Once ready to emerge into adult dragonflies, the larvae will climb out of the water, perhaps onto a water plant or half-submerged twig. In situations like this, scientists have found larvae as old as six years. Only in the warmer months of spring and summer will they resume growth. In countries where there are different seasons, dragonfly larvae will stop growing during winter and enter a state similar to hibernation. In Singapore, larvae of most common species take about six months to a year to grow. Larvae of different species grow at different rates which is in turn dependent on factors like food availability, habitats and climate. Depending on the species, a larva goes through 10 to 12 rounds of moulting process. Like other insects, dragonfly larvae grow by moulting, becoming bigger with each moult. Thus dragonfly larvae are one of the top predators in an aquatic insect food-chain.Ī dragonfly larva extends its lower jaw to capture prey. So in this way, dragonfly larvae can stalk and ambush prey efficiently. When a prey swims past, this lower jaw will shoot out with lightning speed to capture and retrieve it for consumption. Imagine your lower jaw is flexible and extendable, and is equipped with fearsome hooks and sharp teeth. Water insects like water beetles and mosquito larvae worms tadpoles and even small fishes are part of their diet.ĭragonfly larvae have a unique way of catching their prey. They are fierce predators of any aquatic animals they can catch. Just like their parents, the larvae are fully carnivorous. No matter what type of water habitats they live the water must be clean and unpolluted. Some cling onto water plants floating on the water surface, some lay camouflaged among leaf litter at the bottom, while some of the rarer species in our forests even burrow into the sand beds of stream. Note the external gills at the end of its body.ĭifferent species of dragonfly larvae live in different water microhabitats. A larva can also eject the water forcefully to propel themselves for a quick escape whenever necessary.Ī typical damselfly larva. All larvae are able to breathe by sucking water into their abdomens and through internal gills. These appendages function essentially as external gills. The larvae of the damselfly, which is related to dragonflies, are mostly slender and elongated with leaf-like appendages known as caudal lamellae.

Some dragonfly larvae appear squat while the bigger ones are longish and robust. Once hatched, the larvae adopt an aquatic lifestyle very different from their parents. The eggs are laid directly into or close to water. Let us now unveil their underwater secrets.ĭragonfly larvae require water to survive, so female adults are always searching for water habitats such as ponds, streams and swamps to lay their eggs. Living hidden below the water surface, dragonfly larvae (also known as nymphs) remain unseen and mysterious. While adult dragonflies always leave an indelible impression, very few people know or appreciate the larvae. If eagles, hawks and falcons are the pinnacle of predatory skills among birds, then dragonflies must surely be the insect equivalent. Dragonflies are masters of flight and skill at capturing prey in the air.

They invoke wonder and joy for many nature-lovers visiting a wetland habitat.

Adult dragonflies – colourful, vibrant and energetic.

Dragonfly larvae illustration