Do Dragonflies smell - and other questions

[Stinky Bob]

Afternoon everyone,

Do dragonflies have a sense of smell - I would have thought poor or none, also a few southern hawkers have been laying around the edge of my pond, are these larvae doomed or will they make it. They also don't seem to be territorial as I have seen two ovipositing within inches of each over.

Love the hairs


Thanks guys

[Wild-Woman]

Most of a dragonfly's information is gathered by it's excellent vision. Chemical messages ( I don't know if they could be regarded as a 'sense of smell' as such) may I would think play a part. They do have very small antennae, which in relation to their body size, could suggest that 'chemical messages' are a lesser part of their overall information gathering organs. Don't take what I say as gospel though, others may have other ideas.

As regards to ovipositing, your Southern Hawkers will oviposit in vegetation that is out of water in some cases, so don't worry. You may have a 2 year wait for the larvae to develop in the water once they've hatched though. So it's a good idea not to disturb vegetation that's around your pond.

[Stinky Bob]

Thanks Wild Woman, as to the ovipositing I just wondered because as yet I have only seen them laying on the pond surrond, though I did have 7 exuvia this year so some of them must get it right.