Dragonfly Naiad Feeds on Mosquito Larvae

Dragonflies have an immature nymphal stage called the naiad that lives underwater. They have specialized mouthparts that enable them to feed on their aquatic food source (aquatic invertebrates, or even small fish and tadpoles!). Their lower lip, called the labium, is double-hinged and possesses spines that ensnare their prey. When not in use, it is folded beneath the head and thorax. This apparatus is dispatched with lightning speed, returning the unsuspecting victim to the naiad's sharp mandibles, which cut the prey into edible pieces.

They frequently feed on mosquito larvae and other aquatic invertebrates during development. As flying adults, dragonflies continue to feed on adult mosquitoes on the wing. As such, dragonflies provide a wonderful example of biological control, since mosquitoes are part of their natural diet.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• mosquito
• dragonfly
• naiad
• brown
• swamp
• labium
• aquatic
• invertebrates
• nymph
• Odonata
• natural
• predator
• bugg-Z
• productions
• entogeek

[cjtoner4415]

I had a question and was wondering if you or anyone else new an answer to it. I acquired some Dragonfly eggs while doing and entomology project and feeling guilty for killing the mother, i put her eggs in a container of water. They've been sitting there since September. I never really expected them to hatch, but I waited. Today I found out I have a bunch of little baby dragonflies! Now...what to feed them? How to care for them? They're so tiny and I don't have any mosquito larvae cuz its winter!

[EntoGeek]

@cjtoner4415 That is really cool. They will likely require live prey for development. Even if you are able to find suitable food, they may not survive--plus dragonfly naiads are quite long-lived for insects (often more than a year before they emerge as adults!). Still, you might try getting live tubifex worms or brine shrimp from a local pet store. Petsmart or Petco might not carry them, but you can always try and local Mom and Pop shop if there is one near you. Good luck!

[EntoGeek]

Thank you!

Check out Nature1UpClose, he has a few different videos that slow things down to more frames-per-second, plus they are narrated and the camerawork is crystal clear!

[cjtoner4415]

@EntoGeek Well, thanks for the help. I decided to try and see if they will eat dried bloodworms since I had some of those around. I'm not worried about them living for so long, it would be a neat little project. I will check to to see if my local pet store will have any live feed. Most likely not.

[MardenAllan]

Great video! always wondered how this oral apparatus would work in predation. The images were enlightening in slow motion!