The Dragonfly | Friend to the Zone 9 Garden! | Part of the Beneficial Insects Family

Dragonflies are incredibly beneficial insects to have in your garden, especially in USDA Zone 9, where warm temperatures and water sources can help support their populations.

With the right features in your garden, you can harness the power of the dragonfly to benefit your

garden's environment without harming your plants.

Many believe that it is good luck if a dragonfly lands on you. It is a symbol of good luck in the Chinese tradition. Native Americans see the dragonfly as a symbol of purity, activity and swiftness. Source: Old Farmers Almanac, 2024

Adopting Beneficial Insects | Benefits of Dragonflies in the Garden

1. Natural Pest Control  (Part of the Beneficial Insects Family)– Dragonflies are voracious predators of mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other small insects. A single dragonfly can consume hundreds of mosquitoes per day!

2. No Harm to Plants – Unlike some insect predators, dragonflies don’t damage plants because they only feed on other insects.

3. Pollination Assistance – While not as efficient as bees, dragonflies can contribute to pollination by occasionally visiting flowers as they rest or hunt.

How to Attract Dragonflies to Your Garden

1. Add a Water Feature – Dragonflies lay their eggs in water, and their larvae (nymphs) live in aquatic environments before becoming adults. A small pond, birdbath, or water garden can be a great attractant.

   • Ideally, a pond should be at least 2 feet deep with some shallow edges.

   • Include native aquatic plants like water lilies or rushes for shelter.

2. Plant Tall, Sturdy Plants – Dragonflies like to perch on tall stems to survey their hunting ground.

   • Good choices: Cattails, sedges, reeds, and native grasses.

3. Provide Flat Rocks for Sunbathing – Dragonflies are cold-blooded and need to warm up in the morning, so placing flat stones in sunny areas helps attract them.

4. Avoid Using Pesticides – Insecticides can harm dragonflies directly or eliminate their food sources, reducing their numbers.

5. Encourage a Variety of Small Insects – While dragonflies control pest populations, they still need a steady supply of small insects to thrive.

6. Add Submerged or Floating Plants – These provide a safe space for dragonfly nymphs to develop and offer perching spots for adults.

By creating a dragonfly-friendly habitat, you’ll have a beautiful, balanced garden with fewer pest problems.