What’s the difference between a Damselfly and a Dragonfly?
Both a damselfly (order Odonata, sub-order Zygoptera) and a dragonfly (order Odonata, sub-order Epiprocta) are insects.
A damselfly keeps its wings folded when it is resting, along or above the abdomen.
A dragonfly holds its wings flat, away from the body, when it is resting.
Damselfly (left) and Dragonfly (right)
A damselfly is lighter in build, with a smaller and slimmer body than a dragonfly.
A damselfly has a weak, fluttery flight, whereas a dragonfly has an agile, quick flight.
Swamp Bluet Damselfly
Julia Skimmer Dragonfly
Julia Skimmer Dragonfly
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM