No. 06 · Hemimetabolous
Dragonflies & Damselflies
Odonata
Introduction
Odonata are among the oldest winged insects — ancestors with 2.5-foot wingspans cruised the Carboniferous skies 300 million years ago.
Dragonfly vs damselfly: dragonflies have eyes touching on top of the head and rest with wings open; damselflies have separated eyes and rest with wings closed over the body.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Two pairs of large, equally-sized membranous wings with intricate venation. Enormous compound eyes. Long thin abdomen. Aquatic nymphs are voracious predators.
Etymology
Greek odous 'tooth' (referring to toothed mandibles)
Wings
Winged
Diet
Predator
Habitat
Aquatic · Semi-aquatic
Notable examples
Common green darner, blue dasher, ebony jewelwing damselfly, hawkers, skimmers, emeralds.