Well, I think I just found my new favorite insect! While out this morning, I noticed a tiny damselfly flitting about the Frog Pond. Oh, my goodness! I was so in hopes that this beautiful, little insect was careful not to get too close to those old frogs! Thankfully, it stayed far enough away to avoid being zapped by a froggy tongue. I watched the damselfly for a few minutes then decided I needed to learn a bit more about this graceful creature. After snapping a couple of photos, I headed back inside to do some research.
All I read was just about what I knew already. Damselflies are related to dragonflies. They are much smaller with small eyes (in proportion to their heads) compared to the dragonflies large eyes. Damselflies lay their eggs in fresh water. Their nymphs have voracious appetites and seem to love mosquito nymphs and bloodworms. These creatures fold their wings back on their bodies when at rest. Damselflies work together to catch swarming termites.
Wait! What??? Termites? Yep! It seems that adult damselflies love to eat the soft-bodied termites! Oh, my goodness! I love this creature! The Mississippi Gulf Coast has been seeing an increasing amount of termite swarms each spring. Those critters literally can shut down the town as people go into hiding with lights out. Millions of the termites take to the skies in the early evening and get into everything...hair, clothing, nose, ears, eyes...ugh! Now, I find that the damselflies eat termites and I am determined to find a way to attract more to the place. I would much rather have those than termites...ANY DAY!
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