Dragonflies and Damselflies
A few hundred million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era, huge Dragonflies and Damselflies with a wing span of about 2 metres roamed the earth. They have survived and evolved through the millions of years retaining some of their beautiful, robust features and tremendous hunting skills to this day. Out of about 5000 species worldwide, some species that are unique to South West WA and not found anywhere else in the world, live and breed in the Big Swamp.
Although they seem to have intricately delicate wings, Dragons and Damsels are strong fliers and have a sturdy build. They have a carnivorous diet, consisting of smaller insects. They are avid hunters. They do not harm humans and don't interact with us much. The larval stages of dragons and damsels voraciously feed on mosquito larvae and are considered beneficial for natural control of mosquitos. Water is an important part of their life. Their lifecycle and most of their life depends on water, hence The Big Swamp is an ideal place to spot many species of dragons and damsels.
Although they seem to have intricately delicate wings, Dragons and Damsels are strong fliers and have a sturdy build. They have a carnivorous diet, consisting of smaller insects. They are avid hunters. They do not harm humans and don't interact with us much. The larval stages of dragons and damsels voraciously feed on mosquito larvae and are considered beneficial for natural control of mosquitos. Water is an important part of their life. Their lifecycle and most of their life depends on water, hence The Big Swamp is an ideal place to spot many species of dragons and damsels.
Tau Emerald Dragonfly
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Wandering Ringtail Damselfly
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Difference between dragons and damsels
Dragonflies are larger in size than damselflies. Dragons spread their wings apart when they rest and damsels fold their wings at rest. Dragons have two large compound eyes, covering most of their heads and three small simple eyes on the top their heads. Lifecycle Dragons and damsels show some amount of sexual dimorphism, meaning the males look different to females. Males are more colourful than females. They have an unusual mating ritual. The male and female form a 'mating wheel' and fly in the wheel position. After fertilisation, the female flies over the water and lays eggs into the water. The eggs become larvae and live in that stage for months to years. The larvae hatch into adult insects in summer, which is the best time to see them. Common Dragonflies found in Big Swamp
Common Damselflies found in Big Swamp
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