Mosquito hawks

Dragonflies are fierce looking flying insects that are among the most beneficial of wetland insects. Often called "mosquito hawks," they feed on mosquitoes, midges,  flies, bees, ants, wasps and other small insects. Dragonflies use their great speed and agility, plus excellent eyesight, to capture their prey in the mid air. All dragonflies are harmless to humans.

Females lay eggs in the water which hatch into wingless aquatic nymphs. The nymphs feed on insect larvae, worms, and other small creatures and many remain underwater for several weeks, or several years, depending on the species. Dragonfly nymphs are, in turn, an important food for many fish. The last nymphal stage crawls from the water, the outer skin splits and the winged adult emerges. This process of development is called incomplete metamorphosis.

The smaller, slimmer damselflies have a similar life history, but unlike dragonflies, they fold their wings over their backs when perched.

Source: Michigan DNR - Dragonflies (Order Odonata)

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