Dragonflys (forum)

amanda starts with ...
Off the topic again...but do u get 100's of Dragonflys (in QLD) just b4 you have a cyclone at all?
I have noticed, here, that they come out en-mass a few days before a storm and always when there is a cyclone around Port Hedland-south?
I have literally dozens of them buzzing around me right now and there are 100's in evening - and the weather is very "stormy" looking..
I am very curious about this...I wonder how they know so far in advance?

Time: 25th April 2010 11:38am

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. WA
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macleaymac says...
Amanda. Of course Qld'ers know that very strange things happen in WA. LOL
We have had a large flight of dragonflys again this year too. Not tied to any event though. It's fairly usual in Brissy till about late April early May. Several different varieties.Looks like they mate on the wing.Simce they prefer a damp atmosphere I guess they like the cool evening and any time that the humidity is high.

Time: 26th April 2010 8:59am

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About the Author macleaymac
brisbane qld
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amanda says...
Ah thanks macleaymac - the rain didn't happen (boo hoo) and they are gone 2day. The nearest fresh water body is 10kms away. I am always surprised to see them here as it's so dry. I wonder where they go. Anyway - they have probably cleaned up lots of pests 4 me!

Time: 26th April 2010 11:09am

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About the Author amanda19
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Brendan says...
Hi amanda,
I have sat outside in the evening with a cool drink, absolutely fascinated by the dragonflies. There was no weather event happening, but these guys were catching vinegar flies (that kept hovering near my beer!), and catching (& eating) heaps of mosquitoes on the wing! The bugs never stood a chance with these guys, they are so quick.
Only problem, they seem to move on when it gets dark?
One thing I did notice before the cyclone, the two wedgetail eagles that soar around here, kept searching for food until it got dark, I've never seen that before.

Time: 2nd May 2010 6:47am

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About the Author Brendan
Mackay, Q
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macleaymac says...
have suddenly become a fan of dragonflies. Catching mosquitos?
Can they be trained for this?
How many does one catch in a day?
Can they be bred in captivity?
Wow there's a whole global industry waiting on this Aussie discovry.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 10th May 2010 4:24pm

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About the Author macleaymac
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snottiegobble says...
I believe dragonflies can be bred in captivity, but you will need at least an above fine netted pond,invertabrates like daphnia, fish fry & tiny tadpoles for the mudeyes( dragonfly larvae) to feed on.
They will require sedges, rushes or any tall plant with 'wet feet' for the larvae to clamber up out of the water & dry off. They can then split their skins & climb out as dragonflies. Now they will need only flying insects to prey on!
Strangely enough 2 species of 'mudeyes' are sold as trout bait in both Victoria & NSW. They are known as the couta & spider mudeyes. I suspect that they are caught in hand nets around the perimeters of reedy wetlands.
Mudeyes are suprisingly similar to preying mantids with the mouthparts that include hinged 'elbows' that shoot out straight to capture their prey.
Maybe you can source your own supply by fishing for them or buying them from fishing bait suppliers.Warning though!! they are not cheap & they may disappear as soon as they metermorphosize & their wings dry out.


Time: 12th May 2010 12:25am

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bunbury
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