Dragonflies
Introduction
These are amazing hunters, and very sensitive to climate change which is why scientists have dubbed them "climate canaries" for their ability to serve as an indicator species.
What Makes Dragonflies So Extraordinary
10:46 minute video talks about dragonfly abilities including flying styles and their hunting skills.
Benefits of Dragonflies
Dragonflies as Indicator Species
"Dragonflies are an excellent bio-indicator (“bio” meaning living indicator) of water health. Their entire lifespan is intricately tied to the water which means they need high water quality to survive to adulthood. They are susceptible to high levels of pollution, such as physical garbage, chemicals and fertilizer runoff, and sediment erosion which can cover and suffocate eggs and nymphs.
Throughout their life cycle, dragonflies are also food for many predators like frogs and birds. This means any toxins in their body will bio-accumulate in animals found higher up on the food chain. While a single dragonfly may not have enough toxins present in its body to kill it, a higher up predator like a frog or swallow may accumulate enough toxins from all of its diet of dragonflies and other insects, resulting in mortality. This bodes even worse for top predators like hawks and falcons that eat animals like frogs or swallows." - Watersheds: Dragonflies as a Bio-Indicator of Water Health
Pest Control
Dragonflies are like the hawks and eagles of the insect world. They will help keep down mosquito and other insect populations, so make sure to avoid using insecticides, and provide plenty of open spaces with perches such as twigs or clothing lines for your colourful dragonfly neighbors to survey the scene from.
If you still have pest problems even with dragonflies around, check out the Non-Lethal Pest Control page to see what you can do to combat them without hurting your local predators.
Biomes
Where in the World do Dragonflies Live? with Entomologist Jessica Ware
5:49minute video about dragonflies from their evolution (they may have been the first species on Earth to fly!), including how their wing styles can affect their flying styles. The video talks about where they live and what their life cycle is like.
How To Attract DRAGONFLIES For A MOSQUITO FREE Yard And Garden!
13:07 minute video talking about the benefits of dragonflies and how to make your garden inviting for them. Pesticides are not recommended, but he explains when and how to spray (if needed) so as to minimize risk to your friendly insects.
Resources & Guides
Using A Sweep Net by Texas Junior Naturalists offers practical information including links to bug guides by Order.
Tools & Apps
Europe
UK
Northern Ireland
CEDaR (Center for Environmental Data and Recording) Online Recording Click the link to see what projects are available. They have specific links for Owls, Butterflies, Marine, Invasive Species, Lady Birds and more! Some of the links will take you to projects for specific regions including the Ring of Gullion and Belfast Hills.