From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
| Damselflies |
Common Blue Damselfly, Enallagama cyathigerum
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| Scientific classification |
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Families
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Amphipterygidae
Calopterygidae - Demoiselles
Chlorocyphidae - Jewels
Coenagrionidae - Pond Damselflies
Dicteriadidae - Barelegs
Euphaeidae - Gossamerwings
Hemiphlebidae - Reedlings
Isosticidae - Narrow-wings
Lestidae - Spreadwings
Lestoididae
Megapodagrionidae - Flatwings
Perilestidae - Shortwings
Platycnemidae - Brook Damselflies
Platystictidae - Forest Damselflies
Polythoridae - Bannerwings
Protoneuridae - Pinflies
Pseudostigmatidae - Forest Giants
Synlestidae - Sylphs
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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. Furthermore, the hindwing of the damselfly is essentially similar to the forewing, while the hindwing of the dragonfly broadens near the base, caudal to the connecting point at the body. Damselflies are also usually smaller, and weaker fliers than dragonflies, and their eyes are separated.
[edit] Biology
Damselflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with an aquatic nympal stage. The female lays eggs in water, sometimes in underwater vegetation, or high in trees in bromeliads and other water-filled cavities. Nymphs are carnivorous, feeding on daphnia, mosquito larvae, and various other small aquatic organisms. The gills of damselfly nymphs are large and external, resembling three fins at the end of the abdomen. After molting several times, the winged adult emerges and eats flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. Some of the larger tropical species are known to feed on spiders, hovering near the web and simply plucking the spider from its perch there.
[edit] Gallery
Emerald Spreadwing Lestes dryas
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Female Ebony Jewelwing Calopteryx maculata
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Common Blue Damselfly Eating a Leafhopper
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Mating Damselflies
[edit] External links
