by Lydia Holley September 2, 2024
Many gardeners put in a butterfly garden to attract those colorful flying jewels to their garden. But have you ever considered attracting dragonflies? They too are colorful flying jewels. They can fly forward, backward, upside down, or hover in one spot. They lay their eggs in water, and the immature form of dragonflies stay in water until, according to the National Wildlife Federation, “temperatures hit 48 degrees F.” At that time, like butterflies, the nymphs emerge, unfurl their wings, and fly.
Like monarch butterflies, dragonflies take multiple generations to complete their cycle. Although dragonflies are found on every continent, the first generation coming though East Texas is born in the southern United States or Mexico in the spring. Within a couple of months, they fly 400 miles on average northward to lay eggs and die.
The second generation hatches and flies south in the fall, again laying eggs and dying. The third generation hatches but does not migrate, enjoying their time in their Southern home where they overwinter. The next spring, the next generation will hatch and start the process over again.
Scientists have also discovered dragonfly wings (along with cicadas) are magical. Perhaps not magical in the sense of fairy tales, but unusual enough. The wings are designed to tear bacteria apart, and dragonfly wings’ antibacterial properties are being studied for practical applications. According to Science Daily, scientists have developed this natural antibacterial texture “for use on food packaging to improve shelf life and reduce waste.” Scientists claim this film kills 70% of bacteria. Watch for it soon in a store near you.
So, how do you attract these amazing creatures? First, they need water. Most ponds are filled with fish, but if you want dragonfly to survive, do not introduce fish to your pond. Shallow sides or rocks will give dragonflies a way to crawl out of the water to hatch or used by adults to lay eggs. This can also be done with plants with spiky leaves.
Keep it low maintenance. Do as little as possible to keep from disturbing dragonfly nymphs. Leave leaf litter on the bottom, and do not use chemicals in the water. Then enjoy the beauty of the various types and colors of the dragonflies that come.
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