Are dragonflies seasonal in Florida?

Dragonflies live and flourish in Florida. You might see them on the beach or in your own backyard.

Are dragonflies seasonal in Florida? Yes, dragonflies are commonly at their peak activity in the fall, having migrated for the purpose of breeding. Yes, dragonflies are migratory! When you see a group of dragonflies dipping and diving around your pool, in your waterfront lawn, or on the beach in the fall, you are witnessing the story of their existence.

Why are you seeing an influx of Florida dragonflies?

In the late summer and fall, dragonflies use Florida’s natural resources to breed. Dragonflies lay their eggs in water. Not only that, but dragonflies also feed in water sources. What do they eat? Dragonflies feed on mosquito larvae and tadpoles in the water. They consume gnats and mosquitoes outside water sources. If you see a lot of dragonflies around your backyard, it is because you have a potential food source available to them – mosquito larvae in puddles, ponds, or kiddie pools or adult mosquitoes and gnats that are targeting your family!

Can you attract dragonflies to your Florida yard?

If you wish to create an ideal dragonfly habitat around your Florida home, it is possible. One way to do that is to install a water feature. It needn’t be extravagant. A simple bird bath could do the trick. This can come with a downside, though. Installing a still water feature in your Florida yard will likely attract mosquitoes, as well. As a matter of fact, mosquito larvae will entice dragonflies, which is why it is recommended to install a water feature in the first place. Another idea for attracting dragonflies is to install certain plants and grasses around your home. Colorful blooming plants and decorative grasses serve as a nice resting spot for dragonflies.

Where should you go in Florida to see dragonflies in the fall?

In 2022, Northwest Florida experienced a phenomenon of swarms of dragonflies on local beaches. In Northeast Florida, you might travel to nature preserves, or parks. Fruit Cove’s Alpine Grove Park and Beluthahatchee Park are both known to dragonfly seekers. Keep your eye out starting in September, for feeding static swarms, or groups of dragonfly flights. Look around your property, beaches, wetlands, and other waterside locales for Florida’s busy dragonfly season!

Also read: Why does Florida have so many mosquitoes?
 

Call Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our mosquito control!