Dragonflies are fast, large-eyed flying insects of the order Odonata that spend their early life as predatory nymphs in freshwater and their adult life hunting mosquitoes, midges and other small insects in the air, and in India they are a common sight around ponds, paddy fields, rivers and wetlands, especially during and after the monsoon. Dragonflies are completely harmless to people, do not sting, and are among the most useful natural controllers of mosquitoes and other flying pests.
India is home to hundreds of species of dragonflies and their close relatives, the damselflies, and one of them, the globe skimmer, makes one of the longest known insect migrations in the world across the Indian Ocean. This explainer covers what dragonflies are, how they live and hunt, how they help people, which species are common in India, and why they are valued as signs of healthy water. Last updated: 23 October 2026.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific group | Order Odonata; true dragonflies form the suborder Anisoptera |
| Close relatives | Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera), slimmer insects that fold their wings at rest |
| Species in India | Roughly 500 species of Odonata recorded, including many in the Western Ghats and the Northeast |
| Age of the group | Odonata-like insects appear in fossils about 300 million years old, older than the dinosaurs |
| Larval habitat | Freshwater ponds, streams, rivers, paddy fields and marshes; the nymph is aquatic |
| Adult food | Mosquitoes, midges, flies, small moths and other flying insects caught in mid-air |
| Famous migrant | Globe skimmer (Pantala flavescens), which crosses the Indian Ocean in stages |
| Danger to people | None; dragonflies cannot sting and are not venomous |
| Conservation value | Used as indicators of freshwater and wetland health |
Key Takeaways
- Dragonflies are insects of the order Odonata, with roughly 500 Odonata species recorded in India, including both dragonflies and damselflies.
- Dragonflies begin life as aquatic nymphs that live and hunt underwater, including on mosquito larvae, before climbing out to become flying adults.
- Adult dragonflies are agile aerial hunters that catch mosquitoes and other small insects in flight, and they do not sting or bite humans in any harmful way.
- The globe skimmer (Pantala flavescens) is a dragonfly that travels across the Indian Ocean between India and Africa over several generations, which is one of the longest known insect migrations.
- Dragonflies are bioindicators, meaning their presence signals clean, healthy freshwater, and their absence can signal pollution or habitat loss.
- Dragonflies are about 300 million years old as a group, and their ancient lineage includes giant relatives with wingspans of about 70 centimetres.
What are dragonflies?
Dragonflies are winged predatory insects of the order Odonata, recognisable by their large compound eyes, long slender abdomen and two pairs of strong transparent wings that are held out sideways when resting. The order’s name comes from a Greek word meaning toothed jaw, a reference to their strong biting mouthparts.
Odonata splits into two main groups. True dragonflies, the suborder Anisoptera, are sturdy, strong flyers that rest with wings spread. Damselflies, the suborder Zygoptera, are slimmer and weaker flyers that mostly rest with their wings folded along the body. People in India commonly lump them together under the same name, and both are equally harmless and beneficial.
The group is ancient. Fossils of dragonfly-like insects date back about 300 million years, and one Carboniferous relative, Meganeura, had a wingspan of around 70 centimetres. Modern dragonflies are smaller, but their basic design has changed little because it works so well.
How are dragonflies different from damselflies?
Dragonflies differ from damselflies mainly in body build, eye position and wing posture: dragonflies are stouter with eyes that touch or nearly touch and wings held flat, while damselflies are delicate with widely separated eyes and wings folded at rest. Both belong to the order Odonata.
| Feature | Dragonflies (Anisoptera) | Damselflies (Zygoptera) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Thick, strong, robust | Slim and delicate |
| Eyes | Large and close together or touching | Widely separated, like a hammer head |
| Wings at rest | Held out flat to the sides | Usually folded together over the body |
| Flight | Fast, strong and long-distance | Weak, fluttering and close to vegetation |
| Larva | Stout nymph with internal gills in the rear | Slender nymph with three leaf-like tail gills |
How do dragonflies hunt?
Dragonflies hunt by spotting prey with their huge compound eyes and intercepting it in flight, using their powerful wings and their leg “basket” to scoop up insects mid-air. They are among the most successful aerial predators in the animal world.
Each compound eye holds tens of thousands of tiny lenses, giving the dragonfly sharp motion detection and a nearly all-round field of view. Dragonflies appear to predict the path of a moving target and fly to where it will be, rather than chasing where it is. Studies of some species report capture success rates far higher than most predators, in some cases over 90 percent.
The insect controls its four wings independently, which allows sudden turns, hovering, flying backwards and bursts of speed. Some species patrol a stretch of water back and forth, and others perch on a twig and dart out to catch passing prey before returning. They usually eat their catch on the wing or at a perch.
Do dragonflies sting or bite?
Dragonflies do not sting, and they are not venomous or dangerous to humans. They have strong jaws for chewing insects, and a large dragonfly held in the hand may nip a finger, but the bite is trivial and not harmful.
