Dragonfly Life Cycle
A Quick Guide To The Dragonfly Life Cycle
Dragonfly life cycle can be a complex issue, and is a source of wonder and entertainment for the scientific community and for insect enthusiasts. Depending on how big the intended size will be of the adult dragonfly, the nymph will take anywhere from four months to five years to develop. This time is spent completely under water, though unlike mosquitoes and other pesky adults, the water where he thrives is clean and cool. Rivers and streams are the most sought after breeding grounds for the dragonfly life cycle to commence, but lakes and ponds will do if they aren’t stagnant. The beginning of the dragonfly life cycle is in the form of an egg, laid upon still and clear waters. The dangers from this point on are quite real and staggering. Amongst the many natural enemies just waiting for this tasty little morsel are frogs, fish, turtles, and water snakes. There are also some insects who would jump all over the chance at eating a dragonfly egg or two.
From the moment that they hatch, the dragonfly nymph begins his underwater adventures. He will prey on invertebrates and other smaller creatures with his powerful mandibles. As he gets larger, through the constant shedding process, he will even begin to hunt tadpoles and small minnows. Depending on which species he is to become, this could go on for as long as three to five years. Over wintering happens for the nymphs in much the same way as it does for frogs and certain fish. Burrowing beneath the protective sediments at the floor of the body of water, he will rest until the sun warms the waters above once again. The dragonfly life cycle can’t be without the courtship and mating rituals of the parent pair, and this beautiful sight is remnant of a fine and swift dance.
The male will woo his chosen mate by attaching just behind her eyeballs and dragging her around beneath him through the air. His caveman-esque behavior may seem rather harsh to the human, but she only goes upon her own free will. If she decides that he is buff enough to handle her stuff, she will follow suit and the mating dance will begin. The dragonfly life cycle and mating ritual is unlike any other. They will mate in a wheel position, after which he will tow her in tandem to the appropriate body of water. Here will protect and hold her, dipping the tip of her abdomen into the water as the eggs are washed away. As few as 20 or as many as 300 eggs will be deposited per mating. The adult dragonfly can live for as long as four months, at which time he will become weak and drop from the sky forever.