Dragonfly
Anisoptera
Quick answer
Dragonflies are fast, agile flying insects with long bodies, huge eyes, and two pairs of transparent wings. They are skilled aerial predators that catch other insects in mid-air, and they spend most of their lives as aquatic larvae before becoming adults. Adult dragonflies usually live only a few weeks to a few months.
Dragonfly facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Suborder Anisoptera |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (flying insects) |
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands |
| Lifespan | Adults a few weeks to months; larvae up to years |
| Size | Wingspan 2–13 cm depending on species |
| Top speed | Up to ~50 km/h (30 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
Where it lives
Near fresh water on every continent except Antarctica, from tropical wetlands to temperate ponds and rivers.
Masters of flight
Dragonflies are among the most agile fliers in the insect world. They can move each of their four wings independently, allowing them to hover, fly backward, and change direction instantly. This control makes them highly effective at catching other insects in mid-air, with a very high hunting success rate.
Remarkable vision
A dragonfly's huge compound eyes can each contain tens of thousands of lenses and wrap around much of its head, giving it nearly all-around vision. This excellent sight helps it spot and track fast-moving prey while flying, and judge the path needed to intercept it.
Life in water and air
Most of a dragonfly's life is spent underwater as a larva, sometimes for a year or more, where it hunts aquatic insects, tadpoles, and even small fish. When ready, the larva climbs out of the water, its skin splits, and the winged adult emerges. The adult stage lasts only weeks to a few months.
Habitat and importance
Dragonflies live near fresh water such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, where they breed. Because their larvae are sensitive to pollution, the presence of dragonflies is often a sign of healthy water. They also help control populations of mosquitoes and other small insects.
Frequently asked questions about the Dragonfly
How fast can a dragonfly fly?
Dragonflies are strong fliers and can reach speeds of around 50 km/h (30 mph) in short bursts. Their independent wing control also lets them hover and even fly backward.
What do dragonflies eat?
Adult dragonflies are carnivores that catch flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and gnats in mid-air. Their aquatic larvae eat other water insects, tadpoles, and small fish.
How long do dragonflies live?
Adult dragonflies usually live only a few weeks to a few months. They spend much longer as underwater larvae, sometimes more than a year, before becoming winged adults.
Do dragonflies bite or sting?
Dragonflies do not sting, and they are harmless to people. A large one might pinch if handled, but they have no venom and pose no danger.
Are dragonflies good for the environment?
Yes. Dragonflies help control mosquitoes and other small insects, and because their larvae need clean water, their presence is a good sign of healthy freshwater habitats.
Why do dragonflies have such big eyes?
A dragonfly's large compound eyes give it nearly all-around vision, which helps it spot and track fast prey in flight. Each eye can have tens of thousands of tiny lenses.
