A Sure Sign of Summer
The fast flight and shimmering colours make dragonflies one of summer’s most recognizable insects. What you may not realize is that these expert fliers spend most of their lives out of sight, underwater.
Healthy wetlands, ponds and streams provide the conditions they need to complete their lifecycle, making every dragonfly you spot a reminder of the importance of healthy freshwater habitats.
Most of a Dragonfly’s Life Happens Underwater
These ancient insects may seem like masters of the air but their story begins beneath the surface. Depending on the species, this underwater stage can last anywhere from several months to several years. During this time, dragonfly nymphs are active predators, feeding on aquatic insects, tadpoles and even small fish before emerging as the winged adults we see each summer.
They depend on clean, well-oxygenated water and diverse aquatic habitats making their presence a valuable indicator of the health of local ponds, wetlands and streams. When wetlands are lost or water quality declines, dragonfly populations can decline alongside many other freshwater species.
Through our environmental monitoring, we track ecosystem health which informs restoration actions to improve ecosystem function. Protecting and enhancing wetlands, ponds and streams supports dragonflies and other aquatic species.
Masters of the Air
After months or even years underwater, dragonfly nymphs climb out of the water and emerge from their exoskeletons where their wings expand and harden for the final stage of their life cycle. Adult dragonflies are among the most skilled fliers in the insect world. Unlike many insects, they can:
- Fly forward, backward and sideways
- Hover in place
- Change direction instantly
- Reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour
Their large compound eyes provide nearly 360-degree vision, helping them spot prey and avoid predators.
Native Dragonflies of the Credit River Watershed
For more than 300 million years, these incredible fliers have been patrolling the skies. Today, 73 native dragonfly species can be found throughout the Credit River Watershed.
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
One of Ontario’s largest and most recognizable dragonflies, the common green darter can be identified by its bright green thorax and blue abdomen. Unlike many dragonflies, this species migrates, travelling as far as 1,400 kilometres between Canada and the southern United States.
Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)
Named for the distinctive dark patches on its wings, the twelve spotted skimmer is commonly seen perched near ponds, wetlands and slow-moving water. This species spends more than 90 per cent of its lifespan in the water before emerging as an adult dragonfly.
Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
A striking species with dark wing bands and powdery white patches on the wings of mature males, the widow skimmer dragonfly is often found around marshes, lakes and ponds. Like other dragonflies, widow skimmers have nearly 360-degree vision thanks to their large compound eyes, which can contain thousands of individual lenses.
Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis)
Eastern pondhawks are ambush predators that often hunt from a perch, darting out to capture insects before returning to the same spot. They are commonly found in ponds and marshes. Adult males are powder blue, while females are green.
Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina)
The Halloween pennant is one of Ontario’s most colourful dragonflies. Its orange and black markings resemble a Halloween decoration. It often perches on the tips of tall grasses and reeds that sway in the breeze. Their lightweight bodies allow them to sway in the wind like a pennant on a flagpole.
A Summer Spectacle Worth Watching
The next time you visit a conservation area, pause for a moment near a wetland, pond or slow-moving stream. Chances are, you’ll spot a dragonfly zipping past or perched on a nearby plant.
Learn more about insects in the Credit River Watershed.
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By Kimberley Laird, Associate, Marketing and Communications