Category: Dragonfly

Damselfly vs Dragonfly: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, and Behavior
Few insects near water are as interesting, and not as easily recognisable, as damselflies and dragonflies. If you’ve wanted to know the differences between the two, then you’re not the only one. This post is dedicate to the topic of damselfly vs dragonfly; here we will take a careful look at both through their features, food, habitat, behaviour, and more. Whether you are a fan of nature, a professional who deals with pests, or just curious, got yourself the means here to differentiate between these two kinds of insects.

Comparing Damselfly vs Dragonfly

Appearance

Of all the factors considered in the comparison of damselfly vs dragonfly, the most remarkable one is their appearance. By nature, dragonflies are bigger and stouter and have a bulkier body and wide open wings that resemble those of an aeroplane during their resting time. Their eyes are huge and usually meet at the top of the head, thus giving them almost 360-degree vision. On the other hand, when we refer to the Damselfly, it is a different story. They are not only thin and light but also smaller, and have wings that hold over the body when at rest, and a pair of eyes that stand alone on the same level but on either side of the head of the insect. In other words, they are quite reminiscent of an aircraft that holds its wings over the body.

Diet

Diet-wise, both damselflies and dragonflies feed on any kind of insect aggressively, which makes them the best friends of the farmers. Their nutrition comes mainly from mosquitoes, midges, and other small insects during their growth period, as well as plenty of adult ones. The dragonfly is a great interceptor in the sky, its strong legs enable them to catch insects on the wing, while the manner of the damselfly attack is more likely to ambush from a plant stem than anything else.

Habitat

Most damselflies and dragonflies can found in places near clean water, which can be ponds, rivers, lakes, or marshes. While larvae or nymphs are aquatic, the water they need to live in should be clean. They prefer things to be orderly, and they do their best to keep their living spaces free from messes.

Behavior

Dragonfly can fly as fast as compare to other insects. Their speed is 25 miles per hour. So they are the fastest. With the help of their strong chest, they can float, zip around, and go far when required this is one of the dragonfly facts that many do not know. In contrast, damselflies fly with a slight flutter, and they usually keep close to the vegetation, sometimes even moving slower and more gracefully. Both types of insects, whose populations do the natural control of the pest situation as the water becomes of much better quality, are of great significance for the environment.

Dragonfly & Damselfly Larvae

Understanding dragonfly & damselfly larvae is important for everyone so that they can identify them easily. Although both come into being in water, they stay alive and grow in different ways that are easily differentiat both physically and behaviorally.
- Damselfly larvae have a lengthy and thin body, and the abdomen is armed with three leaf-like external gills. The gills are easily seen, and they not only facilitate swimming but also can be used to breathe. The nature of the damselfly larvae’s movement is very serpentine, and they are usually found attached to aquatic plants.
- Dragonfly larvae have a longer and more muscular body, and there are internal gills present in the rectum. The aquatic larvae are capable of getting food through respiration cause by the inhalation and exhalation of water out of their hind end, and also are able to perform jet propulsion to avoid predators. The respiration of dragonfly larvae is different from damselfly larvae because they have no external gills and they usually roost in the silt or under a shelter made of debris.
Larvae of both types are predators and they feed on other water insects, small fishes, and tadpoles, serving as a biological control agent by dwindling pest populations naturally.

Pros and cons of damselfly vs dragonfly

Damselfly (Zygoptera)

Pros:
- Dainty bodies are less likely to scare away people and be of serious character, thus making them helpful to individuals.
- These small beings are masters when it comes to staying afloat and are often seen fluttering over plants.
- Little flying insects show the skill of an assassin by catching and consuming them as if they were their prey.
- Their larvae, which are leaf-clinging and have visible tails, enable them to achieve their respiratory function using gills that are outside their bodies.
- The role of being beautiful and the promoter of nature’s wealth by filling your garden and water body with flowers can be seen in them.
- Moderately tolerant of pollution, can survive in a variety of water conditions.
Cons:
- These wobbly, slow movers are easy targets for potential enemies.
- They bring down twice as much prey as dragonflies, which a nursery crop protection entomological consultant can confirm.
- The livelihood of the species can severely affected by the loss of their habitat and the pollution of water bodies.
Dragonfly (Anisoptera)

