National Dragonfly Day 14 June 2025 (2nd Saturday in June annually)

National Dragonfly Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in June to bring awareness to one of nature's most beautiful insects. These ethereal creatures, with their shimmering wings and graceful flight, add a touch of magic to the world.

The dragonfly is an often-underappreciated insect that not only has fascinating features, but whose presence also typically means cutting down on the local insect population – by eating hundreds of mosquitoes each day. Call attention and bring awareness to one of the earth’s most aerodynamic insects with the celebration of National Dragonfly Day!

History of National Dragonfly Day

The first recorded Dragonfly Day in New York State was held in 2018 when it was passed by the state legislature. This day was founded to show appreciation for and celebrate these nimble, brilliant creatures!

This interesting insect has an ancient history that may date all the way back to 300 million years ago. Much smaller today than they used to be, some scientists have discovered fossils of dragonflies with wings that span up to three feet wide, perhaps even having been as large as modern day eagles!

Today’s version of these creatures feature buzzy wings and five eyes – two enormous compound eyes and three smaller ones – that allow them to see in virtually every direction. Dragonflies also have wings that come in all sorts of colours of the rainbow, many of which are iridescent and clear. When in flight, these insects display an incredible beauty and grace that also allows them to function as fast-paced predators of other smaller insects.

• While their bite wouldn’t be dangerous for humans (but might pinch!), dragonflies have sharp mandibles on their jaws that are used for tearing and devouring their prey.
• Dragonflies are the fastest flying insect in the world, reaching speeds up to 35 miles an hour in some cases.
• Not only are they fast, but dragonflies also have amazing control over their flight with the ability to fly backward, perform loop-de-loops, make 360 degree turns and more.

To read more about Dragonflies check out this link plus other online information pages.

National Dragonfly Day (June 14th, 2025) | Days Of The Year

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-dragonfly-day/

I have also read that Dragonflies spend most of their life as larvae called “nymphs”, living in wetlands or water and they eat mosquitos and other bugs. They develop into dragonflies we see flying around as adults when they breed and the life cycle starts again.

The Fascinating Transformation Of Dragonflies: A Life Cycle Overview - What's That Bug?

Life Cycle of a Dragonfly

Egg Stage

Dragonflies lay eggs in or near water

Eggs hatch into aquatic larvae called “nymphs”

Dragonflies begin their life cycle as eggs, which are typically laid in or near water. The specific location varies, but common sites include submerged plants or nearby soil. The eggs then hatch into aquatic larvae, also known as nymphs.

Nymph Stage

Nymphs have large eyes and gills inside their rectum

They feed on aquatic organisms like mosquito larvae

Nymph stage lasts from 1 to several years

During the nymph stage, dragonflies are aquatic and usually drab, with six legs and large eyes. They have unique gills located inside their rectum, which they use to breathe by drawing water in and out. Nymphs feed on various aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae. This stage can last from one to several years, depending on the species.

Adult Stage

Adults have huge eyes that cover most of the head

They are skilful fliers and predators

Mating and egg-laying are primary goals

When nymphs undergo metamorphosis, they emerge as adult dragonflies with huge eyes covering most of their head. As adults, they become skilful fliers and predators, feeding mainly on other insects, such as mosquitoes and flies. The primary goals of adult dragonflies are to mate and lay eggs, ensuring the continuation of their life cycle.

Courtship and Mating

Dragonflies exhibit various courtship behaviours. Males typically perform aerial acrobatics to attract females.

Once a suitable mate is found, the male dragonfly uses claspers located on his abdomen to hold onto the female’s head or thorax. This forms a tandem position known as the mating wheel.

Dragonflies are beneficial predators that help control mosquito populations. By incorporating specific plants into your garden, you can create an environment that attracts dragonflies while naturally repelling mosquitoes. In this article, we’ll explore 10 plants that serve this dual purpose, helping you create a balanced and enjoyable outdoor space.

Why Attract Dragonflies and Repel Mosquitoes?

Dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. A single dragonfly can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in a day, making them an excellent ally in your fight against these pesky insects. Additionally, dragonflies are harmless to humans and add a touch of beauty to your garden with their vibrant colours and graceful flight.

On the other hand, mosquitoes are not only annoying but can also carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. Repelling them naturally is a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. By planting the right flora, you can create a garden that supports biodiversity while keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Creating a garden that attracts dragonflies and repels mosquitoes is a win-win for both you and the environment. By incorporating these 10 plants into your outdoor space, you can enjoy a mosquito-free garden while supporting the natural ecosystem. Dragonflies not only add beauty to your garden but also serve as effective pest controllers, making them a valuable addition to any landscape. So, roll up your sleeves, start planting, and watch as your garden transforms into a haven for dragonflies and a no-go zone for mosquitoes!

10 Plants That Attract Dragonflies and Repel Mosquitoes

1. Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp.)- perfect for Dragonflies to lay eggs
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) strong fragrance is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes.
3. 3. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains citronella, a natural mosquito repellent.
4. Mint (Mentha spp.) strong scent is a natural mosquito deterrent.
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a pungent aroma that mosquitoes dislike.
6. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.

7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) woody scent is a natural mosquito

8. Ferns (Various Species) Ferns thrive in moist, shaded areas, which are also ideal habitats for dragonflies. Repellent.

9. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) strong scent is effective at repelling mosquitoes.

10. Cattails (Typha spp.) Cattails are aquatic plants that provide an excellent habitat for dragonflies. They grow in shallow water and are often found near ponds or marshes.

While researching for this article I checked the Facebook page Norfolk Island Invertebrates and insect expert James Tweed shared this post on 5 August 2024, answering a question about Dragonflies on Norfolk Island.

FACEBOOK: Norfolk Island Invertebrates

James Tweed 5 August 2024

No endemic dragonflies or damselflies on Norfolk Island as far as we know Malcolm. Prior to human colonisation of the island, most of it would have been covered by dense forest which isn't typically ideal habitat for odonates. This is one group that has probably benefited a lot from the clearance of forest, opening up of waterways, and creation of dams and ponds so many of the species present on Norfolk may be relatively recent arrivals.

Here are a few images of Dragonflies, plus a photograph I took in May 2022, of a Dragonfly I found dead at Kingston, so I expect it was from the Kingston Wetlands.

Next time to you see a Dragonfly, watch it fly, see its beauty and I also like to think about how many mosquitos eaten Dragonfly has eaten.

Betty Matthews

20 June 2025