies. In the garden there are lots of plants and trees, as well as lots of other insects and bugs. This means an abundance of food for the dragonflies, which prey on other insects, especially flies. You’ll find them zipping through swarms of mosquitoes, mayflies, caddisflies, and ants, hunting for their next meal. This is why you’ll often see lots of dragonflies near ponds and still bodies of water – they’re breeding grounds for many species of flies and other insects, and provide lots of food for hungry dragonflies.

Hope this has answered your question well for you. Take care!!

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Your Questions About Dragonflies Habitat

Apr 29th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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Ken asks…

What kind of habitat would a dragonfly live in?

I’m doing a science project, and so far, I can’t find any other details about a dragonfly’s habitat except that it has to be near water. I was just wondering if anyone out there had any other specific details about a dragonfly’s habitat. Can anyone help me?

Dragonfly Lore answers:

They like swampy, marshy areas that have a lot of plants, so that there is spots to rest, hunt, find mates and breed. Open water, or water that is deep without shallow water plants isn’t as likely to attract them because it doesn’t offer places to hide or easily lay their eggs.

Mandy asks…

what is a dragonfly’s natural habitat?

dragonfly natural habitat

Dragonfly Lore answers:

They are very active around bodies of water, likes lakes and rivers. Nymphs develop under water, and larval stages can last for 1 month to 5 years.

William asks…

how many different types of dragonflies are there?

How many types of dragonflies are there? What is the most likely habitat for them?

What country has the most?

Dragonfly Lore answers:

The actual number of described species of Suborder Anisoptera (dragonflies) at this time is 2,874.

The Suborder Zygoptera (damselflies) consists of about 2,698 species.

The Suborder Anisozygoptera contains only 2 species.

All three species are in the suborder of odonates totaling 5,574. This number is constantly changing, with new species being found and described and (as happens in taxonomy) similar species being combined into a single species.

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Your Questions About Attract Dragonflies

Apr 21st, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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John asks…

How to attract Dragonflies to your Garden?

I was wondering how to attract Dragonflies to your Garden.
What plants are used to attract them, Also water features, is it running water or stagnant? If stagnant, will this bring problems of mosquitoes?

Dragonfly Lore answers:

A pond and the usual water plants to surround it – rushes, iris etc. Water lilies in the pond. You will also get frogs, toads etc…..

Yes, stagnant water will attract mosquitoes, but in a pond the frogs, fish, dragonflies, etc. will eat most of them. To avoid mosquitoes, you could use an inexpensive pump or filter to keep the water moving.

Sharon asks…

How do I build a water garden for wildlife (not a pond) just a damp area with ferns etc to attract dragonflies

I would like the area to be attractive and peaceful to myself other people and also to wildlife in general. The area I have in mind already has ferns, arum lillies and iris. I have a vision of pebbles and just a little water but not with fountains or waterfalls. Something that is cost conscious would be great! The area is about 2m x 3m with the plants mentioned already positioned around the edge. Any ideas anyone how to tackle this?

Thanks for any help offered.

Dragonfly Lore answers:

What you are thinking of is a bog garden. I’ve built a few of them and they are easy and inexpensive to do. They are usually built using flexible pond liner to keep the area flooded.

Rather than go into detail here, I’d suggest going to this forum….

Http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/bog/

Very helpful people here, willing to share experience.

PS – they also attract mosquitoes, keep that in mind.

Joseph asks…

What attracts dragonflies? like what food?

I need to catch a dragonfly for my bug project at school.
There are some dragonflies near my house but they only come whenever they feel like it lol.
What are some foods or something I can set out so they will be attracted to that one part so i can catch it?

Dragonfly Lore answers:

How to Catch A Dragonfly or Damselfly

http://www.ualberta.ca/~jhornung/catch.htm

Nancy asks…

Why are dragonflies attracted to water?

And what is the worst a dragonfly can do to a person? Can they bite? Sorry, i’m not that good at science…

Dragonfly Lore answers:

Dragonflies are harmless to humans. They eat mostly other insects, like mosquitoes. They hang around water a lot as much of their food also lives near water and as mentioned already, dragonflies lay their eggs in water. The eggs hatch out nymphs that live in the water for years as aquatic predators, hunting the larvae of other insects (again, mosquito larvae are common prey) and even catch tadpoles and tiny fish.

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Ways to Keep Mosquitos Under Control Naturally

Feb 5th, 2011
by Dragonfly Lore.
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femmale Emperor (dragonfly)

Image via Wikipedia

Mosquitoes are not just annoying. They carry a host of diseases ranging from West Nile Virus to Malaria. For many years, the answer to mosquito control was to spray and spray some more. However, there are ways of combating those pesky mosquitoes without having to poison yourself or your environment.

Create a pleasing environment for the predators of mosquitoes like predators include birds, bats, dragonflies, fish particularly the mosquitofish and guppy. Mosquitoes, just as most wildlife does, have natural predators. When you eliminate those predators through the spread of unnatural surroundings you allow the imbalance of the mosquito population. If you are interested in eliminating mosquitoes, you need to recreate nature’s balance between predator and prey. (more…)


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