Dragonflies are not harmful to humans or pets. These fascinating insects are often misunderstood, but they pose no threat. Their presence is actually beneficial in many environments.
Do Dragonflies Pose a Threat?
Dragonflies do not bite or sting humans or pets, as they lack stingers. While they possess mandibles for capturing other insects in flight, these are not designed for piercing skin. If a dragonfly bites a human, which is uncommon, the bite is generally not strong enough to break the skin and is not dangerous. Even larger species rarely bite hard enough to draw blood.
Dragonflies are not venomous or poisonous. They do not carry diseases harmful to humans or common pets. Dragonflies tend to be shy around people and fly away when approached. Their behavior focuses on hunting small flying insects, with no interest in harming humans or companion animals.
Dragonflies as Beneficial Allies
Dragonflies play a beneficial role in ecosystems as natural pest control agents. Both adult dragonflies and their aquatic larvae, known as nymphs, are voracious predators of insects. Adult dragonflies hunt and consume a wide variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes, flies, midges, and smaller butterflies and bees. A single adult dragonfly can consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, significantly impacting populations.
The aquatic nymph stage of dragonflies also exhibits predatory habits. Dragonfly nymphs live in freshwater environments, where they feed on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic invertebrates. By reducing mosquito numbers in both larval and adult stages, dragonflies help curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus. Their presence contributes to a balanced ecosystem by regulating insect populations.
Debunking Dragonfly Myths
Many misconceptions about dragonflies stem from their intimidating appearance and folklore. Their large size, fast flight, and intricate patterns can seem threatening. One common myth refers to them as “devil’s darning needles,” suggesting they can sew up lips or ears. This belief is unfounded, likely due to their long, slender bodies.
Another misconception is that dragonflies sting like bees or wasps. Dragonflies do not possess stingers, so they cannot sting. European folklore also associated dragonflies with negative entities, giving them nicknames like “water witch” or “horse stinger.” These fears are baseless; dragonflies are not aggressive towards humans or livestock.