The life cycle of a dragonfly is quite fascinating and consists of three main stages: egg, nymph (larva), and adult.
Egg Stage: Female dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water. Depending on the species, eggs can be laid on aquatic plants, in the water, or in moist soil. The eggs typically hatch within a few weeks1.
Nymph Stage: Once hatched, the dragonfly enters the nymph stage, which is the longest part of its life cycle. Nymphs live underwater and are voracious predators, feeding on small aquatic organisms. They go through several molts as they grow, shedding their exoskeletons multiple times. This stage can last from a few months to several years, depending on the species and environmental conditions12.
Adult Stage: When the nymph is fully grown and ready to transform, it crawls out of the water onto a plant or other surface. It then undergoes metamorphosis, shedding its final nymphal skin to emerge as an adult dragonfly. The adult stage is relatively short, typically lasting only a few weeks to a few months. During this time, adult dragonflies are focused on feeding, mating, and laying eggs to start the cycle anew12.
