Wikijunior:Bugs/Dragonfly/Damselfly
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[edit] What does it look like?
Dragonflies are jewels among insects. They have shimmering wings, large reflective eyes and a long body. Their wings are very delicate and lace-like, and are usually spread when they rest. Damselflies are slender and graceful, notably different from dragonflies. Their forewings and hindwings narrow at the base and look like long tear-drops. Damselflies have eyes that are separated, whereas dragonflies' eyes touch. Damselflies hold their wings over their abdomen when resting.
[edit] Where does it live?
Dragonflies live near water. They inhabit open fields, forests, grasslands and woods. They are also seen in urban areas, as long as these are near water.
[edit] What does it eat?
Dragonflies can fly very fast, catching mosquitoes, midges and other small insects in their front legs while flying. The larvae, called naiads or nymphs, live in water and eat small insect larvae. Sometimes big nymphs will even eat small fish!
[edit] How does it defend itself?
[edit] What stages of metamorphosis does it go through?
Dragonflies deposit eggs into water; they skim across the water and release the eggs into it from their abdomen.
The eggs hatch into naiads (also called nymphs). Naiads are quite fierce-looking and do not look at all like the beautiful dragonfly that they are destined to become.
[edit] What special behavior does it exhibit?
[edit] How does this bug affect people?
Dragonflies do not harm people. They are a source of great beauty and inspiration for people. There are many stories about dragonflies bringing great luck to people.
