Damselflies are the type of insects that feed on other insects found in their natural habitats. Damselflies are therefore carnivorous insects, preying on small insects including plant pests. They can be beneficial as their menu contains various flying, crawling, and aquatic insects.

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Hence, they hamper the population growth of other insects by frequently consuming them. Though their larvae might differ in diet, adult damselflies pretty much eat whatever they can. Read on to learn more about “what do damselflies eat?” and you’ll find out what makes up their diet!

Insects, Animals

From consuming a bunch of flies to supplementing their diet with other prey items, damselflies prefer a varied diet. Damselflies eat mosquitoes, bees, ants, flies, worms, and almost any small prey item.

In fact, damselflies can consume hundreds of mosquitoes and flies in a day. This is particularly why they are considered beneficial, preventing the growth of pests.

Other than these, damselflies walk up to the trees, looking for plant-eating aphids. Hence, damselflies eat aphids dwelling on the leaves.

Using their long and thin legs, damselflies would consume aquatic insects as well. This is especially true of their larval stage that typically feeds on worms, eggs, and other aquatic insects.

Moreover, their adult stage shouldn’t be taken as lightly. This is because most species of damselflies can prey on spiders as well. And in extreme cases, damselflies might eat small fish by picking at them.

Fruit, Vegetables, and Plants

Walking with their stick legs, damselflies are often seen frequent the plants. They do so because they are looking for plant-eating bugs.

However, damselflies don’t eat fruit, vegetables, or other parts of plants. Neither would you see those consuming flowers, leaves, roots, or your garden plants.

What damselflies don’t eat?

Most prey items aren’t included in their voracious insectivorous menu. In short, damselflies don’t eat plants, snails, or dragonflies as they belong to the same kin.