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mud-eye

Mud-eye is an Australian colloquial term for the larva of a dragonfly — specifically the aquatic nymph stage, which lives in muddy riverbeds and ponds.

ˈmjuˈdi176 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Australia
#1·Apr 28, 2026AUS

Mud-eye is an Australian colloquial term for the larva of a dragonfly — specifically the aquatic nymph stage, which lives in muddy riverbeds and ponds. It is widely used by Australian children and anglers, as mud-eyes are a popular live bait for freshwater fishing. The name is vividly descriptive: the larva's large compound eyes are prominent, and it lives in mud.

He spent the afternoon digging mud-eyes out of the creek bank to use as bait for his morning fishing trip.
Origin: Australian descriptive compound: 'mud' (the habitat) + 'eye' (the prominent compound eyes of the dragonfly larva); straightforward colloquial naming. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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Australia
#2·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(AU) A dragonfly larva.

For parents

"mud-eye" means: A dragonfly larva.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"mud-eye" means: A dragonfly larva.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

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