How do you identify a damselfly larvae?
Damselfly larvae have 6 long, spindly legs, each with 2 claws at the tip. Note also the large eyes and short antennae. Adult damselflies have very slender, elongated abdomens, delicate bodies, and 2 pairs of wings that are typically held together over the body. Adult damselflies are usually found near water.
What do damselfly larvae eat?
insects
The larvae live in streams, lakes and ponds among plants and rocks. Adult damselflies eat mainly flying insects. Larvae eat insects in the water, worms, and occasionally small fish. Fish, turtles, frogs, and birds all like to eat damselflies.
How do you get rid of damselfly larvae?
The best way to kill them is to grab dragonfly or damselfly nymphs with the net and remove them as you see them. You can also do a gravel vacuum and suck them out with a siphon. Keep monitoring for any new hatch and remove them as you see them again.
What do damselfly look like?
Damselflies have wings that are both the same size and shape, which taper where they attach to the body. Their hind wings are much broader and don’t taper so much where they attach to the body, giving them more of a plane look.
How long do damselfly larvae live?
Once hatched, the naiad has an elongated body, long legs and three leaf-like appendages or gills on its tail. Damselflies live for 2 months to 3 years as nymphs, undergoing five to 15 molts as they grow.
How big do damselfly nymphs get?
around 40 mm
Mature nymphs can grow up to sizes around 40 mm (not including gills). Life cycle: Damselflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Their life cycle includes three stages – egg, nymph and adult.
Do damselflies bite humans?
Damselflies are considered beneficial bugs because they eat other, more harmful, bugs. They are also one of the most beautiful insects that ever roamed Earth, and they have always been completely harmless to humans. They do not sting or bite. Damselflies are related to Dragonflies.
Is damselfly a pest?
Damselflies are delicate, weak-flying insects….
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name: | Damselflies |
| Type of Beneficial: | Insect predator |
| Type of Metamorphosis: | Immature stages appear different from adults (i.e., complete metamorphosis) |
| Beneficial Stage(s): | Immature stages and adult stage are insect predators |
Where can damselflies be found?
Damselflies are found mainly near shallow fresh water such as ponds and small streams. Their nymphs are aquatic – Damselfly eggs are laid in water and that is where the nymphs develop. Dameslflies can be found all over North America and in Europe.
What family is the damselfly in?
Coenagrionidae
The insect family Coenagrionidae is placed in the order Odonata and the suborder Zygoptera. The Zygoptera are the damselflies, which although less known than the dragonflies, are no less common. More than 1,300 species are in this family, making it the largest damselfly family.