Damselfly
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? Damselflies |
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 Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagama cyathigerum)
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Families
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Amphipterygidae Calopterygidae- Demoiselles Chlorocyphidae- Jewels Dicteriadidae- Barelegs Euphaeidae- Gossamerwings Polythoridae- Bannerwings Synlestidae- Sylphs Lestidae- Spreadwings Lestoididae Megapodagrionidae- Flatwings Perilestidae- Shortwings Hemiphlebidae- Reedlings Coenagrionidae- Pond Damselflies Isosticidae- Narrow-wings Platycnemidae- Brook Damselflies Platystictidae- Forest Damselflies Protoneuridae- Pinflies Pseudostigmatidae- Forest Giants |
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. Damselflies are also usually smaller, and weaker fliers than dragonflies, and their eyes are separated.
Biology
Damselflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The female lays eggs in water, sometimes in underwater vegetation. Nymphs are carnivorous, feeding on daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other small aquatic organisms. After molting a couple of times, the adult emerges and eats flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects.
Beautiful Demoiselle
Common Blue Damselfly
Mating Damselflies