There are over 5000 species of dragonflies in the Odonata order. Some fossil dragonflies are 300 million years old. These ancient dragonflies were often much larger than the present day species. Both the aerial adults and the aquatic immature naiads are skilled predators and eat many mosquitoes and other insects. The adults catch prey, feed, and mate on the wing. Eggs are laid on aquatic plants or in water.

photo courtesy of L. G. Higley

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