Dragonflies are carnivorous predators that eat a variety of insects. As adults, dragonflies mainly eat flying insects such as mosquitoes, midges, flies, bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, and even other smaller dragonflies. They catch their prey while flying, showcasing agility and speed. Dragonflies are known to control mosquito populations by eating both adult mosquitoes and mosquito larvae during their aquatic larval stage. The larval dragonflies, or nymphs, live underwater and consume aquatic insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, tadpoles, small fish, and other small aquatic animals. They are also effective hunters, using a specialized jaw to catch prey. In summary:

• Adult dragonflies eat mosquitoes, flies, midges, bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and other small flying insects.
• Larval dragonflies eat aquatic insects, larvae, small crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish.
• Dragonflies help control insect populations, particularly mosquitoes.