The wings of dragonflies stay outstretched when they are at rest and in most cases their eyes meet (different to damsel fly). They are one of the fastest flying insects and are able to fly backwards, change direction in mid-air and hover for up to a minute. Their complex eyes give them almost 360 degree vision
Many have iridescent colours. They are larger than but not as delicate as damselflies, although they are more sensitive to pollution.
Adult size: 25-100mm
Out and about
The aquatic nymphs go through incomplete metamorphosis, emerging as adults from spring to autumn. Most species live in tropical regions. They are found worldwide on all continents, apart from Antarctica, and are more widespread than damselflies. Many species are very specific to the environment in which they inhabit.
Reproduction and Life cycle
The eggs are laid in water. Dragonflies spend most of their lives, up to 5 years, as aquatic nymphs.
To deter
To control
Plants to repel
Plants to attract
- Australian natives and other flowering plants that attract nectar-feeding prey
-water features and ponds provide breeding grounds
Predators
Why they are Beneficial
They seize their prey in flight, catching small insects such as mosquitoes, bees, ants, wasps and flies. The nymphs, which live in the water, are voracious aquatic predators of mosquito and midge larvae (wrigglers).
