This is a dragonfly nymph (larvae). There are many different kinds of dragonflies in Missouri, and I’m not a bug expert so I won’t try to guess which dragonfly this little guy will transition into.

A dip net strung for minnows was used to catch this nymph. It was in a stream with clear running water with some underwater vegetation.

Although the dragonfly nymph looks scary, it won’t bite you. Dragonflies catch and eat mosquitoes.

Horrell is an artist and outdoorsman. He lives in Chaffee. He owns Painted Wren Art Gallery in Cape Girardeau.