What is the difference
between Dragonflies and Damselflies?
Dragonflies
and damselflies belong to the insect order known as
Odonata, meaning
"toothed jaw" - their mouthparts are serrated. They are
often referred to collectively as "dragonflies",
however there are two different sub-orders.
Dragonflies are
insects in the sub-order Anisoptera (meaning "unequal-winged"). Hind wings are usually
shorter and broader than Fore wings. They are usually larger,
strongly flying insects that can often be found flying well away
from water. When at rest, they hold their wings out from the
body, often at right angles to it. The eyes are very large and
usually touch, at least at a point.
Click on thumbnail to see full size picture.
Damselflies
are insects in the
sub-order Zygoptera (meaning "yoke-winged"). All four wings are near
enough equal in size and shape. They are usually small, weakly
flying insects that stay close to the water margins or water
surface. When at rest, most species hold their wings along the
length of their abdomen. The eyes are always separated, never
touching.
Click on thumbnail to see full size picture.
Please note, I
am not an expert on dragonflies. I just enjoy photographing
them. If any ID or other mistake is spotted please let me
know via the contacts
page.