Trollsländor

Trollsländor is the Swedish name for dragonflies. These are predatory insects belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Epiprocta. Dragonflies are characterized by their large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, and elongated bodies. They are found near water sources, as their larvae, known as nymphs or naiads, are aquatic. Trollsländor are aerial predators, catching prey such as mosquitoes, flies, and even smaller dragonflies in mid-air. They are highly agile flyers, capable of hovering, flying backward, and changing direction rapidly. The adult lifespan of most trollsländor species is relatively short, often lasting only a few weeks, during which their primary focus is reproduction. The nymph stage, however, can last for several months or even years, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Trollsländor play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. They are often considered indicators of healthy aquatic environments due to their dependence on clean water for their larval development.