Pros:
- Strong and agile bodies facilitate quick and nimble flight.
- Conditions of poor visibility do not deter these skilled predators from catching prey while they are in flight, including insects of significant size.
- This method is particularly good for controlling the number of mosquitoes without using chemicals.
- The larvae are provided with internal gills and have a clever way of escaping their predators by means of jet propulsion.
- They are reliable in the detection of the good health of water ecosystems.
- A few types of these insects can survive in all kinds of water.
Cons:
- A few species are vulnerable to pollution and changes to their habitat.
- Apart from rare cases when large populations cause a small interference, the species is a pure advantage.
- The bigger the breeding and survival water bodies are, the better.
Conclusion: Damselfly vs Dragonfly in Pest Control

The damselfly vs dragonfly argument reveals the most effective as well as very good-looking pest killers in the world of insects. They are not only occurring in the same places at the same time, and are of the same size, but also, a distinctive shape, behaviour, and, if still in a larval form, can make the identification process of the species relatively straightforward. The question left is whether the damselfly larvae and the dragonfly larvae will still have to stay in the water to secure their ecosystem, or the adults are going to do the job of a natural pest control agent.

For pest control businesses and environmentally friendly homeowners, both damselflies and dragonflies are beneficial as they can give you a natural pest management solution without using chemicals. By knowing the dragonfly characteristics and recognising the differences, you will become more efficient nature protectors and more actively involved in the ecosystem around your home or business.

Thus, if you notice a sleek, hovering damselfly or a mighty, darting dragonfly next time, be reminded that both are your helpers in the long-standing struggle against pests, and both are also the miracles of the natural world.
June 4, 2025
What Plants Attract Dragonflies? A Guide for American Yards

As well as being a nice sight, dragonflies in your yard help keep mosquitoes and bothersome flies away. If you are asking what plants attract dragonflies? There are many who have that same question. Gardeners and homeowners in the United States want to encourage dragonflies by selecting helpful plants and knowing more about their development from a dragonfly egg to a mature adult. This blog will discuss the Plants that attract dragonflies to avoid them, talk about whether they cause any damage and show you ways to control their population in your yard.

What plants attract dragonflies?

Dragonflies prefer spots that provide two conditions: food and good breeding grounds. Water features play a key role in this. A dragonfly female lays her dragonfly eggs in or near the water, and a baby dragonfly (also called a nymph) lives underwater in its early phase. Furthermore, the right choice of plants may increase the number of visitors to your garden.

Below are the best plants for attracting dragonflies:

Water Lily

These water-loving plants are the ideal spawning areas for dragonflies to lay dragonfly eggs and for the nymphs to develop. Their large terraces are the right places to rest on, and their flowers attract pollinators, which are the dragonflies’ prey.

Black-Eyed Susan

This sun-loving plant is not only one on which you can easy to grow, but it also brings with it the added benefit of attracting insect pollinators and other insects on which dragonflies feed. Also, their long stems are very helpful for adult dragonflies to rest.

Joe Pye Weed

The reason this weed is popular is its fine quality, lovely fragrance and tall position, all of which are enjoyed by many butterflies and dragonflies. It is best to be located near water.

Swamp Milkweed

The native plant blooms with pink flower bunches and grows well in damp soil. Dragonflies usually love this kind of habitat.

Pickerelweed

This plant grows in low water or at the corners of the lowland. These places are the ones where dragonflies and their nymphs get all the things they need.

Borage

Its simple, bright blue flowers attract little pollinators, who are an inviting feast for dragonflies.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

These perennials, which are resistant to many (not only variety) conditions, are dragonflies’ favourite place of relaxation and together with that, they draw quite a good number of insects.

Meadow Sage and Yarrow

Both of them can survive long periods without water, and they also attract quite a lot of these insects, which in turn support, in part, the growth of the dragonfly population (indirectly).

When you mix these plants that attract dragonflies, you are setting up a multi-niche universe that can offer shelter to dragonflies at all stages of their life cycles, from dragonfly eggs to the baby dragonfly nymph, and finally to the adult stage. So it is important to understand what plants attract dragonflies.

