![]() ![]() Pestĭragonflies have their own predators, and damselfly nymphs, which are similar in appearance, may prey on dragonfly nymphs.Ĭertain water beetle species, such as predaceous diving beetles, are known to feed on dragonfly nymphs and larvae. ![]() If found by a hungry wasp, or a group of ants, they can do nothing about their slow and miserable demise. While their exoskeleton and their wings are still soft, they cannot defend themselves or fly away. Out of the water, dragonflies are most likely to fall prey to other insects when they undergo their transformation from larvae to an adult. Under the water, dragonfly larvae will even predate each other if they come across a smaller, weaker cousin. Other insectsĪs with many insects, the rule on who eats who generally revolves around who is the biggest. ![]() Zipping through the air it can capture one after the other of the tiny invertebrates, often eating them on the wing. This bird of prey, with its sickle-shaped wings, is extraordinarily fast. One expert in catching dragonflies is the hobby. However, once the adult has found their wings, few birds are fast and agile enough to catch them. By emerging in large numbers, there will always be some that getaway. This is the perfect time for birds like robins, crows and magpies to grab them. Even once it has, their first flight is often weak and problematic. As they emerge from their larval skin, they cannot move until their new exoskeleton has hardened. This is because the period when they are transforming from larvae to an adult is one where they are particularly vulnerable. So while they may not specifically focus on dragonfly larvae, they will undoubtedly be a welcome addition when found.ĭragonflies tend to emerge in large numbers around the same time. ![]() Many ducks or waders eat aquatic invertebrates. When it comes to dragonfly larvae, they are very much fair game to any wading or water birds that come across them. This could result in a fish swiftly grabbing the female and potentially dragging them both down.Īlso read: How Long Does a Dragonfly Live for? (Lifecycle Explained) Amphibians Often the males will hold onto the females and dip them into the water to lay their eggs. Different species lay their eggs in different locations, but some lay directly into the water. One ritual that particularly endangers the dragonfly is the mating ritual. At these times, it’s easy for a fish to emerge from beneath the water’s surface and gulp down the unsuspecting insects. They may even swoop down to the water to drink. Though dragonflies spend a great deal of time flying through the air, they often rest on lilypads or vegetation near the water. In artificial pools, unnaturally high numbers of fish, and lack of places to hide, can quickly mean that there are no dragonfly larvae at all.Įven as adults, fish are things to be feared. Many will go to great lengths to avoid being seen by fish, hiding in the mud or water weeds, and camouflaging themselves in shades of green and brown. As larvae, they live within ponds, streams and even lakes, swimming slowly through the murky water, looking for prey. We may not think of fish and dragonflies as sharing the same world, but in fact, dragonflies spend most of their lives beneath the water. ![]()
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