Dragonflies are often observed zipping around gardens and natural areas, leading many to wonder about their relationship with flowers. While these fascinating insects are frequently seen near blooming plants, it is not because they are drawn to nectar or pollen. Dragonflies are not pollinators and do not consume plant matter.
Dragonfly Diet and Preferred Environment
Dragonflies are skilled aerial predators with a diet consisting almost exclusively of other insects. Their primary food sources include mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and midges, but they also pursue larger prey such as butterflies, moths, bees, and even smaller dragonflies. They are highly efficient hunters, catching up to 95% of the prey they pursue. A single adult dragonfly can consume a significant amount of prey, with some larger species eating their own body weight in insects daily.
Dragonflies spend most of their lives near water sources, as their aquatic larval stage, known as nymphs, develops underwater. Their preferred habitats include ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands, where insect prey is abundant and females lay their eggs. While adults can fly considerable distances, they typically return to these aquatic environments for breeding.
The Indirect Link Between Dragonflies and Flowers
Dragonflies are not attracted to flowers directly for sustenance. Instead, their presence near flowering plants is an indirect consequence of their predatory lifestyle. Many small insects, including various pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other flies, are naturally drawn to flowers to collect nectar and pollen. These insects form a readily available food source for dragonflies.
Flower-filled environments, bustling with a diverse array of smaller flying insects, become prime hunting grounds for these agile predators. The flowers themselves simply serve as an aggregation point for the dragonflies’ prey, creating an efficient hunting opportunity. This dynamic illustrates a food chain where flowers attract prey, and dragonflies, in turn, hunt that prey.
Why Dragonflies Land on Plants
Dragonflies regularly land on various types of vegetation, including flowering plants, but this perching behavior serves distinct purposes unrelated to feeding on the plant itself. One primary reason for perching is resting after periods of active flight.
Perching also plays a significant role in thermoregulation, as dragonflies are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is influenced by external conditions. They may bask in sunny spots on plants to warm their bodies to reach optimal temperatures for flight. Conversely, in hot weather, they might seek shaded areas on plants to cool down and prevent overheating. Plants also offer dragonflies a strategic vantage point to spot potential prey or observe their surroundings, allowing them to conserve energy while remaining ready to dart out and capture an unsuspecting insect.