Dragonflies are fascinating insects with a life cycle deeply connected to their environment. Understanding where they live involves exploring both their aquatic developmental stages and their terrestrial adult activities.
The Watery Nursery
Dragonflies spend the longest portion of their lives underwater as nymphs or larvae. These nymphs inhabit various freshwater bodies, including ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and marshes. Some species are adapted to still water, while others prefer flowing water.
Clean water is essential for dragonfly nymphs to thrive, as they are susceptible to pollution. Aquatic vegetation is important for nymphs, providing shelter from predators and places to ambush prey. Nymphs can be found under rocks, among submerged plants, or within tree roots, where they actively hunt smaller invertebrates, and sometimes even small fish or tadpoles.
The nymphal stage can last from a few months to several years, with some species spending up to five years underwater. Emergent vegetation is important for their final molt, as many species require it to climb out of the water before becoming winged adults.
Adult Roaming Grounds
Adult dragonflies are strong fliers, but they typically remain close to the freshwater habitats where they developed and will eventually return to breed.
Adult dragonflies require open, sunny spaces for hunting and basking, which helps them regulate body temperature. Meadows, fields, forest edges, and gardens are common roaming grounds. They are predatory insects, catching other flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, bees, and even butterflies in mid-air.
Some adult dragonflies establish and defend territories near water bodies. Females may venture further from the water to feed, but return for reproduction. Their life cycle remains intrinsically linked to freshwater environments.
Global Presence and Diverse Climates
Dragonflies are found globally on every continent except Antarctica, which is too cold for their survival. With over 3,000 known species, they span diverse climates, from tropical regions to temperate zones. Many species are concentrated in tropical areas, but others have adapted to cooler or more extreme environments.
They can be found from sea level up to high altitudes, with some species observed at elevations around 3,700 meters. They also inhabit various ecosystems, including desert oases, as long as a suitable water source is available. Adaptations to different climates include darker coloration in colder regions to absorb more heat, and lighter colors in hot climates to reflect heat.
Some dragonfly species undertake migratory journeys across vast distances. The globe skimmer (Pantala flavescens), for instance, is known for the longest insect migration, traveling thousands of miles across oceans, often aided by winds. This migratory behavior contributes to their widespread presence.