How to Attract Dragonflies: Simple Tips for a Buzzing Backyard

Attracting dragonflies to your yard can be a rewarding way to enjoy their beauty while also benefiting from their ability to keep mosquito populations in check. These fascinating winged insects play an important role in controlling mosquitoes and other pests, thanks to their voracious appetite for these annoying critters.

One key step in making your yard a haven for dragonflies is providing a water feature. Dragonflies spend much of their life around water sources, laying their eggs and going through larval stages before maturing into the graceful adults we recognize. A small pond, ideally at least 20 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep, can be a perfect habitat for dragonflies in your garden. Including native plants in and around the water feature not only provides hiding spots for dragonflies but also helps create a more natural ecosystem that they’ll love to call home.

Understanding Dragonflies

Life Cycle

Dragonflies have a fascinating life cycle that includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

• Eggs are laid in or near water sources, such as ponds or streams
• Larva develops underwater and can live up to four years¹
• Nymphs are also aquatic, with alien-like appearances and large eyes¹
• Adults are the recognizable, winged insects we often see flying around

Habitat Requirements

To attract dragonflies, it’s essential to understand their habitat requirements. Some key components include:

• A nearby water source for laying eggs, such as a pond or stream²
• Plenty of aquatic plants for shelter and hunting³
• Access to open spaces for flying and hunting

Behavior

Dragonflies are agile, fast fliers that are skilled in various aerial maneuvers⁴. They can:

• Hover in place
• Fly sideways or upside down
• Spin 360 degrees on axis
• Fly backward (a rare ability in the animal world⁴)

Diet

Dragonflies are valuable predators with a diverse diet. They prey on:

• Mosquitoes and midges⁴
• Butterflies, moths, and bees⁴
• Flies, wasps, flying ants⁵
• Even other dragonflies⁴

Here’s a comparison table of their diet:

Ensuring a sufficient food source is essential for attracting dragonflies to your environment.

Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Garden

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting suitable plants helps attract dragonflies. They prefer native plants as they create a familiar habitat for them. For example:

• Milkweed: Essential for monarch caterpillars and attracts various pollinators¹.
• Mountain Mint: Pinkish-white flowers with silver bracts that attract honeybees, butterflies, and beneficial insects².

Water Features and Ponds

Dragonflies live near wetlands, ponds, or rivers. Adding a garden pond increases the likelihood of attracting dragonflies³. Here are some tips:

• Create shallow edges for easy access to water.
• Use water plants like water lilies to provide shelter.

Shelter and Perching Spots

Provide areas for perching and shelter around your garden. Dragonflies will use vegetation as resting spots and to survey their territory. You can use:

• Tall grasses or reeds near the pond’s edge.
• Bamboo stakes or thin branches placed throughout the garden.

Encouraging Prey and Pollinators

Dragonflies feed on insects, so it’s essential to have a thriving ecosystem in your garden. Encourage pollinators and prey by:

• Planting a variety of flowering plants, such as milkweed and mountain mint².
• Avoiding pesticides as dragonflies are sensitive to toxic chemicals³.

By following these simple guidelines, your garden will become a haven for dragonflies and other beneficial insects.