Dragonflies are insects in the order Odonata, and they share this group with the damselflies. However, dragonflies are distinct from damselflies in that they never fold their wings together directly above their body, unlike damselflies. All members of the order Odonata have predatory aquatic larvae that consume other insects, small fish, and even each other. Odonate larvae have a distinct jaw that extends outward to catch prey, and species can be differentiated based on the morphology and number of the jaw’s teeth.
The primary functional reason to attract dragonflies into the yard is their use as natural and long-term pest control. As predators, dragonflies consume various insects, including insect pests like mosquitoes, flies, and biting midges. Additionally, dragonfly larvae predate upon the larvae of these insects providing robust and natural control of many pest species.
Since juvenile dragonflies rely on healthy aquatic habitats and adults occupy terrestrial habitats, dragonflies are also indicators of habitat quality and ecosystem health. Dragonfly populations are sensitive to water quality changes and disruption of prey populations, given their position in the local food chain as top insect predators. They also require a diverse environment which can be degraded when habitat quality is reduced.
1) Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)
Water hyacinths are leafy floating plants that colonize waterways. In some regions of the United States, hyacinths are invasive and should not be introduced to local ponds, rivers, or lakes. Despite their potential as an invasive species, water hyacinths are a popular pond plant in the United States due to their hardiness and the beautiful light purple flowers they produce.
Dragonflies are attracted to water hyacinths, given their proximity to water, and often use hyacinths as a place to perch. Other insects are also attracted to water hyacinths, providing dragonflies with a source of food. One species, the hyacinth glider (Miathyria marcella), is closely associated with water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth.
2) Cattails (Typha spp.)
Cattails belong to their own family and are close relatives of grasses in the family Poaceae. These plants are usually tall with flat, alternating leaves and large flowering spikes resembling corndogs. The edges of the leaves are smooth, unlike many marsh grasses, which may have serrated or even sharp leaves.
Cattails can reproduce via seeds, which are light and feathery, allowing the seeds to travel vast distances by wind. They also reproduce vegetatively through complex rhizomes or root systems. Dragonflies can often be seen perching on cattails and may use the plants’ rhizomes as a place to lay their eggs.
3) Native grasses (Family Poaceae)
Like cattails, many types of grass attract dragonflies. These grasses are often found near sources of water, which plays a vital role in the dragonfly lifecycle either as a location that harbors a source of food, as a place to perch and rest, or as a place to reproduce and lay eggs. Grasses far away from water sources serve a similar function, although they are primarily used as perches or to attract prey species.
When selecting grasses for a backyard pond or stream, it is essential to choose native grasses, as non-native grasses can quickly overtake native ecosystems. When invasive grasses colonize an ecosystem, they can form monocultures, leading to an overall reduction in biodiversity, which may drive dragonflies to other habitats. Some examples of North American native grasses include switch grass (Panicum virgatum), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans).
4) Wetland plants
Other wetland plants, like bulrushes, sedges, and pickerel weeds, also draw dragonflies primarily due to their proximity to water and for different reasons previously mentioned (e.g. perching, egg-laying, mating). These plants are usually found in wetlands near sources of water or consistently saturated soils.
Water bodies attract insects like caddisflies, mosquitoes, mayflies, and dragonflies, using these aquatic habitats to raise their young. So, these insects are closely associated with plants that tolerate wet conditions. Additionally, adult dragonflies eat smaller prey insects found near the water. These plants are usually naturally occurring and therefore do not need to be planted or maintained.
5) Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Dragonflies are voracious predators throughout their life cycle. While adults are masters at flying, juveniles spend their time under the water using jet propulsion to move quickly through the water and hunt aquatic insects. Juvenile dragonflies, which look remarkably different compared to their adult form, usually hide in submerged aquatic vegetation, waiting for a prey item to swim past. As a result, cultivating patches of plants like hornwort or dwarf sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) will improve the survival of nymphs and lead to the long-term recruitment of adult dragonflies to the local environment.
6) Wildflowers
One of the best ways to provide diversity to a dragonfly garden is by planting native wildflower mixes. These plants have the added benefit of drawing in pollinators and other natural enemies like mantises and ladybeetles. Like most species on this list, wildflowers do not directly attract dragonflies but are relatively attractive to the dragonflies’ prey.
Wildflowers also provide shelter from the weather and perching opportunities and can serve as a place for many insects to hibernate. Be sure only to plant native wildflowers, as introducing non-native species to a garden can introduce invasive species and reduce the quality of a dragonfly garden.
What Types of Habitats Attract Dragonflies?
Luckily for many homeowners, dragonflies are often attracted to the same habitats that attract their prey. As a result, aquatic or open grassland habitats are ideal for dragonflies and their prey. For example, mosquitos are drawn to water sources wherein they lay their eggs, and dragonflies are attracted to similar water sources for the same reason. Therefore, plants associated with these habitats are used by dragonflies as perches, places to lay eggs, and places to molt when nymphs climb out of the water and transform into winged adults.
Conversely, open grasslands give dragonflies ample space to fly. These habitats are usually gathering areas for breeding groups of various fly species and harbor a variety of food options for dragonflies. Additionally, grasslands can have fewer birds that may predate upon dragonflies than wooded areas. At the very least, the extra space provided by open grasslands gives dragonflies a better chance at evading other predators.
How Do I Attract Dragonflies to My Garden?
The first step is to avoid applying insecticides because dragonflies are extremely sensitive to insecticides. While applying insecticides may lead to a short-term reduction in pest populations, these populations will eventually rebound and require another application. Encouraging natural enemies and predator populations serves as a long-term and more sustainable solution to pesticide application, and the first step to attracting predatory insects to the yard is to stop applying insecticides for pests.
There are several steps a homeowner can take to attract dragonflies to their yard or garden and take advantage of this natural pest control. Firstly, a non-chlorinated and predator-free water source should be provided to encourage dragonflies to visit and lay their eggs. Next, ample perching opportunities in emergent vegetation or floating plants should give dragonflies a space to rest, mate, and lay their eggs. Diversity is vital with dragonflies, and they will respond well to a diverse and dynamic environment. Here is a list of plants to consider when planning a dragonfly garden.
