Butterflies and Dragonflies, Mississippi River

Like many other rivers, the Mississippi provides the perfect conditions for the vivid display of butterflies and dragonflies.  Its warm shallow waters, abundant wetlands, flowering plants, and quiet backwaters create ideal breeding and feeding ground.

Dragonfly larvae, for instance develop in the water before taking to the air to patrol the skies.  

Species like the black-and-white winged widow skimmer and the yellow-and-black striped pennant dragonfly are often found perched on tall grasses, preparing to hunt mosquitoes, midges, and other small insects. 

Among them is the common green darner, with its recognizable bright green body, long blue abdomen, and transparent wings, flitting about acrobatically.  Beyond their striking colours, each plays an important role in keeping insect populations in check.

Butterflies, such as the eastern tiger swallowtail with its bright yellow wings and black stripes, drift among wildflowers like milkweed, goldenrod, and coneflowers.  Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of tulip-poplars and wild cherry trees, contributing to the river’s complex food web.  Together, these colourful insects help keep the Mississippi ecosystem healthy and full of life.