Dragonflies and damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata and are charachterised by having large compound eyes and long, slender abdomens. They have four wings that move independently, allowing them greater maneuverability when flying.

Differences

Dragonflies are generally larger and more robust than damselflies and the wings are flattened outward when at rest whereas the damselflies' wings are flattened together along their abdomens when at rest.

Dragonflies are multicoloured, fast flying insects with the ability to fly forwards and backwards with equal dexterity due to the four wings able to act independently of each other.

Dragonflies catch prey on the wing with their forward pointing legs.

Mating and nymphs

Mating in Odonata is one of natures more fascinating sites, where the male clasps the female on the head with the end of his abdomen. The female then bends her abdomen to a segment on the males abdomen to where he has transferred sperm. The initial processes of the mating may take place on the wing. The dragonfly eggs are scattered on the water from where the fiercely predatory nymphs will emerge.