The dragonfly life cycle consists of three stages - egg, nymph and adult. Dragonfly eggs are deposited directly onto aquatic plants or dropped into the water. Dragonflies begin life as a nymph living underwater, where they eat other aquatic creatures. The nymphs of larger dragonflies will even eat those of the smaller species. This nymphal stage can last for as long as four years for some species. Many species overwinter as nymphs in ponds and marshes and emerge in the spring as adults. When the nymph is completely grown and ready to become a dragonfly it will crawl up the stem of a water plant and emerge out of the water. The nymph is now ready to change from an underwater predator into an aerial one! The adult dragonfly emerges from the skin of the nymph. This discarded skin is called the exuvia and can be seen still clinging to stems long after the dragonfly has emerged. After emerging from skin, the dragonfly body and wings grow rapidly as it pumps fluids into to them. The new adult dragonfly will hunt and often eat on the wing. It will also look for a mate. Dragonflies mate in flight, and are often seen flying in tandem. When the dragonflies have successfully mated, the female will look for a suitable pond where she will lay her eggs and the cycle begins again. Adult dragonflies can live up to 2 months.

[Dragonfly Life Cycle]

Dragonfly Life Cycle and Biology Links
Dragonfly (Odonata) Biodiversity Photographs, mating behavior, species lists, information about collecting and preserving dragonflies, a glossary of terms, and range maps of western US dragonflies from the University of Puget Sound.
Odonatology Includes sections on the Specialist Group for Systematic and Phylogenetic Odonatology, journal Petalura, phylogenetic classification, alphabetical checklist, photo galleries, and resources for odonatologists.
Beginner's Guide to Dragonflies Introduction to the classification and biology of Odonata.
Dragonfly - Order Odonata

Brief article by Judi Manning, summarizing their history, life cycle, and biology.
Dragonfly Nymphs Drawings and a brief description.

Dragonfly Site Home | Dragonfly Pictures | Dragonfly Life Cycle | Dragonfly Books
Regional Lists of Dragonflies | Dragonfly Gifts | Dragonfly Links Page

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Here’s a great article on the Butterfly Life Cycle with pictures and links to more information.