YES, it’s true. Dragonflies can help curb the population of dengue-carrying mosquitoes here, said Mr Robin Ngiam, a senior project officer of National Parks Board (NParks)’s National Biodiveristy Centre.
 
There are “tangible benefits” to be gained from introducing these insect predators, he said. Dragonflies prey on insect pests, and “are able to control the insect-pest population and prevent them from breeding further”.

Mr Ngiam led a study by NParks which has found that dragonflies – an important part of Singapore’s ecosystem – are, surprisingly, thriving in Singapore’s urban landscape.

The study found seven dragonfly species previously unrecorded here, bringing the tally of dragonfly species here up to 124.

The two-year study, which cost around $100,000, also found that certain species believed to exist only in nature reserves can now be seen in parks as well.

All these are a result of better-managed habitats for dragonflies, an NParks spokesman said.

Dr Geoffrey Davison, the assistant director (terrestrial) of NParks’ National Biodiversity Centre, said this shows that urban parks play an important role in the conservation of dragonflies.

Mr Yeo Meng Tong, NParks’ director of development, said that the findings of the study will come in handy when planning which parks to build or renovate in the future.

The study also discovered that the key to attracting more dragonflies seems to lie in the growth of different types of freshwater plants in ponds, as they provide shelter for the dragonflies.

The study managed to find the new dragonfly species, thanks to help from NParks’ volunteers, who took photographs of the unusual-looking species. The volunteers shared the information with NParks, said Mr
Ngiam.

NParks will publish a book on the study’s findings to share more information about dragonflies with the public. It will be available in bookstores later this year.