Stages of Life for a Dragonfly

We have all seen dragonflies gracing the shores of quiet streams, lakes and slow-moving rivers. Their metallic wings and bodies and erratic dance are common sights on a summer afternoon. But in addition to their whimsical beauty, the life cycle of these large insects of the Odonata family is also scientifically fascinating.

  1. Egg Stage

    • Water serves as a nursery for dragonflies.

      Dragonflies lay their eggs near the water. The eggs lie dormant until the wet season brings rain, causing water levels of lakes and streams to rise and overtake the eggs. At this point, the incubation of dragonfly eggs begins.

    Hatching and Early Growth

    • Once the weather and temperature are right, a dragonfly larva begins to grow within the egg, hatching in 2 weeks to a month. The larvae, which are called nymphs once they become slightly more developed, spend their early days in the water, breathing through their gills. The larvae grow fast, feeding on miniscule organisms. Nymphs have even been known to aggressively stalk their prey, beginning to consume larger insects as they grow. Near the end of the nymph stage, they may even capture and eat small fish and tadpoles.

    Molting and Morphing

    • Developing dragonflies molt up to 15 times before they reach the adult stage. Shedding an old skin allows them to grow larger despite their hard, constricting exoskeleton. After about a year of the nymph phase, the insects fully morph into dragonflies. At its final molting, the dragonfly pulls its body out of the discarded exoskeleton, where it hangs helplessly while its new legs harden. It then pulls itself entirely out, becoming a fully-formed young dragonfly. After waiting for its wings, eyes and abdomen to expand, it flies away to seek food in new territory.

    Adulthood, Mating and Death

    • Adult dragonflies mate frequently.

      A young dragonfly takes about a week to mature completely, gaining the vivid color the insects are known for. Unlike its aquatic youth, an adult dragonfly searches for insect food far from water. An adult dragonfly can live up to 4 months. During this time, frequent mating occurs. Dragonflies return to bodies of freshwater so the females can lay eggs along the shore, allowing the cycle to continue.