Female damselflies normally use a bladelike ovipositor to place eggs inside plant tissue. Several species frequently lay eggs under water, the female at times remaining submerged for an hour or more. A male, usually her last mate, often waits above and may help her rise from the water after she surfaces.

Where do damselflies lay eggs?

All damselflies lay their eggs inside plant tissues; those that lay eggs underwater may submerge themselves for 30 minutes at a time, climbing along the stems of aquatic plants and laying eggs at intervals.

How long does it take for damsel fly eggs to hatch?

Eggs usually hatch within 1-to-3 weeks. Once hatched, the naiad has an elongated body, long legs and three leaf-like appendages or gills on its tail. Damselflies live for 2 months to 3 years as nymphs, undergoing five to 15 molts as they grow. At this stage, naiads like the adults, are fierce predators.