Dragonfly Nymph (anisoptera)

Just in case you are not sure, a nymph is one of the growing stages that insects go through before they become adults.  

When they are nymphs, dragonflies live in the pond, feeding on anything they can find. They are bigger and wider than many other pond insects which makes them deadly predators. They have a special adaptation whereby they can extend their lower jaw out further. This helps them to hunt more successfully and in some cases hunt prey which is bigger than themselves. They can live in the pond all year round, only leaving when they mature into adults. This can take up to four years, depending on what kind of dragonfly it is. During this time, as they grow, they shed their skin. As adults they tend to only live for six months.  

We sometimes see dragonfly nymphs in the pond at Scotswood Garden and also adult dragonflies flying around. Why not check out our insects page to see which dragonflies have been spotted at Scotswood Garden?