A tadpole for dinner

Did You Know? A dragonfly larva can eat a tadpole!

Most people are familiar with adult dragonflies, but the larval stage of this aerial insect is aquatic. Hunting with an elongated, hinged jaw, some dragonfly larvae can catch and cram an organism almost as large as themselves into their maws. When it comes to predatorial insects, just as in their adult form, dragonfly larvae are considered near the top of the food chain. They’ll eat other insects, worms, tadpoles, and even small fish. Is it moving? Yep! <Gulp>

Dragonflies spend the majority of their lives as aquatic larvae in small pools or slow-moving waters. Some species stay as larvae for only a year, whereas others may live up to five years before morphing into a winged adult.

Because of their extended larval stage and predatory nature, they can accumulate mercury in their bodies, just as predatory fish. Some researchers have partnered with citizen scientists to assess mercury contamination in water by collecting dragonflies! Check out the Dragonfly Mercury Project to see if monitoring pollution levels in the national parks is one way you want to connect your curriculum to science that influences policy.

Determined to make science make sense? We’re pleased to help you in any step along your journey to teach science, whether it’s some training to teach in a way that’s more accessible to your students, getting involved in one of our research projects, learning about citizen science projects that might fit your specific space and goals, or helping you get started with something that you’ve already picked out.