Odonata

Fabricius, 1793

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Suborder Guides

Anisoptera(Dragonflies)
Zygoptera(Damselflies)

is an order of predatory flying insects comprising dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera). are superb aerial hunters with nearly 360-degree vision, while larvae are aquatic called naiads or nymphs. The order dates to the Late Triassic, with over 6,400 extant . Dragonflies typically have bulkier bodies with contiguous and hold wings spread at rest; damselflies are more slender with separated eyes and fold wings together over the body.

Phanogomphus borealis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neurocordulia alabamensis by (c) geosesarma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by geosesarma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neurocordulia obsoleta by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Odonata: /ˌoʊdəˈneɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Dragonflies (Anisoptera) distinguished from damselflies (Zygoptera) by: larger, bulkier bodies; contiguous or nearly so; wings held horizontally or outstretched at rest; stronger, more direct . Damselflies: slender bodies; clearly separated; wings folded together above or alongside body at rest; weaker, more fluttering flight. (damsel-dragonflies) show intermediate traits. Presence of pterostigma on wings distinguishes from superficially similar Neoptera.

Images

Habitat

most common near freshwater bodies—lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes—though many range far from water. Larvae exclusively aquatic, occupying diverse freshwater from temporary pools to large lakes, with distribution across plains, foothills, and montane zones exceeding 4,600 ft elevation. Some species show high adaptability to mountain .

Distribution

distribution across all continents except Antarctica. High diversity at biogeographical crossroads; Oklahoma (USA) ranks among top eight states for . Specific documented locations include: Plaiul Fagului Reserve (Moldova), Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia), California, and Australia (type locality of largest ).

Seasonality

periods vary by and latitude. Most temperate species produce one annually. Adult lifespan typically 3–8 weeks; some dragonflies live 6–8 weeks, damselflies often 3–4 weeks. Larval stage can extend up to 8 years in some species.

Diet

Strictly throughout life. Larvae (naiads) prey on aquatic organisms including insect larvae, small fish, tadpoles, and newts—anything they can overpower. Adults are aerial , capturing flying prey with specialized spiny legs; reported success rate up to 97% of attempts. Prey includes mosquitoes, butterflies, bees, and other flying insects.

Host Associations

Prosthogonimus sp. - Second intermediate Larvae serve as intermediate for this trematode , which infects domestic birds (, bursa fabricius, intestines)

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous development. laid in water or on vegetation near water. Hatch into pronymphs using reserves, then develop through 9–14 instars as aquatic nymphs. to occurs at dusk or dawn; teneral stage precedes full color development and sexual maturity. No pupal stage.

Behavior

rarely walk; legs specialized for perching and prey capture. Two primary hunting strategies: active pursuit (relying on speed/endurance) and sit-and-wait ambush (relying on stealth/surprise). Mating involves complex genital mechanics: males transfer sperm from primary genitalia (segment 9) to secondary copulatory organs (segment 2–3) via intra-male sperm , then grasp females with to form 'wheel' position. Anisoptera often mate in ; Zygoptera typically mate while perched. Males frequently guard females post-copulation and may remove rival sperm using specialized genital structures. documented in both larval and adult stages.

Ecological Role

Important controlling insect in both aquatic and terrestrial . Bioindicators of water quality due to sensitivity to degradation and specific aquatic requirements for larval development. correlates positively with vascular plant diversity. Sensitive to temperature changes; many shifting to higher elevations and latitudes with climate warming.

Human Relevance

Beneficial of pest insects including mosquitoes. Subject of scientific study (odonatology) due to complete fossil record extending 319 million years, making them ideal for studying insect evolution and origins. Popular among naturalists and photographers. No medical importance; not venomous despite folklore names like 'devil's darning needles.'

Similar Taxa

Meganisoptera (griffenflies)Extinct Paleozoic relatives with similar body plan; distinguished by larger size (up to 71 cm wingspan) and not belonging to crown-group .
NeopteraAll other winged insects; distinguished by indirect mechanism (muscles attach to , not directly to wings) and ability to fold wings flat over .
Ephemeroptera (mayflies)Related Palaeopteran insects with similar aquatic larvae; distinguished by triangular forewings, short , and non-predatory mouthparts.

Misconceptions

Folklore claims they sew up ears or are venomous are false. The name 'devil's darning needle' and similar terms have no biological basis; one group is appropriately called 'Darners' ( Aeshnidae).

More Details

Etymology

Coined by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793 from Greek ὀδών (odṓn, 'tooth'), possibly referring to toothed .

Flight mechanics

attach to wings rather than , enabling independent control of amplitude, frequency, angle of attack, camber, and twist of each of four wings—primitive condition shared only with mayflies among extant insects.

Conservation status

Multiple regionally threatened; Leucorrhinia pectoralis critically endangered in Moldova and protected under Bern Convention, EU Directive, and multiple Red Lists.