This might sound like a silly question.. but my oldest daughter, 18, is terrified of them.. she insists they bite or sting.. I have never heard of them biting or stinging, but I don't know for sure..
I don't think they bite or sting. They are beneficial insects in that they eat mosquitoes and things. And they are often beautiful. Try to tell her that they eat the bugs that DO bite. And I have never had any that got close to me or dive bombed me. That said, my son (13 down syndrome) doesn't like any insect that flies near him. And I just cannot explain the difference to him between types of bugs.
~Tina
Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
Thanks Tina!! I appreciate the input.. I am currently looking up a bit of information about the Dragonfly on the internet, and it also says, NO they do not bite or sting.. my daughter is nuts! ha ha ha I don't know where she ever heard that they do.. but at least now I know for sure.
My younger daughter, 10, on the other hand, is not afraid of anything.. which worries me sometimes.. LOL
My younger daughter, 10, on the other hand, is not afraid of anything.. which worries me sometimes.. LOL
Yes, a healthy respect for critters eases mother's minds. Ted loves all mammals. I'm afraid he'll corner a raccoon for a kiss or something (shudder). But he is not too fond of snakes and that is good. We have caught 3 small rattlers and two large ones in the last week or so. They are certainly on the prowl.
~Tina
Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
Well, Pinky, I dont want to contradict what you've found so far, but i've just read the following, regarding their ability to bite (seems they definitely cant sting though!), which was in resposne to someone on another site who asked a similar question: ' ... Dragonflies are large predatory insects, so they have the ability and equipment to bite if they wanted. Typically they wont bite if they land on you, but if you handle them roughly thay can give you a nice nip … they have very powerful jaws that they use for chewing up other flying insects. Female dragonflies have appendages at the posterior tip of the abdomen that resemble a stinger superficially, but it is actually known collectively as an ovipositor, it is the apparatus used to deposit eggs below the surface of the water (it can break the water tension).
When I would go camping and gold panning there were beautiful blue and red ones!! They loved to hang around. They would sit on the edge of the pan while I was swirling the water around...I use to talk to them!!! They would sit on my knees!!! They'd run their long, curled up tongue, or whatever that is they taste with, and touch it around on my knee!! between it and their little feet it would tickle!!! I use to say they were giving me little kisses!! Naw, they don't bite!
lots of things can bite, but most do not. dragon flies don't. but lots of folks have thought they bite because they are also called devil's darning needles. they are beautiful, and graceful.
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