Dragonfly Nymph - Family Corduliidae

This nymph was filthy. It had so much debris stuck in its hairs. I was hoping to get a shot of it extending its mouthparts, but nope. Hopefully next time!

Habitat: Woodland pond

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

The mouth "throw" is super fast right? Or is only the forward movement fast, and pulling back more slow? Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  In my experience, it happens really fast. The long thing that extends out to catch prey is called the labium. It has little claspers/teeth on the end, which the nymph uses to hold the captured prey and bring it near its actual mouth.
  
  Here’s a fun dragonfly nymph fact for you: they breathe through their anuses. They have rectal gills through which they breathe in and out. And, as a bonus—breathing out propels them forward.
  Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    If it catches something, then I think the drawback would be a bit slower. I mean, what would be the rush unless it was super hungry.
    
    Her’s a video that shows the function of the labium:
    Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
  2. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for the info! Posted 4 years ago
  3. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      You're welcome! Posted 4 years ago

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