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

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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 several times, the adult emerges and eats flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects.

Image:Emerald_spreadwing_2.jpg|Emerald Spreadwing Lestes dryas Image:libellule2.JPG|Beautiful Demoiselle Image:Common_blue_damselfly.jpg|Common Blue Damselfly Image:p1010762-1.jpg|Black Torrent Dart Image:p1010464-1.jpg|Coromandel Marsh Dart Image:jewelwing.jpg|Female Ebony Jewelwing Calopteryx maculata

Mating Damselflies Image:Mating Damselflies on Grass Posed Front and Back.jpg Image:Mating Damselflies on Grass Posed Up and Down.jpg

External links

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• American Rubyspot Damselfly Hetaerina americana diagnostic photos and information
• Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly Calopteryx maculata diagnostic photographs and info
• Familiar Bluet Damselfly Enallagma civile
• Emerald Spreadwing Damselfly Lestes dryas
• Stream Bluet Damselfly Enallagma exsulans
• Northern Bluet Enallagma cyathigerum
• Blue-Tailed Damsel, Asian specie.

Odonata | Biological pest control agents

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