MCR Monthly Newsletter
What’s Hatchn’ing at Merrill Creek Reservoir with Ranger Rich
About the Author: Richard Dansen Sr.
Rich has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in zoology and wildlife management. Rich has been with Merrill Creek Reservoir since 1995 where he teaches environmental education.
You can find Rich each weekend at the MCR visitors center talking about the wonderful wildlife and habitats of MCR. Stop by to say hi!
“In writing this monthly newsletter, I hope to inform and educate readers about some of the wonderful and fascinating events going on in nature at Merrill Creek Reservoir each month. Enjoy!”
– Ranger Rich
June 2026
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Dragonflies (along with damselflies) belong to the insect order Odonata. The name comes from the Greek word for “tooth,” referring to the strong serrated mandibles these predatory insects use to catch and consume prey. Adults target and catch flying insects (actually while flying!) with a preference for mosquitoes, midges and small flies. It is possible for an adult dragonfly to consume 30 to 100 mosquitoes per day which helps to control mosquito populations.
DRAGONFLIES tend to hold their wings horizontally while resting; whereas DAMSELFLIES fold their wings vertically above their back.
Immature nymphs or naiads are voracious predators that develop underwater in ponds for up to 2 years feeding on mosquito larvae, and even small fish and tadpoles!
These beneficial mosquito eaters need clean streams and vernal ponds to develop and consume mosquito larvae. Merrill Creek Reservoir provides the perfect habitat for a variety of Odonta species.
Again, the nymphs may spend up to 2 years developing in a pond or stream eating mosquito larvae. Sadly, after emerging from the water the adults may live for only 1 to 8 weeks while they mate, lay eggs in water and then die. This way the adults never compete with the offspring within the same habitat for food!
Dragonfly larvae and lower jaw (labium) shown below
They can be quite beautiful, enjoy them while you can!
Ranger Rich
Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Road
Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 454-1213 (ph)
(908) 454-2747 (f)
Play MCR's Tree Finder Game!
Along the trails at MCR there are 9 different individual trees that have FACES. More Info...