Do Dragonflies Cause Damage to the Yard?

It is quite normal for homeowners who have small gardens in front of or around their houses to think that dragonflies, being insects, will harm their plants or landscaping. The truth is, dragonflies are one of the most beneficial insects that have ever existed in the insect world. They do not chew on leaves, damage flowers, or harm your yard. Dragonfly are not harmful, they do not harm people or pets, and most importantly, dragonflies do not bite anybody. They act as the natural pest eliminators as dragonflies eat mosquitoes, gnats, flies and other pests. Dragonflies make the environment healthy and eliminate all the unwanted pests, but on the other hand high number of dragonflies can irritate homeowners in the United States.

Tips to Avoid Dragonflies in Your Yard

Although dragonflies can be good in some way for your courtyard, many people would still feel uncomfortable around them and take steps to keep the insects away. If you want to keep the number of dragonflies that you meet each day to a minimum, here are some great eco-friendly tips:

Getting Rid of Stagnant Water

As both dragonfly eggs and the baby dragonfly nymph go through several moults while feeding in the water, this is a surefire way to have no dragonfly presence in your yard. Consequently, the eggs and the nymphs will go to naught, and there will not be any dragonflies near your house. This can be achieved by not only removing or cleaning birdbaths, fountains but also clogged gutters in order not to allow standing water or any water, for that matter, to collect.

Controlling the Insect Population

Wherever insects are, dragonflies are going to be there sooner or later, as they always trace their food source. A straightforward way to lessen the dragonfly population in your locality naturally is to reduce the mosquito and gnat populations. Mostly it’s done by breaking the life cycle of these pests, usually through getting rid of water sources and staying organised in the yard. This will result in a decrease and eventually, no dragonflies at all.

Adjusting Landscaping

Noise from overwatering stimulates the insect eggs and creates a possible home. To stop that, it is wise to do regular garden cleaning and lawn trimming. This not only reduces the insects and their population, but it also means that your yard looks less appealing to dragonflies.

Re-think Water-Loving Plants

Landscapes that contain standing or territorial water that the dragonflies will mate and lay their eggs on should be limited in number. To make dragonflies less loyal to a place, this is especially true with water plants. You should remove the aquatic and wetland plants like cattails and water lilies, and put some other ornamental plants, thus discouraging the dragonflies from staying around. The plantings should reflect all the ecological units of the water body. If it is a natural water body, the aquatic and wetland plants, like water lilies and cattails

Conclusion

Understanding what plants attract dragonflies will help you create a vibrant garden that attracts insects and enhances biodiversity in your backyard. Add some water lilies, black-eyed Susans, Joe Pye weed, and swamp milkweed, which will allow dragonflies and that will help make an impact on your pest control problems. Remember, dragonflies do not destroy anything, and their presence indicates your yard is healthy. One of these ways to deter populations is mindless, I mean, remove storm basins and areas of stagnation, effectively robbing them of food sources. Your yard can be a usable habitat for dragonflies and mosquitoes. If you plant correctly and find a few minutes to learn about these wonderful insects, you should ensure a comfortable and mosquito-free yard and residence.

June 3, 2025
How to Get Rid of a Dragonfly: An Informative Guide
Dragonflies are interesting living beings often recognised for their harmony in the air and colourful plumage. Of course, if you are eager how to get rid of a dragonfly and are in such a situation that you are wondering why I have so many dragonflies in my yard, just remember that you are not the only one. Dragonflies thus become a regular topic of homeowners all over the United States, especially when these creatures go beyond occasional visitors. This blog is a detailed guide to eliminating dragonflies, covering the things that attract this species, natural identification of their offspring called naiads, and the doable control of the population of dragonflies.

What are Dragonflies?

Odonata, and specifically Anisoptera, are home to dragonflies. More than 3,000 kinds of these insects exist around the world. You can recognise them from their large eyes, transparent wings, and extended, thin bodies. Dragonflies and damselflies resemble one another in many respects, but this is how they differ: dragonflies are bigger with more robust bodies and hold their wings spread out when they rest, while damselflies are smaller and fold their wings tidily over their backs when they stop.

