How do you identify damselflies?

Characteristics of Damselflies

1. Body: Delicate and small.
2. Wings: Forewings and hind wings are the same shape.
3. Eyes: Separated on the head.
4. Behaviour: Weak flight. Usually rests with wings held against the body.

What does a damsel fly nymph look like?

Damselfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, slender, usually drab insects, with 6 thin legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. The wings are membranous and elaborately veined. The hindwing is about the same size and shape as the forewing. The eyes are compound, large, but usually do not touch.

How many species of damselflies are there?

2942
Overall, there are about 2942 extant species of damselflies placed in 309 genera.

What Colour are damselflies?

Male damselflies typically have iridescent wings and some type of colorful blue, green, or purple body, while the females usually have a golden brown color, even on their wings.

How do I identify a dragonfly nymph?

Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, usually drab, with 6 legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. Gills are located inside the rectum (unlike those of damselflies, which extend from the hind end like 3 leaflike tails). They breathe by drawing water in and out of their hind end.

Where do you find damselfly?

Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.

Are damselflies harmless?

Damselflies have many nicknames, including damsels, bog dancers and devil’s darning needles. This last one especially might give cause for alarm, but not to worry, these insects are harmless and do not sting or bite–unless of course you are a mosquito, fly, or other insect.

What is the lifespan of a damselfly?

2 months to 3 years
Damselflies live for 2 months to 3 years as nymphs, undergoing five to 15 molts as they grow. At this stage, naiads like the adults, are fierce predators. They prey on freshwater organisms, mosquito larvae, various small aquatic insects and other arthropods within their reach.