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| 1 | 2 |  » Stats |
Members: 50,149
Threads: 82,327
Posts: 853,141
Top Poster: glsammy (15,069)
| | Welcome to our newest member, TransAmDan | |  | | 
09-08-2006, 07:55 PM
| | New Member | | Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
| | | Dragonflies Biters?
Do Dragonflies bite......I live near Dartmoor & see lots all the time but my kids are afraid because they been told that they bite.........i can't squash their fears as i don't know.:confused : |
09-08-2006, 08:01 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Edge of the New Forest, Hampshire
Posts: 5,208
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
I've been told they do. They got a big pair of jaws so it is possible, but only I would imagine in defence if they were handled incorrectly! Generally their nothing to worry about, only to admire. |
09-08-2006, 08:06 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cornwall..
Posts: 1,490
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
I have had them land on me a few times before, and have never been bitten.......... |
09-08-2006, 08:11 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Edge of the New Forest, Hampshire
Posts: 5,208
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
Next time one lands on you, poke it or pull its tail & let us know wht happens! |
09-08-2006, 08:26 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 4,438
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
You were fairly correct in what you said Deer stalker, The larger Dragonflies Hawkers, Golden-Ringed and Emperor are capable of giving you a nip but they will only do this if caught and handled roughly.
The smaller Dragons such as Darters, Chasers and Skimmers have mouth-parts that are far too small to gain a purchase on human flesh.
Dragonflies are NOT agressive, they will not ATTACK or BITE unless extremely provoked when being handled.
And just to clear up one last myth DRAGONFLIES CANNOT STING YOU They simply do not have stings, that long abdomen is dedicated souly to the purpose of reproduction.
In short nobody has anything to fear from Dragonflies, just get out there and enjoy watching one of natures most perfect flying hunters at work |
09-08-2006, 08:32 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: N.E.SOMERSET
Posts: 9,043
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
I have been sat fishing and they have used me as a perch(not the fish) they are powerful insects but nary a bite.Treat them gently and enjoy watching them!
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Your garden their refuge, a jig-saw of habitats for wildlife under pressure |
09-08-2006, 08:33 PM
|  | Dame Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Kent
Posts: 9,725
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
This is my hand.WW
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The female of the species is more deadly than the male.:p |
09-08-2006, 09:25 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Near Peterborough
Posts: 7,106
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
Quote: |
Originally Posted by Wild-Woman This is my hand.WW |
NOt a hand stunt double then?!  |
09-08-2006, 10:52 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sheffield, FPRSY
Posts: 7,655
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
Dragonflies, like beetles, are biters when they're hungry but also in defence. As others have said, they may give a nip if you threaten them *but* sometimes they may just alight and take a taste if they are hungry.
This happens in hot, dry years when there is limited food. The insect may not see you as food, as such, but might take a nibble to find out! Similar to the 'ladybird years' when there were press reports of 7-spots "attacking" people ... they were just hungry and having a taste at anything that looked a likely source of food. Could be the same this year for many insects? Quote: |
Originally Posted by caza Do Dragonflies bite......I live near Dartmoor & see lots all the time but my kids are afraid because they been told that they bite.........i can't squash their fears as i don't know.:confused : | |
09-08-2006, 11:46 PM
|  | Active Member | | Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Egham
Posts: 56
| | | Re: Dragonflies Biters?
I was just thinking the same about ladybirds. I've been chewed on by them numerous times, including finding one munching my leg last week. I react badly to 'bites' and 'stings'. The mild discomfort other insects rarely cause is not a problem. I was reading about 'wartbiters'. They are vegetarian bush crickets, with powerful jaws, which were used to bite warts. I gather insect jaws have been used like stitches to close wounds.
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