Environment

Wet weather in SA leads to a dragonfly ‘phenomenon’

Recent wet weather conditions across South Australia has created the perfect atmospheric conditions for breeding of dragonflies.

If you’ve noticed some dainty little friends darting about your garden, there’s a reason for it – dragonflies are here for our South Australian summer. And it’s due to our wet weather, according to owner of education group Bugs N Slugs, Kris Messenger. 

She says the recent wet weather conditions have created the perfect atmospheric conditions for breeding.

In fact, she doesn’t ever recall seeing as many dragonflies in her lifetime, calling it a “phenomenon”. 

Typically, dragonflies finish their life-cycle around September, but because of recent tropical weather patterns, they have continued to breed and hatch. This is due to both meteorological and atmospheric factors. 

And they’re not alone.  

The same conditions have also seen a boom in breeding for other insects, and our wet lands, dry creeks and along the River Torrens are popular breeding sites at this time of year. Tracking numbers is rare as populations go up and down year on year. 

And here’s a fun fact – some adult dragonflies are said to consume hundreds of mosquitoes a day. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes. So, they’re a blessing in disguise.

To attract dragonflies to your garden, they like places to perch, which makes tall, whispy water plants the perfect complement. 

They like standing water so if your house is located next to a large body of standing water, such as a lake or pond, it will attract large amounts of dragonflies. 

And they are so photogenic. With a good digital camera in hand and a zoom lens, you can bring yourself up close and personal to these wonderful creatures without disturbing them.

For more visit the Bugs n Slugs Facebook page.

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