The tail end of a dragonfly looks like a possible stinger to many people, particularly in females laying eggs, but it is merely an egg-laying organ or a clasping tool. Old beliefs in some parts of the world about dragonflies stitching up mouths or ears have no basis in fact. Children are often safely allowed to watch dragonflies close up, though it is kinder to let them go unharmed.
What is the life cycle of a dragonfly?
The life cycle of a dragonfly has three stages, egg, nymph and adult, and the nymph stage in water is usually the longest part of life. Dragonflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which means there is no pupa.
- Egg: females lay eggs in or near water, sometimes dipping the tip of the abdomen into the surface, and sometimes inserting eggs into plant stems.
- Nymph: a wingless, aquatic predator that breathes with gills and feeds on mosquito larvae, tadpoles, small fish and other aquatic animals; it moults several times as it grows.
- Emergence: the full-grown nymph crawls out of the water onto a stem or rock, its skin splits and the winged adult pulls free, leaving behind a papery shell called an exuvia.
- Adult: pumps up its wings, hardens, feeds, mates and lays eggs; adults usually live for weeks to a few months.
The nymph stage can last from a few weeks to a few years depending on species and temperature. In warm Indian conditions many species develop quickly, which is one reason the arrival of the monsoon rains brings such large numbers of adults into the air.
How do dragonflies help control mosquitoes?
Dragonflies help control mosquitoes at two stages of life: nymphs eat mosquito larvae in the water, and adults catch adult mosquitoes in the air. This makes dragonflies natural allies in reducing mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
A single dragonfly can eat many insects in a day, and although the exact number depends on the species, their diet includes mosquitoes and gnats in large quantities. Dragonfly nymphs living in a pond or paddy field can reduce the number of mosquito larvae that develop into biting adults.
It is important to be realistic. Dragonflies are one part of a larger web of predators, which also includes fish, frogs, bats, birds and spiders, and they cannot replace drainage of stagnant water, clean sanitation and other public health measures. Still, healthy wetlands full of dragonflies are a natural form of pest control that costs nothing and has no harmful chemicals.
What is the globe skimmer and how far does it migrate?
The globe skimmer (Pantala flavescens) is a medium-sized dragonfly that makes one of the longest known insect migrations, travelling across the Indian Ocean between India and eastern Africa over the course of several generations. It is found on almost every continent, which is how it got its name.
Scientists have proposed that Indian globe skimmers ride the winds associated with the monsoon. Individuals travel from southern India across the ocean toward East Africa, breeding in temporary rain pools along the way, and the following generations return, completing a long loop of thousands of kilometres in total. The insects depend on seasonal rains because they lay their eggs in temporary pools, and their nymphs grow very quickly before the pools dry up.
Because of this, globe skimmers often appear in large numbers around the start of the monsoon. The details of the route are still being studied, but the species is a striking example of how a small, delicate-looking insect can cross an ocean.
Which dragonflies are common in India?
Common dragonflies in India include the globe skimmer, the scarlet skimmer, the green marsh hawk, the ground skimmer, the pied paddy skimmer and the common picture wing, all of which are easy to see around ponds and fields. Many of these species are widespread across the plains.
| Common name | Scientific name | How to recognise it |
|---|---|---|
| Globe skimmer | Pantala flavescens | Golden-brown body with broad, wide hind wings; flies in swarms in the open |
| Scarlet skimmer | Crocothemis servilia | Males are bright red with a red abdomen; perches on reeds |
| Green marsh hawk | Orthetrum sabina | Green and black banded body with green eyes; common near water |
| Ground skimmer | Diplacodes trivialis | Small; males turn bluish and often perch on bare ground |
| Pied paddy skimmer | Neurothemis tullia | Black-and-white or dark wings; frequent in paddy fields |
| Common picture wing | Rhyothemis variegata | Patterned, butterfly-like wings in yellow and black |
The Western Ghats and the Northeast are especially rich in species, and a number of dragonflies and damselflies there are found nowhere else in the world. Naturalists and citizen scientists, using photographs, regularly add new records to state and national checklists.
Why are dragonflies important for the environment?
Dragonflies are important for the environment because they are both predators and prey, and because their presence reflects the health of freshwater habitats. They link water and land by moving energy from aquatic nymphs to flying adults.
Nymphs control populations of mosquito larvae and other small aquatic animals, while adults control flying insects. In turn they feed fish, frogs, birds, bats and spiders. Because their larvae need clean water with plants and shelter, dragonflies are used as bioindicators. A pond full of different species is usually a pond in good health, while one with only a few hardy species may be polluted or disturbed.
Dragonflies also appear in cultural traditions across Asia, and in Tamil and Malayalam the dragonfly is known as thumbi, while Bengali speakers call it ghoraforing. Their appearance during the rains often signals a change in the season for rural communities.
What threatens dragonflies in India?
