News from the Friends of Reinstein

Dragonflies of Western NY during June

Dragonflies are an insect with two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. Many species have large compound eyes that cover most of their head. They also have very small antenna. These insects are harmless and won’t bite or sting. At rest dragonfly wings are usually off to their sides, while damselflies, a close cousin, holds their wings over their back or abdomen. Dragonflies bodies are stout compared to slender damselflies. Some species like green darner will migrate while others spend most of the year in ponds or streams as nymphs emerging as an adult during summer. Dragonfly nymphs usually emerge from the water while it’s still dark to inflate and dry their wings. They are very vulnerable at this stage, so they come out before birds are active. Each species has unique color patterns and behaviors that help you to identify them. Many male dragonflies will patrol their section of a pond and will actively chase away intruding males. They choose a territory that is ideal egg laying habitat for their mate.  Some like areas with emergent vegetation like cattails, others like floating vegetation like water lilies and some prefer submerged vegetation. Hawking is a behavior where the dragonfly perches on a stick or branch and quickly swoops up to grasp an unsuspecting insect for lunch. They usually will return to rest on the same perch to munch on their prey. Dragonflies feed mostly on flying insects, even mosquitoes. Adult dragonflies may fall prey to larger dragonflies, fish, birds, and also frogs. June and July are the best months to enjoy Dragonflies in Western New York.

Created by Mike Adriaansen