Well I guess I couldn't leave it alone, I had to ask an aquatic entomologist. John Abbot specializes in dragonflies and damselflies and is a Professor at the University of Texas. here is what he had to say about my find.
----- Original Message -----
From: Andy J Zimmerman
To:
jcabbott@mail.utexas.edu Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 11:05 AM
Subject: Odonata larvae question
Dr. Abbot,
Thank you for taking a moment out of your busy schedule. I have a large pond in my back yard and I continue to develop it as a natural habitat, adding plant and fish etc. Over recent years I have noticed more and more insect inhabitants. Last year was a great year for dragonflies and damselflies as I am sure this spring will be too.
While cleaning up the edges of my pond ( old cattail stalks and other decaying matter) I found the nymph you see in this picture. Is there any way to tell what kind of dragonfly nymph it is? I have seen many different kinds but this was by far the largest specimen.
Lastly I understand that dragonfly nymphs can deliver a painful bite, is that true? I have found conflicting info where this is concerned so I thought I would ask the master
)
Thank you in advance
From: John C. Abbott [mailto:jcabbott@mail.utexas.edu]
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 2:06 PM
To: Andy J Zimmerman
Subject: Re: Odonata larvae question
Hi Andy,
This is an aeshnid (darner) and probably Anax junius (Common Green Darner). Dragonfly larvae can deliver a painful bite if you are a prey item to them, but they are harmless to humans. As an aquatic entomologist, I think they are really fascinating.
Happy New Year,
John