Most dragonfly nymphs spend 3 to 5 years in a pond, steadily growing bigger and shedding their skins when they become too tight. I don't know what triggers the final change but when the time comes, the nymph climbs out of the pond and when the skin splits this last time it's a beautiful flying creature that emerges. They live for a few months after that, catching other insects on the wing, not necessarily near water. Having mated the female searches out a pond into which she lays the eggs. Even a small pond will do if you have a garden. I saw a female laying eggs this summer but we won't know if any nymphs have survived for another 3 to 5 years! It's certainly been a special summer :)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-09-06 09:05 pm (UTC)Most dragonfly nymphs spend 3 to 5 years in a pond, steadily growing bigger and shedding their skins when they become too tight. I don't know what triggers the final change but when the time comes, the nymph climbs out of the pond and when the skin splits this last time it's a beautiful flying creature that emerges. They live for a few months after that, catching other insects on the wing, not necessarily near water. Having mated the female searches out a pond into which she lays the eggs. Even a small pond will do if you have a garden. I saw a female laying eggs this summer but we won't know if any nymphs have survived for another 3 to 5 years! It's certainly been a special summer :)