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Differences Between Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are one of the most beautiful insects known for their colorful appearance and interesting behaviors. They have existed for over 325 million years and play an important role in ecosystems by indicating the purity of water and air. The main differences between dragonflies and damselflies are: dragonflies have large bulky bodies with eyes close together and wings that are open and spread during rest, while damselflies have thin elongated bodies with eyes on either side of the head and wings that remain closed along their body at rest. Direct observation is the best way to distinguish and understand these insects.

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25 views1 page

Differences Between Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are one of the most beautiful insects known for their colorful appearance and interesting behaviors. They have existed for over 325 million years and play an important role in ecosystems by indicating the purity of water and air. The main differences between dragonflies and damselflies are: dragonflies have large bulky bodies with eyes close together and wings that are open and spread during rest, while damselflies have thin elongated bodies with eyes on either side of the head and wings that remain closed along their body at rest. Direct observation is the best way to distinguish and understand these insects.

Uploaded by

S Santosh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Dragonflies & Damselflies

Introduction: - Dragonflies and Damselflies are one of the most beautiful insects. They are very
colorful and have a very interesting behavior which would attract you towards its beauty.

They are not only beautiful but also very important for our ecosystem. They are very good indicators
of purity of water and air.

Brief History: - The scientific name of Dragonfly is Odonata. The extinct ancestors of dragonflies
developed about 325 million years ago in the carboniferous era.

Difference between Dragonfly and Damselfly:-

Damselfly Dragonfly
Compound Located on either side of head Both the compound eyes are generally
Eyes very close to each other. It is also called
envelop shape eyes

Wings The two pair of wings are almost equal The hind wings are larger and have a
in shape and size. They usually keep wider base than the forewings. The
their wings closed along the body when wings are generally open and
at rest. horizontally spread and perpendicular
to the body during rest.

Body shape Thin and elongated, Slender bodies Larger and wider in shape, bulky bodies

Appearance

These are some major differences between dragonfly and damselfly. They will help you to identify
them in the field.

The best way to have a better understanding/identification of these flies is by directly observing
them in their natural habitat.

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