What kind of food do dragonfly larvae eat?

Dragonfly is a typical incomplete metamorphosis insect. From juvenile to adult, there is no need to go through the process of pupation. Life only goes through three stages: egg, juvenile and adult. At the same time, dragonfly larvae are aquatic, while adults are terrestrial insects with flying ability. Let's take a look at what dragonfly larvae eat.

What kind of food do dragonfly larvae eat?

The feeding habits of dragonfly larvae are related to species. Dragonfly larvae usually inhabit streams and mainly feed on Diptera larvae such as mayfly larvae, stone fly larvae, Chironomus and some small fish. the species inhabiting quiet waters mainly feed on tadpoles, small shrimps, small fish, water fleas, smaller dragonfly larvae, backstroke bugs, wigglers, Chironomus and other Diptera larvae. The natural enemies of dragonfly larvae are birds, large omnivorous fish, Hong Niang Hua, negative bugs, dragon lice and so on.

How long is the larval stage of dragonflies?

The larval stage is the longest time in the dragonfly's life. the first stage or age of the hatched larvae of dragonflies is called pre-nymph, which has no feet and usually lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes. After the first peeling, the larvae enter the second age, with simple feet and three jointed antennae. Dragonfly larvae vary in age from 8 to 16 years old, and the time required for the whole larva varies according to different species and seasons, from one month to three or four years.

Is dragonfly a beneficial insect or a pest?

The dragonfly is an incomplete metamorphosis insect. The juvenile "Shuizhi" lives in the water, breathes through the rectal trachea Gill and preys with a very developed face cover. It usually takes more than 11 times to molt, and it takes 2 or more years to climb out of the water along the aquatic plant, and then molt and feather into an adult. Young worms can prey on wigglers or other small animals in the water, and sometimes the same kind also eat each other. Both adults and larvae are carnivorous and eat more pests. Adults can not only prey on mosquitoes and flies, but also prey on butterflies, moths, bees and other pests.