Zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), attachment to Odonata larvae

The attachment of zebra mussels to anisopteran larvae in a lake where the mussels have recently invaded was documented. Fifty-one larvae were collected and the majority (63%) had been colonized by one or more zebra mussels. Some dragonfly larvae were heavily infested, carrying up to 8 zebra mussels and more than their own mass in attached zebra mussels. Potential ramifications of zebra mussel attachment on larval dragonflies are discussed and a framework for future research on these effects is suggested.