Where Do Dragonflies Lay Their Eggs?

Unlike damselflies, dragonflies keep their wings spread open when resting.

Dragonflies exist today in much smaller sizes than the fossilized remains dated to the age of the dinosaurs. While their sizes have changed over the centuries, dragonflies continue to use the same methods to mate and lay eggs as they did in prehistoric times.

Mating

To mate and produce eggs, a male dragonfly pulls his tail in and disperses his sperm onto another reproductive organ near the base of his abdomen. The male locks onto the female dragonfly and she pulls her tail up to create a wheel shape with their bodies while fertilizing eggs.

Location

Dragonflies mate and lay their eggs close to a still body of water. Dragonflies may gather near and lay eggs in ponds, lakes, puddles, dammed streams, creeks or ditches.

Egg Laying

Females lay eggs immediately after the male fertilizes the eggs. A female dragonfly may remain attached to the male or he may accompany her for protection from predators and other males. The female may lay her eggs by dropping them into the water or onto plants growing on the surface of the water or into mud.

References

• Brantacan: Dragonflies and Damselflies
• Animal Life Resource: Dragonflies and Damselflies
• BioKids: Dragonflies

Resources

• Dragonfly Site: Facts and Myths About Dragonflies