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How do you tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
Dragonflies have hind wings that broaden at the base, which makes them larger than the front set of wings. Damselflies have wings that are the same size and shape for both sets, and they also taper down as they join the body, becoming quite narrow as they connect.
Are dragonflies and damselflies the same species?
These are not the same insects, but they are related. Both belong to the Odonata order, but dragonflies fall into the Anisoptera suborder, while damselflies belong to the Zygoptera suborder. Within these suborders there are more species of dragonfly than damselfly.
Do damselflies turn into dragonflies?
Unlike butterflies, damselflies do not hide away inside a pupa to transform into their adult form. Instead, they shed their skin several times as they grow, changing shape a little each time. This process is called incomplete metamorphosis, and it occurs in grasshoppers, crickets, bugs, dragonflies, and cockroaches.
Are damselflies harmless?
Damselflies are not considered dangerous to humans, fish, or pets. Whether aquatic larvae or flying adults, their mouthparts simply are not capable of harming our skin, nor do they try to go after things larger than they are.
Do dragonflies eat damselflies?
As adults, dragonflies eat just about anything they can catch while on the wing. Mosquitoes, gnats, flies, flying ants, swarming termites, mayflies, midges, butterflies (even big swallowtails), damselflies, other dragonflies, or just about anything small enough for them to catch.
What’s a damselfly look like?
Damselflies have wings that are both the same size and shape, which taper where they attach to the body. Dragonflies, however, have different shaped fore and hind wings. Their hind wings are much broader and don’t taper so much where they attach to the body, giving them more of a plane look.
What is special about damselfly?
2. Like their bigger cousins, damselflies are FABULOUS hunters, both as nymphs and adults. As adults, they grab prey in mid-air, using their legs like a basket to catch it. In the water, as nymphs, they are also fierce predators, catching other aquatic invertebrates like mosquito larva, mayfly nymphs and isopods.
What does it mean to see a damselflies?
A damselfly tends to symbolize purity, protection, and equality. The meanings and symbols associated with seeing a damselfly in real life are generally positive.
How to identify dragonflies and damselflies?
Different species are on the wing at different times of the year. This can help you narrow down the list of potential species that you could have sighted.
Are dragonflies or damselflies harmful?
People tend to wonder if the dragonflies or damselflies bite or sting. The answer is that they do not sting. They might bite you instead because they have teeth to catch their prey. However, their bite is not harmful to human beings. Both members of the Odonata family tend to prey on other animals.
Are damselflies female dragonflies?
This is where the female dragonflies and damselflies will lay their eggs. By providing needed habitat, you can help save dragonflies as well as damsels in distress. Be aware of the pesticides you are using to get rid of annoying bugs like mosquitoes—they also might be harming beneficial insects like dragonflies.
Are dragonflies and damselflies related?
Dragonflies can be mistaken for the closely related damselflies, which make up the other odonatan infraorder and are similar in body plan though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold their wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight.