The term “mosquito hawk” is a confusing and frequently misused colloquial name applied to two different types of flying insects. This leads to a widespread misconception that a large mosquito predator is patrolling the yard. The primary confusion arises because one insect does not eat mosquitoes at all, while the other is a highly efficient aerial hunter. Understanding what a mosquito hawk eats requires separating the identity of these two distinct insects.
The Identity Crisis: What is a Mosquito Hawk?
The popular name “mosquito hawk” is most often used to describe two separate insects: the Crane Fly and the Dragonfly. The Crane Fly (family Tipulidae) typically causes alarm due to its large size and long, delicate legs, making it resemble a colossal mosquito. This resemblance leads many to assume it must be a predator of its smaller, blood-sucking cousins.
The Dragonfly (order Odonata) is the other insect referred to by this name. Dragonflies are swift, agile fliers known for their predatory behavior, which is why the “hawk” moniker was likely applied. The Crane Fly is harmless and physically looks like a giant mosquito, but the Dragonfly is the true hunter.
The Crane Fly Diet (The Non-Hunter)
The Crane Fly, despite its intimidating appearance and common nicknames like “mosquito eater,” does not prey on mosquitoes. The adult Crane Fly has an extremely short lifespan, focused primarily on mating and laying eggs. Many species of adult Crane Flies do not feed at all during this stage, and some even lack functional mouthparts.
If they do consume anything, adult Crane Flies feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. The primary feeding stage is centered on the larvae, known as “leatherjackets” due to their tough, leathery skin. These larvae are voracious eaters, but they consume decaying organic matter, plant roots, and sometimes grass. Leatherjackets are agricultural pests, not insect predators. When in moist soil, they feed on the roots and stems of grasses, which can cause significant damage to lawns and turf in large concentrations.
The Dragonfly Diet (The True Predator)
The Dragonfly truly embodies the “mosquito hawk” title, acting as an effective and voracious predator throughout its life cycle. Both the aquatic nymph stage and the flying adult stage are carnivorous, consuming a wide range of smaller insects. The nymphs live underwater for months or years, ambushing and capturing aquatic prey. They use a specialized, hinged lower jaw to grab meals like mosquito larvae, tadpoles, and small fish.
The adult Dragonfly is an aerial hunter, relying on exceptional eyesight and maneuverability to catch prey while flying. Mosquitoes are a significant part of the adult Dragonfly’s diet, but they also feed on gnats, midges, flies, and moths. They use their spiny legs to form a basket-like trap, scooping up victims mid-flight before consuming them. A single large Dragonfly can eat its own body weight in insect prey every day, reinforcing its reputation as a skilled hunter.