DragonFly? 10 points?

Question

I just found a gragonfly in the water, so I picked it up and placed it in a paperbowl. I want it to live so howdo I:

1. Make a habitat for it (temporary for before i let it go)

2. What does it eat? And is it cabable of eating it right now? (Is is strong enough)

3. At what point should I let it go?

(I will soon today, but like are there any 'signs' that it will be okay if i let it go?)

Answer 1

I would think leaving it in the bowl might make it easy prey for birds. Keeping it caged would probably decrease its quality of life. I'd set it on a branch or something so that it has a good chance of staying disguised while it dries off and then just leaving it to its fate. Quality of life should count for something, and keeping living creatures caged for their own safety seems to diminish that. At least for me it would.

Answer 2

Just leave it be. Once it dries out, it will flitter off. If it doesn't, then it is probably at the end of its life cycle anyway.

But if you insist...

Build a solarium approximately 20' high and 60' in diameter to house the critter. Supply the solarium with stagnant water and stock with mosquito larvae.

No, really. You could keep it in a small aquarium with a screen top or a cardboard box with cellophane or screen for a top.  But you won't be able to feed it. They feed on the wing, catching bugs as the fly about.