Dragonfly Larvae

Photo of a dragonfly larva resting on a stone.
Scientific Name
Species in the suborder Anisoptera
Family
There are 8 North American families of dragonflies in the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Description

Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, usually drab, with 6 legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. Gills are located inside the rectum (unlike those of damselflies, which extend from the hind end like 3 leaflike tails). They breathe by drawing water in and out of their hind end. By forcefully expelling this water, the animal can move quickly in a form of jet propulsion. The lower jaw is scooplike and covers most of the bottom part of the head.

Adult dragonflies have slender, elongated abdomens, robust bodies, and 2 pairs of wings that are usually outstretched horizontally. The wings are membranous and elaborately veined. The hindwing is wider at the base than the forewing. The eyes are compound, large, adjoin each other and nearly cover the head. The antennae are short. The six legs are poor for walking but good for perching.

Other Common Names
Dragonfly Nymphs
Size
Larva length: from ¼ to 2½ inches (varies with age and species).
Where To Find
image of Dragonflies Distribution Map
Statewide.
Nymphs are common in many aquatic habitats. They are especially common near clumps of aquatic vegetation or submerged tree roots. Because they lay eggs in water, adults are usually found near water, though their fast, strong flight takes them many places.
Dragonfly nymphs are lie-in-wait predators resting quietly on the substrate or on submerged plants. When a potential meal swims or walks near, the nymph’s extendable jaws flash outward to snatch and draw in the food, which can be any small aquatic animal or even the claw of an equal-sized crayfish. Adult dragonflies hold their legs in a basket shape during flight; they snatch up and eat small flying insects.
There are many species of dragonflies in our state, ranging from very common to unusual to rare to in danger of disappearing. Nine Missouri dragonflies are Species of Conservation Concern: bayou clubtail, midland clubtail, skillet clubtail, golden-winged skimmer, brimstone clubtail, elusive clubtail, Hine's emerald, Ozark emerald, and treetop emerald. Hine's emerald is Endangered in Missouri and is the only dragonfly that is Federally Endangered.
Adult male dragonflies commonly perch on branches or other objects, patrolling their territories, driving away rival males and attempting to mate with females. Mating pairs usually fly in tandem. The female usually flies low over the water, depositing eggs directly on the surface. Larvae (nymphs) undergo several molts as they grow and can take a few years to mature. When ready, they crawl out of the water to a safe place, shed their skin, and emerge as a young adult. In the next days or week, they complete their maturation.
Anyone who dislikes mosquitoes can appreciate dragonflies! Dragonflies are also admired for their beautiful forms. It should be noted that dragonflies cannot sting. The larger species can deliver a pinching bite when handled, but they cannot harm people.
Most of a dragonfly’s life is spent as a nymph. Some species live for 5 years underwater before becoming adults. They and the adult forms are important predators of mosquitoes, midges and other small insects. The nymphs are important food for fish and other aquatic insectivores.
Media Gallery
Photo of a dragonfly larva resting on a stone.
Dragonfly larvae are aquatic insects with large eyes, six legs, and an oval or rounded segmented abdomen.
Jim Rathert
1/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva resting on a stone.
Dragonfly larvae are aquatic insects with large eyes, six legs, and an oval or rounded segmented abdomen.
Jim Rathert
2/12
Photo of an empty dragonfly shell still clinging to a stick above water
The shed, empty skins (exoskeletons) of larval dragonflies are left behind after the mature dragonfly emerges and flies away.
3/12
Photo of a dragonfly nymph, possibly a green darner, in an aquarium.
Dragonfly nymphs are lie-in-wait predators resting quietly on the substrate or on submerged plants.
Jim Rathert
4/12
Photo of a dragonfly nymph positioned next to a nickel for size.
The length of dragonfly larvae can be from ¼ to 2½ inches. It varies by species and by age; some of them live for a few years underwater before molting and becoming adults.
Cliff White
5/12
Photo of a dragonfly nymph, possibly a green darner, closeup of head.
These insects make look a little clumsy, but the jaws of dragonfly larvae can flash out like clawed arms to snatch up insects, even small fish, that happen by.
Jim Rathert
6/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva, possibly a green darner, closeup on head.
If you were a small aquatic invertebrate, even a small fish, you would definitely not want to see this! Like adult dragonflies, juvenile dragonflies, called nymphs, are fierce predators — for their size.
Jim Rathert
7/12
Photo of an algae-covered dragonfly larva in the palm of someone's hand.
Dragonfly nymphs occur in many aquatic habitats. They are especially common near clumps of aquatic vegetation or submerged tree roots. In still water, algae sometimes grows on their backs.
Jim Rathert
8/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva, three-quarter view.
It's easy to see the two scooplike halves of the jaws on this dragonfly nymph. They cover most of the bottom part of the head. These extend outward quickly to grab prey.
Jim Rathert
9/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva in an aquarium, seen from side.
Unlike the larvae of damselflies, dragonfly larvae have five wedge-shaped or pointed extensions at the tip of the abdomen. These are not gills.
Cliff White
10/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva in an aquarium, ventral view.
In dragonfly larvae, the gills are located inside the rectum. They breathe by drawing water in and out of their hind end. By forcefully expelling this water, the animal can move quickly in a form of jet propulsion.
Jim Rathert
11/12
photo of perched dragonfly
Dragonflies have slender, elongated abdomens, robust bodies, and 2 pairs of elaborately winged wings that are usually outstretched horizontally.
Jim Rathert
12/12
Photo of a dragonfly larva resting on a stone.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly larva resting on a stone.
Free to use
Photo of an empty dragonfly shell still clinging to a stick above water
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly nymph, possibly a green darner, in an aquarium.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly nymph positioned next to a nickel for size.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly nymph, possibly a green darner, closeup of head.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly larva, possibly a green darner, closeup on head.
Free to use
Photo of an algae-covered dragonfly larva in the palm of someone's hand.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly larva, three-quarter view.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly larva in an aquarium, seen from side.
Free to use
Photo of a dragonfly larva in an aquarium, ventral view.
Free to use
photo of perched dragonfly
Free to use
Similar Species
About Aquatic Invertebrates in Missouri
Missouri's streams, lakes, and other aquatic habitats hold thousands of kinds of invertebrates — worms, freshwater mussels, snails, crayfish, insects, and other animals without backbones. These creatures are vital links in the aquatic food chain, and their presence and numbers tell us a lot about water quality.