Help identify this bug

[Patfish]

This guy was under a rock in the bottom of the pond. It swims well and walks on land well. Head looks kinda like a dragon fly. Any ideas?

 

[Lisak1]

Dragonfly nymph. Hence the resemblance!

 

[bagsmom]

I am only guessing but I wonder if it is the juvenile stage of a dragonfly? Nymph?

 

[bagsmom]

Dragonfly nymph. Hence the resemblance!

We posted this at the same time!

 

[Lisak1]

We posted this at the same time!

Great minds and all that!

 

[Patfish]

That's cool, so they must grow under water and come out as adults? Do they do anything beneficial or just look cool?

 

[Lisak1]

They eat things. Anything smaller than themselves basically.

 

[Patfish]

They eat things. Anything smaller than themselves basically.

Well, everything I like that is in the pond is bigger than he is.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Appears too long for a Dragonfly nymph. When in water are three (3) appendages on the tip of it's tail apparent? These are gills. If these are present it is a Damselfly nymph

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I agree, looks like a damselfly nymph.

 

[Patfish]

So damselflies still eat the bad bugs but not as aggressive?

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Damselflies and their larvae are just as aggressive as their larger Dragonfly cousins. They just don't seek the spotlight and get the greater publicity.