Tiny garden neighbours
Dragonfly
A sparkly flyer with eyes almost all the way around its head.
Dragonflies are fast-flying insects with four clear wings and long thin bodies. They catch small flying insects in the air.
Interesting facts
- A dragonfly's huge eyes let it see in almost every direction.
- Dragonflies can fly forwards, backwards and even hover in one spot.
- Young dragonflies, called nymphs, live underwater in ponds.
- Dragonflies eat lots of mosquitoes and other small flies.
Where it lives
Near ponds, lakes, streams and wet gardens on warm sunny days.
It might be…
- Zooming over water
- Resting on a reed with wings spread out
- Hovering in one spot
Why it matters
Dragonflies help control mosquitoes, and they need clean water, so seeing them is a sign of a healthy pond.
Being a good friend
- Watch from the bank, away from the water's edge.
- Stay still and see if it comes back to the same perch.
- Count its wings when it lands.
Please don't
- Don't touch, hold or pick it up.
- Don't chase it or block its path.
- Don't take it home — its home is outside.
- Never go near the water without a trusted adult.
Mission
Hover Spotter
With a trusted adult, find a pond or wet garden on a sunny day.