Bug of the week - Giant Dragonfly

The giant dragonfly is one of the largest dragon flies in the world and the 3^rd largest in Australia. The male species has an abdomen length of 6-7.5cm and their wings when expanded can reach up to 11cm! The female is larger with an abdomen length of 8-9.5cm and a wingspan of up to 12.5cm. The giant dragonflies’ larvae are also quite large in comparison to other species, growing up to 5cm in length.

The dragonfly can be found along the NSW east coast. There have been occurrences in the Blue Mountains and southern highlands.

The giant dragonfly lives in swamps and their life cycle is quite short as they only appear from late October to the end of summer. They feed on flying insects, and the males may often wait together in a group for a female to mate with.

Females lay their eggs in moss, under soft ground layers of vegetation. Once hatched the larvae dig along burrows under the swamp and as they are slow growing they may exist in the larval stage for more than 10 years.

The larvae leave their burrows at night to feed on insects and other invertebrate. Underwater entrances provide ideal hunting grounds for food.

The giant dragonfly is under threat, if you happen to come across one of these amazing insects or their larvae do not kill it, it could be the difference between future generations having the pleasure of seeing this amazing insect.

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