During the first part of its life in water, the dragonfly is known as a “baby dragonfly“. Nymphs live in the water where they get for food by eating tadpoles and mosquito larvae, and other young fish. The time it takes for a baby dragonfly to be at this first stage ranges from weeks to years, depending on the habitat’s conditions and the type of dragonfly.

What Plants Attract Dragonflies?

If you are still wondering: why so many dragonflies in my yard, don’t waste your time, natural groups of plants, especially the ones near sources of water, could be the reason for their being there. Numerous plants can attract dragonflies naturally, such as the following ones:
Water Lilies Are the most suitable plants for dragonflies to lay eggs and for baby dragonfly nymphs to grow.
- Borage: This flower has a star shape that attracts the dragonflies and another pest that helps in the process of pollination.
- Black-Eyed Susan: The tasty nectar of the plant attracts dragonflies, even though it does not have a pond nearby.
- Meadow Sage: Dragonflies and a range of helpful insects are most often seen at the fragrant blooms of meadow sage.
- Yarrow: Yarrow bears witness to both its hardiness and the colourful blooms, so it is the most manageable option.
Even if dragonflies bother you in your yard, humans are not at risk from them and dragonflies play an important role as pest control insects. You should avoid chemical insecticides mainly because they might damage helpful plants and insects in your yard.

Why Do I Have So Many Dragonflies in My Yard?

The most important question homeowners ask is Why do I have so many dragonflies in my yard. Usually, the answer can be reduce to only two most determining factors, that is, water and food.
1. Water Sources: This is because Dragonflies will tend to lay their eggs in or near water. Therefore, if you have a pond, a birdbath, or even wet ground, then you are an opportune provider of adult and baby dragonfly zygotes that hatch in water. The nymphs in the case of dragonflies are baby zygotes that are being develop underwater.
2. Abundant Food: Insects such as mosquitoes, little flies, and plain gnats are the only meals on which dragonflies live. Thus, a yard that is a breeding ground for a high insect population will become a place that swarms with dragonflies.
At times, an explosion of dragonflies can attributed to the process of a simultaneous emergence of the adults from the water or a population explosion of the insect prey, especially after rains or when insects like ants or termites procreate in the soil or wood. If you are continually pondering why I have so many dragonflies in my yard, then you have to make sure that water has not collected in one place, and there are no insects

How to Get Rid of a Dragonfly

Dragonflies are creatures that, in addition to their evident advantage for pest control like mosquito eating, are known at times to be the basic source of trouble. Consequently, it can happen that there are moments when you should make an effort to decrease the number of these insects. You should be aware that it is still possible to consider a natural and safe way how to get rid of a dragonfly in your yard if you follow the stated instructions.
1. Decrease the Amount of Insects: Dragonflies are going to come wherever there is food. Utilise insect control techniques to decrease the number of mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects. This way, your yard will be less attractive to dragonflies.
2. Change the Landscape: Plant fewer dragonfly-attracting plants in the garden if you want to keep them away. Do not water your garden so much, as a wet environment is preferable for dragonflies.
3. Physical Obstacles: Fine mesh screens enclosing water features make it too hard for dragonflies to enter and lay eggs.
4. Remove Still Water: Getting rid of still water means that in many places where dragonflies can lay their eggs.
Conclusion

Dragonflies are amazing insects with their early life being almost entirely in the water as nymphs, or baby dragonfly, before they add brilliant colours to our gardens. The most probable reason why I have so many dragonflies in my yard is the water and the abundance of insect prey in this area. People those out for how to get rid of a dragonfly are the ones who can use the most effective methods like removing stagnant water, controlling insect populations, and changing the look of their gardens.

Although dragonflies might interfere at times, they are beneficial because they try to rid our space of mosquitoes and other pests. Learning more about their lifestyle and how it changes over time helps you determine the best way to control bugs in your yard, factoring in both the need for pest control and your happiness with nature.
June 2, 2025
Do Dragonfly Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction

Did you indeed see a dragonfly flying swiftly over a pond or in your garden, and wonder: do dragonfly bite us? Are these unusually-colored insects dangerous to humans, or are we mistaken about them? This article raises such questions as do dragonfly bite or not, discusses the toxicity of dragonflies, investigates whether a dragonfly swarm is real, and answers questions about whether there are any issues or illnesses from dragonfly bites. Let’s uncover all the truths you, as a US house owner, should be aware of.

