Dragonflies are of particular human-health importance because they prey upon mosquitos and are not disease vectors to humans. Furthermore, the dragonfly greatly reduces the mosquito population, which is a well-known pest and vector of diseases including Encephalitis, West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Rift Valley Fever and Yellow Fever.(1)
Economically speaking, dragonflies are most known for being a pest in agriculture, particularly in poultry because they transmit Prosthogoniums pellucidus, a parasitic flatworm, and in beekeeping because Dragonflies are known predators of honey bees.(2) Aside from this, they are important bio-indicators, especially of water sources and water contaminants.
Source: Allyson. Dragonfly Eating. Digital image. Dian Party. N.p., Feb. 2015. Web. <http://blog.lochnesswatergardens.com/pondblog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dragonfly-eating.jpg>.
Symbolism: Chinese people symbolize dragonflies with prosperity, harmony and good luck, whereas Native Americans view dragonflies as a sign of joy, agility and purity.(3) In the Native American culture, the dragonfly symbol (see below) represents transformation and the ever changing quality of life.(4)
Economically speaking, dragonflies are most known for being a pest in agriculture, particularly in poultry because they transmit Prosthogoniums pellucidus, a parasitic flatworm, and in beekeeping because Dragonflies are known predators of honey bees.(2) Aside from this, they are important bio-indicators, especially of water sources and water contaminants.
Source: Allyson. Dragonfly Eating. Digital image. Dian Party. N.p., Feb. 2015. Web. <http://blog.lochnesswatergardens.com/pondblog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dragonfly-eating.jpg>.
Symbolism: Chinese people symbolize dragonflies with prosperity, harmony and good luck, whereas Native Americans view dragonflies as a sign of joy, agility and purity.(3) In the Native American culture, the dragonfly symbol (see below) represents transformation and the ever changing quality of life.(4)
Source: Alchin, Linda. "Dragonfly Symbol." ***. N.p., Mar. 2015. Web. 06 June 2015. <http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/dragonfly-symbol.htm>.
References
1. Mosquito-Borne Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007. Web. 06 June 2015.
2. Meyer, John R. "Classification & Distribution." ENT 425. North Carolina State University, 8 Apr. 2009. Web. 06 June 2015.
3. "The Meaning of a Dragonfly: What Does a Dragonfly Symbolize?" The Meaning of a Dragonfly: What Does a Dragonfly Symbolize? N.p., 2013. Web. 06 June 2015.
4. Alchin, Linda. "Dragonfly Symbol." ***. N.p., Mar. 2015. Web. 06 June 2015.
References
1. Mosquito-Borne Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007. Web. 06 June 2015.
2. Meyer, John R. "Classification & Distribution." ENT 425. North Carolina State University, 8 Apr. 2009. Web. 06 June 2015.
3. "The Meaning of a Dragonfly: What Does a Dragonfly Symbolize?" The Meaning of a Dragonfly: What Does a Dragonfly Symbolize? N.p., 2013. Web. 06 June 2015.
4. Alchin, Linda. "Dragonfly Symbol." ***. N.p., Mar. 2015. Web. 06 June 2015.