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The dragonfly nymph remains in this stage from 1 to 15 years. During this time, they remain in the water and molt approximately 12 times. Upon completion of the final molt, the nymph crawls out of the water, sheds its skin, and emerges as a dragonfly. Adult dragonflies live only a few weeks to a few months. |
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Dragonflies mate while flying. The female usually drops her eggs from the air into water or inside stems of aquatic plants. |
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The nymph, young dragonfly, hatches in 5 to 15 days. Nymphs have large bodies, heads, and mouths. The nymph's mouth has a folding lip with a hook-like device used for trapping prey. The nymph breathes through gills. |
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