damselflies
Damselflies
Damselflies
Damselflies are the smaller and more delicate members of the insect order Odonata, which includes the dragonflies . The damselfly suborder Zygoptera is characterized by similar fore and hind wings, which are both narrow at the base. Most damselflies can be easily distinguished from their larger and heavier dragonfly relatives in the field by their fluttering flight, and when at rest by their holding their wings up vertically or in a V-position when at rest.
Damselflies are usually found sitting on overhanging branches or other objects near water . They feed on small flying insects such as mosquitoes and gnats, which they catch in flight.
Although most damselflies are small and very slender, many have brightly colored bodies. The males are usually more colorful than the females, and often have spots or markings of vivid blue, green, or yellow.
Damselflies have a worldwide distribution. One of the larger and more conspicuous species in North America , found on shaded bushes overhanging small streams, is the black-winged damselfly (Calopterix maculata). The male of this species has all-black wings and a metallic-green body, whereas the female has gray wings with a small white dot (stigma) near the tip.
Damselflies mate on the wing in the same unusual fashion as dragonflies, and lay their eggs in the water. The eggs hatch into wingless larvae, called naiads, that remain on the bottom of the pond or stream. The damselflies larvae feed on smaller insect larvae and other aquatic animals. Damselfly larvae resemble dragonfly larvae except for the three leaf-like gills at the end of the body.
These beautiful, delicate animals neither sting nor bite. Indeed, damselflies help to control the disease-carrying mosquitoes and biting midges.
Damselflies
Damselflies
Damselflies are the smaller and more delicate members of the insect order Odonata, which includes the dragonflies. The damselfly suborder Zygoptera is characterized by similar fore and hind wings, which are both narrow at the base. Most damselflies can be easily distinguished from their larger and heavier dragonfly relatives in the field by their fluttering flight, and when at rest by their holding their wings up vertically or in a V-position when at rest.
Damselflies are usually found sitting on overhanging branches or other objects near water. They feed on small flying insects such as mosquitoes and gnats, which they catch in flight.
Although most damselflies are small and very slender, many have brightly colored bodies. The males are usually more colorful than the females, and often have spots or markings of vivid blue, green, or yellow.
Damselflies have a worldwide distribution. One of the larger and more conspicuous species in North America, found on shaded bushes overhanging small streams, is the black-winged damselfly (Calopterix maculata ). The male of this species has all-black wings and a metallic-green body, whereas the female has gray wings with a small white dot (stigma) near the tip.
Damselflies mate on the wing in the same unusual fashion as dragonflies, and lay their eggs in the water. The eggs hatch into wingless larvae, called naiads, that remain on the bottom of the pond or stream. The damselflies larvae feed on smaller insect larvae and other aquatic animals. Damselfly larvae resemble dragonfly larvae except for the three leaflike gills at the end of the body.
These beautiful, delicate animals neither sting nor bite. Indeed, damselflies help to control the disease-carrying mosquitoes and biting midges.
Damselflies
Damselflies
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Life Cycle: incomplete
Three Life Stages: egg, nymph, and adult
Life Span: anywhere from 2-4 years
Nymph
Body Description
Antennae: none
Eyes: very large, compound on small head, as wide or wider than thorax
Wings: 2 pair pads
Thorax: short and larger
Gills: 3 large distinctive paddlelike tails that are actually gills
Abdomen: long and slender, no gills, plumes or other projections on thorax or abdomen
Mouth: appendages tucked under the head
Legs: 6 long
Body Colors: olives and browns, lighter body
Mobility: side to side wiggling motion like a tadpole
Size: 1-1 ½”
Adult
Body Description
Antennae: none visible
Eyes: large, on top of head, eyes are spaced the size of an eye
Tail: none
Wings: 2 pairs, equal in size. Each has a distinctive narrow yolk or stalk at base of thorax. When at rest they are folded over and appear to be one
Abdomen: long and slender, segmented
Legs: short and crowded, weak
Body Colors: olives, greens, blues and black
Mobility: very graceful, extremely fast fliers