Log in

Dragonflies and Damselflies

A dragonfly is an insect that has huge compound eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated, sometimes iridescent body. Dragonflies possess six legs, but they are not capable of walking. They use their legs to hold prey. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but dragonflies hold their wings away from, and perpendicular to the body when at rest. Both dragonflies and damselflies are predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies. They have freely movable heads and sharp mouthparts to chew up insects.

Dragonflies live around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, called nymphs, are aquatic. Adults can fly in six directions: upward, downward, forward, back, and side to side.  That is because unlike other insects, they can move their wings independently. Dragonflies also fly very quickly compared to other insects. Adults live five or six months.

Dragonflies and damselflies, both belonging to the order Odonata, exhibit several distinct differences that help in their identification. Dragonflies are generally larger and have a bulkier body, whereas damselflies appear more slender and delicate. When resting, dragonflies hold their wings out to the sides, while damselflies typically fold theirs together above their bodies. Their eyes also differ significantly; dragonflies possess large, nearly touching compound eyes, whereas damselflies have smaller, spaced-apart eyes. Additionally, dragonflies are known for their strong, agile flight, capable of quick maneuvers, while damselflies have a more gentle, fluttering flight style. These characteristics not only distinguish them visually but also reflect their different behaviors and habitats.

Dragonfly Viewing Guide


Halloween Pennant Dragonfly

by Brenda Kay Edwards

Eastern Forktail by Laurie Sheppard



Fragile Forktale by Laurie Sheppard

Thank you, Laurie Sheppard, for the photos below.  Click on each thumbnail to enlarge.

Banded Pennant

Black Saddlebags

Blue Dasher Male

Blue Dasher Female

Checkered Setwing Male

Checkered Setwing Female

Common Whitetail Male 

Common Whitetail Female

Eastern Amberwing

In Flight

Eastern Amberwing Female 

Eastern Pondhawk Male 

Eastern Pondhawk Female

Dragonflies & Damselflies

Photo by Marilyn Simmons

Familiar Bluet

Flag-tailed Spiny Leg

Four-Spotted Pennant

Halloween Pennant

Red Saddlebags Female

Roseate Skimmer Immature

Roseate Skimmer 

Slaty Skimmer 

Variegated Meadohawk Female

Widow Skimmer Female

Widow Skimmer 

Widow Skimmer Female top view 

Search for any word--do not use quotes for phrases

Events and activities hosted by the Friends of Hagerman are funded by donations and powered solely by volunteers.  There are no fees for admission to the refuge or parking; the refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, drive on any road unless gated.

6465 Refuge Road

Sherman, TX 75092

             

Kroger: Stop by the customer service desk at Kroger and link your Kroger Card to the Friends of Hagerman: the Friends will get rewards for every dollar you spend, at no cost to you.

Please add friendsofhagerman@gmail.com to your contacts to ensure delivery of registration confirmations, account information and the Featherless Flyer

Special thanks to Nancy Miller for the amazing photo of the Visitor Center 

Website Suggestion Box

See you at the refuge! 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software