Damselfly
| Damselflies | ||||||||||
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 Blue Ringtail, Austrolestes annulosus
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||
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Amphipterygidae |
The Damselfly (Suborder Zygoptera) is an insect in the Order Odonata. Damselflies are similar to dragonflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most damselflies are held along the body when at rest. Furthermore, the hindwing of the damselfly is essentially similar to the forewing, while the hindwing of the dragonfly broadens near the base, caudal to the connecting point at the body. Damselflies are also usually smaller, weaker fliers than dragonflies, and their eyes are separated.
Biology
Damselflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with an aquatic nymphal stage. The female lays eggs in water, sometimes in underwater vegetation, or high in trees in bromeliads and other water-filled cavities. Nymphs are carnivorous, feeding on daphnia, mosquito larvae, and various other small aquatic organisms. The gills of damselfly nymphs are large and external, resembling three fins at the end of the abdomen. After moulting several times, the winged adult emerges and eats flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. Some of the larger tropical species are known to feed on spiders, hovering near the web and simply plucking the spider from its perch.
Gallery
Emerald Spreadwing Lestes dryas
Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo
Blue Ringtail Austrolestes annulosus
- P1010762-1.jpg
Black Torrent Dart
- P1010464-1.jpg
Coromandel Marsh Dart Ceriagrion coromandelianum
Female Ebony Jewelwing Calopteryx maculata
Common blue damselfly eating a leafhopper
American Rubyspot Hetaerina americana
Ischnura senegalensis
Unidentified damselfly in Victoria, Australia
Mating Damselflies
See also
- Pelecinus a genus of wasp with a similar build to a damselfly.
External links
- American Rubyspot Damselfly Hetaerina americana diagnostic photos and information
- Familiar Bluet Damselfly Enallagma civile
- Emerald Spreadwing Damselfly Lestes dryas
- Stream Bluet Damselfly Enallagma exsulans
- Northern Bluet Enallagma cyathigerum
- Blue-Tailed Damsel, Asian specie.
- Stereoscopic 3d cross eye view, Damsel fly.
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