Aerial Odonata Wonders

Spring and summer approaches different sides of our Earth bringing forth swarms of the annoying mosquito. What about them ?

The topic of diseases transferred by the annoying mosquito populations are troublesome and measures taken to protect ourselves and our families are of major concern for everybody. Diseases that are unknown and/or new to our regions such as the following, occur based upon species, opportunity and habitat ;

– West Nile virus
– Dengue fever
– Malaria

As most of us live in very cosmopolitan societies and have ongoing international flights from around the world, there are outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases transferred from hosts both human and animal that may already have an existing illness. Disease is a world wide concern and mosquitoes are one of our worst sources of carriers and transfer.

A natural predator to this annoying and troublesome insect is another insect. Enter the Dragonfly with their thinly veined, membranous pairs of wings, powerful build, and a pair of bulging eyes that occupies most of their head that may give some a 360 degree field of vision. They are harmless to humans and can prove to be quite beneficial as a natural source to combat and help control mosquito populations.

Classified in the phylum Arthropoda, insecta order Odonata including the Damselfly (Zygoptera). Only 2 suborders exist and there are approximately 2,500 dragonfly species (Anisoptera) . Identification is done by looking at the face, eyes, thorax and abdomen and used to place them into two primary dragonfly superfamilies, Aeshnoidea and Libelluloidea. These two superfamilies can be further divided into seven smaller families that share similar physical characteristics.

True dragonflies pursue insects through the air and enjoy a diet of flies, gnats, flying ants and mosquitoes. A good population of dragonflies can be found in areas that offer a wide variety of micro-habitats that offer balanced acidity of water, amount and type of aquatic vegetation, temperature and if the water is stationary or flowing. Certain species of dragonflies are sensitive to their environment while others can tolerate a broad range of conditions.

Scientists predict that with increasing global temperatures, mosquitoes will prove to become a greater problem. Protective and vigilant measures will need to be practiced in more and more regions to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. Use of the following practices are most popular;

– Physical barrier, clothing and netting
– Chemical repellants, preferably on clothing rather than direct skin contact
– Avoidance, avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, popular feeding times
– Water, empty surfaces with standing water, mosquitoes can breed in as little as one centimetre of standing water.
– Conservation, use of natural predators and plants

Dragonflies are considered one of our most ancient insects. Fossils have been found in various parts of the world revealing magnificent and various sizes of these insects. One such dragonfly fossil found in Kansas dating from the Permian period had a wingspan of 2 ½ feet (76 cm). Can you imagine such a sight?

So, if you observe a dragonfly nearby, realize it's a good thing for the neighborhood. Don't let it get squashed or killed off with pesticides and herbicides. They will provide another line of defense against the annoying mosquito and if you can help provide a good environment they may take residence nearby and return yearly, as they are territorial and tend to stay near their places of origin and water.

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