Set includes multiple pieces to create either headbands, arm/leg cuffs, or a clip that features a damselfly.  The damselfly model spins easily at the end of each spring.  After printing the damselfly, heat the wings up to position them into a X shape to mimic flight wings. (front wings up, back wings down, or vice versa)

Items in the set:

The Lrg headband will fit a size head diameter of 14.5cm to 17.5cm
The Med headband will fit a size head diameter of 12cm to 15cm
(ear to ear)
Two different lengths of springs are provided (longer ones likely more effective - read below as to why).
Two light cuffs are included.
One clip that can be attached to a beach towel, hat, or other item, is included.
Damselfly model

All parts snap together and do not require glue or other hardware.  (insert pin style connector)

If you size up any piece, you need to size up the entire set to match or pieces may not snap together properly.

*Recommend printing damselfly model in natural colors of bright cyan or metallic red.

Q: DOES THIS ACTUALLY WORK?

Short answer: scientifically speaking, it may work but perhaps not akin to a scarecrow (more research needed).

This model was developed for the Beach and Pool Essentials Contest.  

The idea is not unlike that of scarecrows or having fake owls to scare off birds from the garden.  Even though we do not know if the mosquito can identify a damselfly by vision alone, this model does have merit as a potential deterrent of mosquitos, and more specifically, mosquito bites based on research that does exist. 

There is limited research regarding the visual recognition abilities of mosquitos.  I did find this research paper though, published in Nature titled: Visual Threats Reduce Blood-feeding and Trigger Escape Responses in Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes, Wynne, Chandrasegarn, and Vinauger, 2022.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-25461-2  

In this study, researchers found that mosquitos were able to detect “looming” shapes and would fly away from this shape. Akin to a hand or a tail from an animal moving to swat them.  They also found that mosquitos used other visual cues to detect when a potential host was “unsettled” or “agitated” from small movements around the host.  Indicating that the animal/human was on high alert.  The mosquitos then refrained from biting and were more likely to fly off.

Although this study did not investigate if mosquitos could identify their arch nemesis, The Damselfly, by visual recognition (there are no such studies at present) it did provide evidence that looming shapes and constant movement around a host would deter mosquitos from biting and make them more likely to fly away.  It would be interesting to see if someone does research to see if mosquitos are able to identify predators by movement or shape alone. To more confidently say that this design can deter mosquitos based on the damselfly, additional scientific research on this matter would need completed.

However, the design of this model provides both a looming visual cue and constant movement cue around the person wearing the item. Based on the above referenced scientific study, there is at least the possibility, that this model can actually provide a reliable deterrent towards mosquitos.  Furthermore, the same mechanics may also reduce the chance of bites from gnats and horseflies and all other manner of biting bugs.

RISK:  There is a small but very real risk that the damselfly model may attract other damselflies looking for “love”.   Damselflies do not pose a risk to humans nor do they bite.

Disclaimer:  The scientific validity of this model as a repellent is not yet fully supported and as such, I suggest using it along side your normal mosquito repellent sprays or nets and to not solely rely on its effectiveness.
*I am a PhD student who studies perception in humans, not in insects. However, my expertise on human vision has aided me in developing this model and it does have some scientific support.