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Dragonfly
(Suborder) Anisoptera
At-a-Glance
• Typical Foods: flying insects; mostly flies, bees, and butterflies |
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Description
Dragonflies are long, slender-bodied insects with two pairs of membranous wings. However, unlike the damselfly, they have relatively stout bodies and the wings extend to each side while the dragonfly is perched. They have three pairs of legs that interlock to form a basket so that they can easily catch flying prey.
Habitat and Habits
Dragonflies need to live in freshwater habitats. The water quality and/or rate of water flow may affect habitat preference.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Eggs are laid in the water and immature dragonflies, or nymphs, hatch from the eggs. They have external gills that allow them breathe and live underwater. They may live as underwater predators for months or even years before undergoing metamorphosis and becoming a flying dragonfly. |
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