Zoology/Dragonflys
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Question
What is the LifeSpan of a Dragonfly? A friend stated to me that he thought it was 24hrs...is that true?
Dear Stephen - My apologies for the delay in responding - the AllExpert site was experiencing difficulties earlier today, and the answer window would not open. Anyway, it appears to be working now, so here goes. Dragonflies (Order Odonata) definitely live more than 24 hours. Although the adults are relatively short-lived (usually no more than four weeks), the aquatic immatures (naiads) may live for up to three years before molting to the adult stage. Your friend may be mistaking them for mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera), in which the adults of some species do not live more than a day or so.
Hope this helps,
Saugy
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Answers by Expert:
Ed Saugstad
Expertise
Will accept most `general interest` questions of a zoological nature. If I can`t answer a question from my immediate knowledge base, I usually can point the questioner in the right direction for more information.
Experience
A life-long interest in natural history. Formally trained in entomology, I also have a personal interest in herpetology and have read widely in many biological fields.
Organizations
Entomological Society of America, Society for Vector Ecology, National Speleological Society
Publications
All publications have been in the field of entomology.
Education/Credentials
B.S. in Entomology - NDSU, 1963
M.S. in Entomology - Purdue University, 1967
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