Dragonfly Larvae (Various spp.)
Pricing: Dead (spread, as pictured): $15 & up
Geographic Range: North America
View: Top
Availability Notes: Inquire about available species.
All dragonflies have an aquatic stage; a wingless, predatory larva called a naiad. These larvae generally inhabit bodies of freshwater, though some have adapted to survive in brackish water. Their bodies are designed for either crawling about on aquatic vegetation or for life on, or in, the substrate. They are, without exception, entirely carnivorous. The labium of naiads are highly modified, extendable appendages which are used to capture prey (they can be seen clearly on the specimens on the right). The prey taken depends on the species. When the last larval instar is reached, full-grown naiads climb up out of their aquatic homes and shed their larval skins to emerge as winged adults.