| Dragonfly
Nymph
The nymph the “teenage” form of the
dragonfly, before it becomes an adult. It belongs
to the order Odonata, which comes from
the Greek word, odous, meaning tooth. The
nymphs can inflict a sharp bite with their teeth (mandibles)
if held carelessly.
What they look like:
Dragonfly Nymphs are short and chunky with wing pads
and internal gills. Their six legs are all located near
the head.
Size:
18-49 mm long.
Where they live:
Dragonfly Nymphs live on plants, among stones, leaf
litter, or at the bottom of ponds or slow-flowing rivers.
What they eat:
Dragonfly Nymphs are predators and feed mostly on other
insects in the water. Sometimes, they can be cannibals
and eat each other. Some of the larger species have been
known to feed on small fish and tadpoles. They catch their
food with a toothed lower lip (labium) that is
usually folded under the head. When a small insect comes
near, the nymph will shoot out its lower lip to grab it,
faster than most prey can react. The lip is then pulled
back to the waiting mouth and feeding begins.
Pollution
tolerance: Tolerant, rating 5.
They are sensitive to habitat disturbance and they
need aquatic or riparian vegetation in the waterways
where they live. |
What’s interesting about
the Dragonfly Nymph?
|
