Dragonfly

Dragonflies are fast-flying predatory insects in the order Odonata, specifically the suborder Anisoptera.

Dragonflies are fast-flying predatory insects in the order Odonata, specifically the suborder Anisoptera. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and are closely associated with freshwater habitats. In Canada, about 143 species of dragonflies are found, commonly near lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands.

Classification and naming

Dragonflies are odonate insects in the suborder Anisoptera. The term is sometimes used loosely for the broader group Odonata, which also includes damselflies, but technically refers to anisopterans.

Physical characteristics

Dragonflies have long bodies, large compound eyes, and two pairs of clear wings. At rest, their wings are typically held horizontally or out to the side rather than folded over the body.

Life cycle

Female dragonflies usually lay eggs in or near water. The young stage is aquatic and predatory, and after several molts the insect emerges from the water and transforms into the adult form.

Ecology and behaviour

Adult dragonflies are efficient hunters of flying insects, including mosquitoes and horse flies. Their presence is often associated with healthy freshwater ecosystems because their larvae depend on aquatic habitats.