Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a head start teacher who had a child capture a beautiful dragonfly today. We are looking for basic info on sexing a dragonfly and if it is possible to keep one in captivity. This would not be permanent but for a few days to observe it. We also cought some nymphs when we were getting tadpoles this year. Is there any way to keep them for a full life cycle from birth to laying eggs as an adult. The one we have now will be released but we are hoping for info to use as we catch more during the coming seasons. Thanks for all the help.

We are looking for basic info on sexing a dragonfly and if it is possible to keep one in captivity. This would not be permanent but for a few days to observe it.

I've provided a link below with information on sexing dragonflies. You could probably keep an adult dragonfly in captivity for a couple of days or more if they are kept slightly cooler than the temperature they were captured at in their environment, but would not advise keeping it longer than that. They need to catch flying insects constantly in order to live.

We also cought some nymphs when we were getting tadpoles this year. Is there any way to keep them for a full life cycle from birth to laying eggs as an adult. The one we have now will be released but we are hoping for info to use as we catch more during the coming seasons.

I would not advise keeping dragonfly nymphs unless you can provide other aquatic insect larva, feeder fish such as Gambusia sp., earthworms, etc. Once they metamorphose into adults, they should released near a freshwater pond or lake.
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