11 ) Dragonflies, which eat insects as adults, are a great control on the mosquito population. A single dragonfly can eat … The aquatic nymphs eat just about anything that moves, from worms and small crustaceans, to frog tadpoles and small fish, to each other. Birds (including hobbies and wagtails), spiders, and frogs all eat dragonflies as part of their diet. By Joseph Castro 08 February 2014. The larvae are predatory and sometimes cannibalistic. Parasitoid Wasps Dragonfly sex is a very conspicuous event, easily recognized by the heart-shaped "wheel" formation of mating pairs. Dragonflies are not a bad species of insect to have in a yard -- they do no harm to humans, and their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. What Enemies Do Dragonflies Have? Adult dragon flies eat gnats, mayflies, flies, mosquitoes and sometimes butterflies as well as bees. It's easy to be fascinated by dragonflies. They were among the very first winged insects to evolve over 300 million years ago! What do dragonflies eat? They will also eat bees, butterflies, and even other dragonflies. What do Horse Flies Eat? Because dragonflies consume 10-15% of their weight in other insects each day, it is hard to imagine the amount of work involved. Despite popular opinion, only the females feed on blood, which they use to aid in reproduction. The Mechanics of Eating (aka table manners or the lack thereof) They are beneficial in many ways, and some gardeners strive to attract the insects into their yard. Each dragonfly can consume up to 100s of mosquitoes per day! Dragonflies eat other insects, such as flies, midges and mosquitoes. Not only do mature dragonflies feed on horseflies, but their larvae (those of dragonflies) are also attacked and fed on by dragonfly nymphs. A wide variety of insects are included in their diet preferences. Dragonflies can reach speeds of up to 35 miles an hour and fly just as gracefully backward by lifting off vertically, helicopter style. Even though males pose no threat, the risk … But, being able to grasp their hunting methods could prove useful as well. Shares. Dragonflies; Dragonflies need a significant intake of food each day. They will also take butterflies and even smaller dragonflies. Adult dragonflies eat other flying insects, including mosquitoes, deerflies, horseflies, wasps, bees, butterflies, other dragonflies, pretty much anything that … Prey is normally caught in mid-air, with the dragonfly using its long legs to catch its quarry. Understanding what dragonflies eat is beneficial. the food will them be carried to a perch where it is eaten. This includes horseflies. Animal Sex: How Dragonflies Do It. As with any insect, dragonflies have several enemies. Overall, adult horseflies prefer nectar and are actually vital for the survival of certain plants. Many species of dragonfly exist. A: They are all predators. Welcome to The Dragonfly Website! 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