Do Dragonfly Bite?

The brief response is that, exactly, dragonflies can bite; the unexpected truth is the opposite of what you might have in your mind. Dragonflies possess serrated, strong jaws that they use mainly to catch and devour other insects, not to attack humans. If you unintentionally grip a dragonfly, it could try to bite you as a protective reaction, nevertheless, the majority of them cannot pierce human skin. Even the biggest North American dragonfly species happen to be extremely rare and create nothing more than a low-level sting, and their poison is neither harmful nor medically important.

The birds’ herbivorous food industry is one of the best places for them because they mainly eat seedcorn and sky flakes. Food processors and ranchers can safely and efficiently produce food for birds and small wild animals. To continue, if you are still asking yourself, do dragonfly bite in such a way that it can be alarming, the answer is no—they do not harm people.

Are Dragonflies Harmful?

Notwithstanding their formidable appearance and remarkable hunting abilities, dragonflies are not harmful to people and pets. Quit the opposite, in the ecosystem, they are very helpful because species like Aeschna australis, Sympetrum meridionale eat mosquitoes, ticks, and many other harmful insects. Moreover, they act as pollinators by their behavior of collecting nectar. This means that any “garden” becomes a hub for insects and other critters with the potential to pass on both pests and their diseases to the plant kingdom.

Carrying of parasites is the occurrence that can be encountered in all insects, and there is a complete absence of proof that dragonflies can transmit diseases to people or animals. Essentially, the only harm this may cause is if a pet eats a parasite-carrying dragonfly, but this food chain event is hardly ever and not a big deal as such. By and large, it can be said that dragonflies are not only harmless but also beneficial in making your outdoor areas more pleasant.

Dragonfly Swarm: Nature’s Air Show

Seeing a dragonfly swarm is truly something special. It happens when lots of dragonflies gather in one spot, usually drawn by plenty of bugs to eat or perfect weather. In the U.S., you’re most likely to catch this amazing sight near water in late summer or early fall, when insect activity is at its peak.

Pointing out the above, swarms are not harmful to people or animals. The dragonfly swarm is a signal of an ecosystem being in good condition, and it is full of insects for dragonflies to eat. Swarms are often virtual communities of males looking for females or insects, which follow the mass emergence of an insect to feed. Regardless, the dragonfly swarm is a spectacle of nature and not a problem to solve.

Problems and Diseases Caused by Dragonfly Bite

First things first, let’s debunk the dragonfly bite myth: do dragonfly bite cause problems or diseases? The answer is an absolute no! A dragonfly bite is not known to spread any disease. Moreover, if a dragonfly manages to draw blood, the bite is insignificant, and there is no release of any venom or bacteria. Opposite mosquitoes and ticks, dragonflies do not take blood meals, and they are not transmitters of human diseases.

The only risk for humans might be an extremely rare chance of a secondary infection if the skin is puncture and is not clean appropriately, but this is not plausible because a dragonfly bite is so rare. For pets, a dragonfly bite only represents a theoretical health risk if the animal takes in a parasite through the bite, which is a very rare possibility. All in all, dragonflies are insects with the least potential harm among the various species in yards.

Conclusion

Do dragonfly bite humans? Yes, it can happen to protect ourselves, but almost always in a way that doesn’t cause injury. Dragonsfly are harmless to humans and pets since they get rid of pests. A large number of dragonflies together generally indicates that an ecosystem is in good shape and not unsafe. There are no serious conditions or illnesses resulting from a dragonfly bite.

If you are a homeowner in America looking to get rid of pests, let some dragonflies live near you. Thanks to these products, you’ll observe fewer mosquitoes and enjoy safety when being outside. If you meet dragonflies or a group of fish again, don’t bother, because they just want to help you and not harm you.

June 2, 2025