How long can a damselfly go with out feeding?

macro junkie · #1 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 09:07 AM

macro junkie · #2 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 10:35 AM

the reason i ask is i found one with bad bent wings by a pond..im wondering how long has the little guy got until it starves to death?poor thing

RoyW · #3 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 10:58 AM

I can't give a proper answer to this - although I'm sure than someone has done a study in the past so the answer must be in the literature somewhere!

A rough answer would be that it is likely to be able to survive for at least 3-5 days, perhaps much longer. Damselflies (and dragonflies) only fly when the weather is suitably warm and sunny, so in countries like Britain will often have to 'sit out' spells of bad weather during which they will be unable to feed.

Roy.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 11:13 AM

I'm not sure but I think some don't eat they emerge and breed but I could be totally wrong here..
Wabbers will put us straight..

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 11:16 AM

Not true with damselflies I'm afraid Kayleigh - all dragons and damsels have well developed mouthparts are are predators as adults as well as as larvae!

macro junkie · #6 (**permalink**) 19-05-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyW

I can't give a proper answer to this - although I'm sure than someone has done a study in the past so the answer must be in the literature somewhere!

A rough answer would be that it is likely to be able to survive for at least 3-5 days, perhaps much longer. Damselflies (and dragonflies) only fly when the weather is suitably warm and sunny, so in countries like Britain will often have to 'sit out' spells of bad weather during which they will be unable to feed.

Roy.

thanks royw