12/11/2023 0 Comments Dragonfly larvae eating fish![]() ![]() The larvae fill up ponds and other areas of stagnant water and make an easy food source for dragonfly nymphs. Mosquito and midge larvae: Adult dragonflies are chowing down on mosquitos, dragonfly nymphs are filling up on mosquito larvae.Some of the foods dragonfly larvae eat include: Depending on the species, a dragonfly larva, or nymph, may spend years living in a pond or marsh, shedding its skin multiple times before emerging from the water and gaining its wings.Īs you might imagine, dragonfly nymphs have different food sources available than adults do that said, they are still fierce and non-discriminate hunters. They are fierce hunters and, when they hunt others of their own kind, it may lead to a fight before the larger one inevitably overpowers the smaller one.ĭragonfly larvae are quite different from adult dragonflies they can’t fly, and they live in water. Other dragonflies: Larger dragonflies sometimes prey on smaller dragonflies of other species.Damselflies are not usually their first choice of a meal, but larger dragonflies especially will hunt them if they are hungry and a damselfly is conveniently available. Damselflies: Some dragonflies prey on their smaller, slower-flying cousins, the damselflies.The largest dragonflies may prey on bigger moths and butterflies as well. Butterflies and moths: Some dragonflies will eat moths and butterflies, especially smaller members of their species.These insects are generally a little meatier than mosquitos and midges, so they are a little more filling and make a good-size meal for all but the smallest dragonflies. Bees and flies: Slightly larger dragonflies prey on various types of bees and flies.Mosquitos and midges make the perfect snack for dragonflies as they are small but plentiful. Mosquitos and midges: Many types of dragonflies, both large and small, eat these pesky flying insects.Some of the insects they like to eat include: What is a Dragonfly’s Favorite Food?Īs mentioned, dragonflies eat many types of insects and aren’t especially picky. As you might expect, larger dragonflies eat larger insects and smaller ones eat smaller insects. Sallying: Still other types of dragonflies will sit on a plant and watch for insects to pass by then they will dart out from their hiding place and snatch the insect.ĭragonflies can eat as much as 15 percent their own body weight at a time and will sometimes hunt insects up to 60 percent their own size.Then, they will swoop in, grab the insect, and eat it. Gleaning: Many dragonflies will hover above plants watching for unsuspecting insects to land and rest.Dragonflies can hover in place and fly in any direction, so they are expertly equipped and skilled to grab other flying insects when they cross their path. Hawking: Some types of dragonflies grab their prey mid-flight, without stopping or even slowing down, similar to how a hawk or eagle would hunt. ![]() Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods: They are strong, powerful, and fast-flying insects that grab their prey by hawking, gleaning, and sallying. They are not picky, but they do prefer eating live insects that they hunt and capture themselves over dead insects that can be scavenged.ĭragonflies have various methods of hunting. Dragonflies eat many different kinds of insects.
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