Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations dragonfly territory

Norm - If Joe does not mind, I can answer that. There are numerous technical differences but most simply - Both belong to the scientific Order Odonata or vernacular odonates. Both are aquatic and have larvae (immature, sometimes called nymphs) and adult (winged) stages. Larvae live totally underwater, crawl out, sit on a surface and "hatch" into the adult. They leave their old "shell" or cast skin clinging to stems, dock posts, etc.

LARVAE- Damselfly (Zygoptera - suborder) larvae have 3 tails (trachial gills) whereas dragonfly larvae (Anisoptera - suborder) have 5 very short stiff pointed appendages at the tip of the "tail" / abdomen. Damselflies are usu better swimmers than dragonflies. Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are shorter and stockier bodies, often resembling small armored tanks with 6 legs. Damselfly larvae are usu more slender looking than dragonfly larvae & with the characterisic 3 "tails". Note many mayfly larvae also have 3 tails.

ADULTS - The main difference is Damselflies hold their wings hold their wings together above abdomen when at rest or "perched" whereas Dragonflies hold their wings outspread (horizontally) when "perched".

Factoids. There are approx 650 different species of both odonate types in North America! and abt 5,500 worldwide. Flight speeds are around 15 to 21 mph, with some speeds up to 34 mph.

PS . Joe - Very creative post; thanks.