Dragonflies are threatened mainly by the loss and pollution of wetlands, the filling-in of ponds, pesticide runoff and invasive species, which together reduce the clean freshwater that their nymphs need. Although many common species are secure, specialist species with narrow habitats are more vulnerable.
- Wetland loss: ponds, tanks, marshes and paddy edges are drained for construction and agriculture.
- Water pollution: sewage, industrial waste and agricultural chemicals poison nymphs and their food.
- Habitat disturbance: concrete embankments and removal of aquatic and bank vegetation take away egg-laying and emergence sites.
- Invasive fish and plants: some introduced fish eat nymphs, and dense mats of invasive weeds block light and shelter.
- Climate change: changes in rainfall and drying of seasonal pools affect breeding.
How can you attract and protect dragonflies?
You can attract and protect dragonflies by keeping a clean, plant-filled pond or water body, avoiding pesticides, leaving some natural vegetation around the water and avoiding fish that eat the nymphs. Even a small garden pond can host several species.
- Create a shallow pond with gently sloping sides and a mix of floating, submerged and reed-like plants.
- Leave stems and branches near the water for nymphs to climb for emergence and for adults to perch.
- Avoid chemical sprays and fertilisers that drain into the water.
- Do not stock the pond with ornamental fish that feed on nymphs.
- Protect and restore village tanks, temple ponds and wetlands, which are important dragonfly habitats.
Dragonfly watching is also an easy way to start nature observation. Photographs shared on community platforms help scientists map where each species is found and track changes over time.
Bottom Line
Dragonflies are ancient, harmless insects whose water-dwelling nymphs and airborne adults both eat mosquitoes and other pests, and whose presence signals clean freshwater. From the long ocean journeys of the globe skimmer to the colourful skimmers on village ponds, they are an everyday example of how healthy wetlands benefit people as well as wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dragonflies bite or sting humans?
No, dragonflies do not sting and are not venomous. A large dragonfly held in the hand may nip with its jaws, but the bite is harmless. They are safe to watch and benefit people by eating mosquitoes.
Do dragonflies really eat mosquitoes?
Yes, dragonflies eat mosquitoes at both stages of life. Their aquatic nymphs feed on mosquito larvae in the water, and the adults catch adult mosquitoes in flight. They are one of several natural predators that keep mosquito numbers down.
How many species of dragonflies are found in India?
Roughly 500 species of Odonata, the group that includes dragonflies and damselflies, have been recorded in India. The Western Ghats and the Northeast are especially rich in species, including some that are found nowhere else. New records are still being added as naturalists study them.
What is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
A dragonfly is stouter, has eyes that touch or nearly touch, and rests with its wings held out flat. A damselfly is slimmer, has widely separated eyes and usually folds its wings along its body at rest. Both belong to the same order, Odonata, and both are harmless.
How far do dragonflies migrate?
Some dragonflies migrate very long distances, and the globe skimmer is the best-known example. It travels across the Indian Ocean between India and East Africa over several generations, covering thousands of kilometres in total. Its journey is linked to monsoon winds and seasonal rain pools.
Why do dragonflies appear during the monsoon?
Dragonflies appear in large numbers during the monsoon because rain fills ponds and pools where they breed, and many species, including the globe skimmer, time their emergence and migration with the rains. Abundant flying insects provide plenty of food as well. Their presence is a sign that local wetlands are active and healthy.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@graph”:[{“@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do dragonflies bite or sting humans?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”No, dragonflies do not sting and are not venomous. A large dragonfly held in the hand may nip with its jaws, but the bite is harmless. They are safe to watch and benefit people by eating mosquitoes.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do dragonflies really eat mosquitoes?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, dragonflies eat mosquitoes at both stages of life. Their aquatic nymphs feed on mosquito larvae in the water, and the adults catch adult mosquitoes in flight. They are one of several natural predators that keep mosquito numbers down.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How many species of dragonflies are found in India?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Roughly 500 species of Odonata, the group that includes dragonflies and damselflies, have been recorded in India. The Western Ghats and the Northeast are especially rich in species, including some that are found nowhere else. New records are still being added as naturalists study them.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”A dragonfly is stouter, has eyes that touch or nearly touch, and rests with its wings held out flat. A damselfly is slimmer, has widely separated eyes and usually folds its wings along its body at rest. Both belong to the same order, Odonata, and both are harmless.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How far do dragonflies migrate?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Some dragonflies migrate very long distances, and the globe skimmer is the best-known example. It travels across the Indian Ocean between India and East Africa over several generations, covering thousands of kilometres in total. Its journey is linked to monsoon winds and seasonal rain pools.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Why do dragonflies appear during the monsoon?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Dragonflies appear in large numbers during the monsoon because rain fills ponds and pools where they breed, and many species, including the globe skimmer, time their emergence and migration with the rains. Abundant flying insects provide plenty of food as well. Their presence is a sign that local wetlands are active and healthy.”}}]}]}
