Dragonflies

[Emily Nicholls]

I was in the local petshop today to buy some big crickets, they didn't have any, but I noticed they had cricket tubs on the side with dragonflies in, which my friend working in the petshop told me had appeared from the aquatic plants and were flying around. He told me I could have them, as they didn't want them, and they wouldn't survive outside. I did decline his offer, but was wondering if you could feed them to tarantulas, or if they are toxic in any way?

Also, has anyone ever tried to keep them as pets? I can imagine they would look amazing in a ginormous aquatic set up, with prey in the water and stuff!

[James Box]

no idea about toxicity, though they are often brightly coloured, so that might be a warning for birds to leave them alone...

as for a set up, i think that would be fascinating...would have to be big though!

[matthew spooner]

i have fed a drogonfly to a p.regalis before, didnt cause it any harm. i like to feed things that fly to my arboreals, usually opting for moths but couldnt resist the temptation when i saw the dragonfly. as i say no harm caused but that was a one off, im not sure how they would cope with them as regular diets