Can Mosquitoes Eat Dragonfly Larvae?
WouterDespite their frightening appearance, dragonflies are actually one of nature’s most effective predators of mosquitoes. They can consume hundreds of mosquitoes per day. They are also able to control mosquito populations by eating their larvae.
They are able to do this by snatching them from the air. They snare their prey in rapid twisting motions. They can snare at speeds of up to thirty miles per hour.
Their ability to snare and consume their prey has made them the subject of study by entomologists. They have found that dragonflies can consume up to fifteen percent of their body weight in mosquitoes. They eat other insects, too, such as bees and ants. They also eat midges, blackflies, and termites.
These predatory insects can be found in a variety of places. Typically, they live in aquatic ponds and slow moving creeks. They are especially attracted to emergent plants in ponds.
They are a good source of pollinators. Their wingless larvae are the largest predators of mosquitoes. They can also be found in roadside storm ponds.
They can live in shallow water for months at a time. The most common emergent unrooted plants are water lilies and water horsetail. They can also be attracted to bogs and swampy areas.
They are attracted to strong-smelling plants. The scent of these plants can help mask the smell of human beings. If you want to attract dragonflies, try planting native plants that are attractive to pollinators.
