Dragonflies are common near water bodies and in gardens. Their large size and high-speed flight often lead people to wonder if they pose a threat. The simple answer is that these insects are entirely harmless to people. They are also highly beneficial to the environment, acting as natural pest controllers.
The Truth About Dragonfly Bites and Stings
Dragonflies do not possess a stinger and are incapable of stinging. The long, pointed structure sometimes mistaken for a stinger on the female is actually an ovipositor, a specialized appendage used for laying eggs in plant tissue or mud. This apparatus is not designed to pierce human skin.
While they do not sting, dragonflies are equipped with mandibles, which are used to capture and consume small insects in mid-air. These mouthparts are formidable against tiny prey but cannot inflict a meaningful bite on a person. A dragonfly might attempt to bite only if it is mishandled or aggressively squeezed, but the action is negligible. Any pressure applied would likely result in nothing more than a slight pinch that cannot break the skin for most species.
Debunking Common Myths
The perception of dragonflies as dangerous is often fueled by historical folklore and intimidating regional names. Across various cultures, these insects have been saddled with frightening titles like “Devil’s Darning Needles” and “Horse Stingers.” These names contributed to the false belief that dragonflies could cause harm, such as sewing up the mouths of children or stinging livestock.
In reality, these dramatic names have no basis in scientific fact. The “darning needle” moniker likely stems from the dragonfly’s long, slender abdomen. The name “horse stinger” may have arisen from their habit of flying near livestock to catch the biting flies that plague horses and cattle. Other regional names, such as “snake doctor,” suggest a connection to myth or superstition rather than physical danger.
Their Real Role in Nature
Dragonflies are highly efficient hunters of other insects, filling a significant role in ecological balance. They are voracious carnivores, beginning as aquatic nymphs that prey on mosquito larvae, tadpoles, and other small organisms. This predatory stage can last for months or even years beneath the surface before they emerge as adults.
As adults, dragonflies have a reported hunting success rate of up to 95% against flying prey. They dedicate their speed and three-dimensional vision to catching airborne pests like mosquitoes, gnats, midges, and flies. A single adult dragonfly can consume dozens to hundreds of mosquitoes each day, serving as a powerful form of natural pest control. Their rapid, agile flight patterns are solely focused on intercepting these small targets.