![]() During this time, they only eat prey and grow in the water. How Long Do Dragonflies Stay Underwater?ĭuring their lives, these insects are commonly referred to as dragonfly nymphs, and they can live for between 4-7 years before becoming adults. Dragonflies spend the majority of their lives as aquatic insects that crawl around the bottom of ponds or streams. When the nymph is fully developed, it leaves the water and sheds its skin, revealing the mature adult inside.įor months or years, an adult dragonfly or damselfly lays its eggs and develops its wings on its back in the water. As a young “nymph,” the young animal’s mouthparts allow it to catch and consume prey. Depending on the altitude and latitude, some species can live in their larval state for up to six years.Īside from the Aquatic Insects name, this species of dragonfly spends the majority of its time underwater rather than flying. It Can Happen to You Underwater When Dragonflies lay their eggs in water, the larvae hatch and live underwater for up to two years. Because of the short lifespan of adult dragonflies, they live in the present rather than the future. An adult dragonfly can usually live for several months, depending on the weather. Their life span is just short, allowing them to mature and reproduce. The adult life of a dragonfly is not long. Despite being caught by predators, the vast majority of dragonflies do not die of old age. They will live for up to four years as nymphs, then molt their skin 8 to 17 times until they reach adulthood, depending on their species. ![]() So, next time you spot a dragonfly near a body of water, take a moment to appreciate these incredible creatures and their ability to survive in one of the most hostile environments on Earth.Ī dragonfly’s lifespan is divided into two stages, one for the young and one for the adults. ![]() This is because they spend the majority of their time in a state of dormancy, only emerging to mate and lay eggs. While most dragonflies only live for around two days, darner dragonflies can live for up to six months. These gills are located on the underside of the dragonfly’s abdomen and help to extract oxygen from the water. The answer may surprise you – darner dragonflies can live for up to two hours underwater! These insects are able to hold their breath for long periods of time thanks to a special adaptation called the abdominal gills. If you are lucky enough to see a dragonfly underwater, you may be wondering how long these amazing creatures can stay submerged.
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