INSECTA

A closer look · Insect guide

Damselflies

Odonata — suborder Zygoptera

Damselflies are slender relatives of dragonflies. Their young are aquatic predators.

How do damselflies rest?

Most hold their wings together over the body, unlike the spread-wing posture of dragonflies.

What do damselflies eat?

Adults take small flying insects, including midges.

Where are their eggs laid?

Females lay eggs in water or on aquatic vegetation.

Try one observation

From a pond-side path, record the resting wing position and the plant used as a perch. Treat posture as a clue, not a complete identification.

Observe without handling or collecting. These clues are a starting point, not a confirmed identification.

Source & further reading

University of Maryland Extension — Damselflies, dragonflies and earwigs

Published . Short introductory summary; consult the source for detail and regional context.

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