Dragonfly Life Cycle

What is meant by Incomplete Metamorphosis?

Incomplete metamorphosis occurs when there is no pupal stage in the life cycle of an insect. The larva directly transitions into an adult.

How does Respiration take place in a Dragonfly?

Adult dragonflies breathe by sucking air into unique breathing tubes located throughout their bodies. These tubes are known as spiracles. Larvae breathe by sucking up water and moving it over their internal gills.

Where is the Dragonfly found?

It is found near freshwater habitats throughout the whole world. Larvae is found in rivers, lakes, and ponds among plants and rocks.

Why do Dragonflies often Dip their Tails into Water?

When a dragonfly dips its tail into the water, it lays eggs. Dragonflies lay their eggs in ponds or any standing water to avoid the eggs being washed away by flowing water.

What does a Dragonfly Eat?

They feed on insects such as midges, mosquitoes and flies. The larvae which are found underwater, eat any smaller species.

How Long is the Life Cycle of a Dragonfly?

Adults usually have a life expectancy of no more than two weeks, though occasionally they can live up to six or eight weeks.



Life Cycle of Dragon Fly: Diagram, & Stages

Dragonfly has a complex life cycle which consists of three different stages such as egg, nymph (larva), and adult. It undergoes incomplete metamorphosis in which the larval stage transitions into an adult without undergoing a pupal stage. The time taken for the entire life cycle of a dragonfly varies, depending on environmental conditions and the characteristics of the species. Mating in dragonflies is unique and the lifespan of an adult dragonfly is of maximum eight weeks but generally, they live for 1-2 weeks.

Table of Content

  • Life Cycle of Dragonfly
  • Stages of Dragonfly Life Cycle
  • Metamorphosis in Dragonfly
  • Habitat and Physical Characteristics of Dragonfly
  • Facts About Dragonfly Life Cycle
  • Conclusion – Dragonfly Life Cycle
  • FAQs on Dragonfly Life Cycle

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Life Cycle of Dragonfly

The three stages of the Dragonfly Life Cycle are egg, nymph, and adult. Mating is unique among them. Firstly, each dragonfly is looking for a mate. The male dragonfly first transfers sperm from near the tip of his abdomen to accessory genitalia near the top of the abdomen. He then grasps a female by the back of the head with his abdominal claspers (tandem position). The female curls the tip of her abdomen to meet the male’s accessory genitalia and sperm is transferred (the wheel position). This process can take a few seconds or many hours....

Stages of Dragonfly Life Cycle

“Egg, nymph, and adult: the three stages of the dragonfly life cycle.” The life cycle of a dragon consists of three distinct stages, which are discussed below:...

Metamorphosis in Dragonfly

Unlike other flying insects, dragonflies do not have a pupal stage in their life cycle and therefore it is said to have incomplete metamorphosis. Incomplete metamorphosis occurs when there is no pupal stage because of which dragonflies are also called hemi metabolites. In a complete metamorphosis, there are all stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult....

Habitat and Physical Characteristics of Dragonfly

Dragonflies are aerial predatory insects found most commonly near freshwater habitats throughout the world. Larvae live in rivers, lakes, and ponds among plants and rocks. Adult dragonflies mainly feed on flying insects. The larvae feed on underwater insects, earthworms, and sometimes tadpoles and small fish. Dragonfly species are characterized by long bodies with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings which are generally transparent, and may have coloured markings. Their front and rear wing pairs have different shapes. While resting, their wings spread horizontally rather than being vertically held against each other....

Facts About Dragonfly Life Cycle

Following are some interesting facts about dragonfly life cycle:...

Conclusion – Dragonfly Life Cycle

Thus it can be concluded that the life cycle of a dragonfly is a fascinating and unique journey. It consists of different stages among which the adult stage is the most beautiful one. The individual stages of the lifecycle of different species of dragonflies take different time depending on the environmental conditions....

FAQs on Dragonfly Life Cycle

What is meant by Incomplete Metamorphosis?...