Dragonfly Benefits to Your Garden and How to Attract Them

Dragonflies provide many garden benefits, and it doesn’t take much to attract them.

They are among nature’s most effective insect predators [1]. They feed on mosquitoes, gnats, flies, leafhoppers, moths, and many other small insects that can become garden pests.

For these reasons, dragonflies are considered valuable allies in farms, gardens, and other agricultural settings.

If you’re an avid gardener, chances are that you’ll want these pretty little predators gracing your doorstep.

Below, we’ll discuss the purpose of dragonflies, how to attract them, as well as their garden benefits and unique facts.

Life Cycle

The dragonfly goes through a three-stage life cycle called incomplete metamorphosis. This cycle includes the egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Depending on the species, the life cycle may last from several months to up to five years, with most of that time spent in the nymph stage (baby dragonfly).

Nymphs live in marshes or ponds where the waters are calm. They may remain in that stage for up to 4 years.

Benefits of Dragonflies in the Garden

If you hate mosquitoes, then you should, by all means, adore dragonflies. They serve a useful purpose in the garden and around the house.

Mosquitoes are among their preferred prey [2]. However, dragonflies also feed on gnats, aphids, midges, grasshoppers, flies, moths, and many other insects, including numerous garden pests.

This is especially helpful since many of the insects they like to eat are pests of vegetables and other plants.

A dragonfly’s large compound eyes help it detect tiny flying insects with remarkable accuracy. They can quickly intercept prey in midair.

A healthy dragonfly population can help reduce the numbers of mosquitoes and other flying insects. However, they won’t completely eliminate pest problems.

How to Attract Dragonflies

Here’s what you can do to make dragonflies come around:

1. Water

If you want to attract dragonflies to your yard and garden, your best bet is to have water nearby. Whether it’s a small pond, water garden, or another water feature, having water nearby can help attract dragonflies.

It will draw them in, seeking a safe place to lay their eggs. However, resist the urge to keep the pond sparkling clean.

Dragonflies are often spotted near ponds, marshes, and wetlands. They also like slow-moving streams and other freshwater areas with aquatic plants.

Therefore, allow some natural plant material and aquatic vegetation to remain in the pond or water feature. You can also place some bamboo stakes near the water source to give them little rest stops.

No Pond? No Problem

The chances are, you probably don’t have a pond nearby. However, that’s not a real issue since dragonflies can travel great distances.

If you live more than a mile from any sort of water source, be it a lake, a pond, or a small river, you’ll likely still see a few dragonflies around.

You can also create a small, manageable water source. A small pond with aquatic plants is usually more effective than a rain barrel. It creates a suitable habitat for dragonfly nymphs and supports a balanced ecosystem.

As long as the water is deep enough and contains aquatic plants, it can help attract dragonflies to your yard. However, they won’t breed in gutters, birdbaths, or other containers with small amounts of water.

2. Mosquitoes

Dragonfly nymphs eat mosquito larvae in water, while adult dragonflies feed on flying adult mosquitoes.

With an added water source, you’re going to get quite a few extra mosquitoes, as these little irritants also rely on water for breeding.

The good thing here, though, is that if you’re attracting mosquitoes, it’s only a matter of time before you attract the coveted dragonfly. So, be patient and use some natural mosquito repellent until then.

3. Flowers

Flowers can also help attract visiting dragonflies. Certain plants will draw them to your yard.

Joe-Pye weed, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, borage, and coneflowers attract dragonflies. They’re all great plants for this purpose.

They are also said to be attracted to blue and white colors. So, flowering plants like borage and white water lilies are among the best choices for attracting them.

Dragonfly Species

There are over 5,000 known dragonfly species worldwide [3]. Most are found in tropical and subtropical regions.

They are often mistaken for damselflies.

What Do They Eat?

Their diets mainly consist of flying insects. These include mosquitoes, flies, moths, midges, butterflies, and even baby dragonflies.

Where Do They Live?

You will find dragonflies all over the world, except on the continent of Antarctica.

Habitat varies depending on which stage they’re in. They spend most of their lives in the water as nymphs.

After this stage, they mature into adults. This adult stage usually lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the species.

Adult dragonflies spend much of their time near wetlands, ponds, streams, and other freshwater habitats.

Interesting Facts

Dragonflies belong to the suborder Anisoptera within the order Odonata. They are often found in watery areas. They are also famous for their sparkling wings and beautiful colors.

Additionally, these insects are labeled as good bugs, much like ladybugs and praying mantises. These beneficial insects are a great boon to a garden, as they help control many unwanted pests.

Dragonflies start their lives as nymphs.

Depending on the species, dragonfly nymphs may live in water for several months to several years before becoming adults. During this time, they grow and develop.

After emerging as adults, dragonflies leave the water and spend the rest of their lives hunting, mating, and reproducing.

They successfully catch up to 95% of the prey they pursue [4]. This high success rate makes them among the most successful predators in the animal kingdom.

They can also fly in six directions: up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and hover in place.

Dragonflies share a lineage with their cousin, the damselfly. They also possess incredible eyesight, with nearly 360-degree vision provided by their large compound eyes.

Unlike damselflies, dragonflies usually hold their wings open when resting.

Protecting Dragonflies

First, make sure the water source you’ve created stays at a consistent depth, creating a haven for their eggs.

A pond depth of about 2 feet creates stable conditions for dragonfly nymphs. This depth also reduces temperature fluctuations, which benefits their growth.

Secondly, be careful with insecticides. Using insecticides to control pests may harm dragonflies, drastically reducing their numbers.

Thirdly, avoid introducing non-native fish into ponds and waterways. Many fish feed on dragonfly nymphs and can reduce their populations.

A Precious Treasure

Several North American dragonfly species are considered at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, and wetland degradation [5]. Many of these species dwell in small streams and ponds specifically as their natural habitats.

We can protect dragonflies, but it does take a lot of effort. These helpful insects are among nature’s most effective forms of pest control, so we cannot afford to lose them.

FAQ

Do dragonflies bite humans?

Rarely. They generally avoid people and are harmless.

Are dragonflies good for vegetable gardens?

Yes. They help reduce populations of mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other small insects.

What plants attract dragonflies?

Joe-Pye weed, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, and aquatic plants around ponds are among the best choices.

Do dragonflies eat mosquitoes?

Yes. Dragonfly nymphs eat mosquito larvae in water, while adult dragonflies prey on flying adult mosquitoes.

How long do dragonflies live?

Most species spend months or years as aquatic nymphs and only weeks to months as adults.

Takeaway

Dragonflies are among the most beneficial insects a gardener can attract.

Their ability to prey on mosquitoes and other flying pests makes them valuable allies in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

See also: How to Encourage Lacewings in Your Garden.