Of Damselflies and Dragonflies
American Rubyspot–damselfly (Check out that mischievous face) [Photo by Ann Constantino]
Local photographer, Ann Constantino, captured digitally these (and quite a few more) images of some of our local damselflies and dragonflies. See the rest here.
Here’s a clear description at ReconnectWithNature.org of how to tell the difference between the two similar insects.
Bison Snaketail-a dragonfly [Photo by Ann Constantino]
Both dragonflies and damselflies are typically found near fresh water and are commonly seen during warm, sunny days. And while they share some physical characteristics, there are four ways you can differentiate between the two, according to Mother Nature Network.
EYES
Dragonflies have much larger eyes than damselflies. A dragonfly’s eyes take up most of the insect’s head, wrapping around to the sides of its head. Damselflies also have large eyes, but they are smaller than a dragonfly’s and there is always a space between their eyes.BODIES
Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.WINGS
Both dragonflies and damselflies have two sets of wings, but there are some distinct differences in their wings that can help differentiate between the two. Dragonflies have two sets of similar-sized wings, but the hind wings become more broad at the base, where they attach to the body. Damselfly wings, on the other hand, are more slender and taper toward they base, where they attach to the body.AT REST
While the wings of dragonflies and damselflies are a key distinction between the two, how they position their wings while not in flight further helps tell them apart. When not in flight, a dragonfly’s wings stick straight out, perpendicular to their body like an airplane’s wings. A damselfly’s wings fold back so they are in line with their body, giving them a more sleek, slender appearance at rest.
California Dancer damselfly [Photo by Ann Constantino]
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How refreshing! You mean Humboldt’s animal population isn’t just made up of humans crashing their cars and preoccupying themselves with mind-numbing drugs? Think I’ll go out and look for some dragon and damsel flies! Thanks!!
here here – i live in a wilderness area and its all animals – a deer was sleeping next to my Buddha yesterday morning , under a large juniper tree – 3 pronghorns spotted monday — a golden eagle seen tuesday being harrassed by a red tail hawk and a raven — a badger is helping keep the ground squirrel population down – blue belly lizards everywhere – saw an owl this morning during the eclipse – my field mice have left after i repaired jerry garcias old fender twin reverb amplifier , extremely loud – saw a blue damsel fly yesterday in the reeds by my creek – the ticks are still there , thirsty for plasma — i’m trying to converse with my magpies , but they are still aloof – huge alligator lizards , scorpions , havent seen any snakes lately – heard a sasquatch howling several months ago — got rid of all the drug farmers around here , the sheriff took care of them , good riddance , druggys hate animals and anything that lives — oh , forgot about my quail , robins , turkey vultures , hummingbirds , fox , coyotes and grouse — may god bless them … peace out
Thought I was going to lose a leg after I stood bass fishing in a knee deep piece of heavily vegetated water. What I thought was prickles from the weeds turned out to be about a hundred bites from the nymphs of these bugs. Legs swelled up and the bites turned to purple grape looking things. Had to debride them a couple of times to keep rot away.
I love those electric blue damselflies. Far fewer of them than 20 years ago. Fewer bluebelly lizards, snakes. Definitely fewer deer. Haven’t seen a porcupine in 40 years. No shortage of ticks, been picking them off of myself and my pets for months. Humans fuck up everything.
Dear The Tall One.
Ah, the changes we’ve seen. No more sucker fish, no more dead eels lining the river banks in the spring. The wild turkeys came and went, so did the ‘possums. The porcupine are gone, I think the new breed of dogs that can’t stand loosing a fight killed them all. Very few ‘coons. Elk are all over Laytonville, they eat my apple trees. No more bullhead catfish, blue gill, trout. The bird migrations are all screwed up. I’m not sure how much humans have had to do with it, but we sure have been careless with pollution.
I have damsel flies in my 6 foot diameter fish pond. I let the leaves collect in the bottom. They provide cover for a large variety of bug critters. Two bull frogs moved in last winter. I’m not sure how many damsel flies will not get eaten.
It’s a cowardly new world.
Thanks for your reply, Ernie. The one thing I got is lots of those damn turkeys. You want some?
I’ve got a big gang of ‘possums living under my house, they make a racket come nightfall. But I found out they eat ticks – now they get the leftover catfood put out for them every night. No ticks on me or my critters, not a one. Go, Pogo!!
Wonderful, clearly written key to these lovelies. Photographs from the best. Each day I grow fonder and fonder of RHBB. Thank you!
When I see Damselflies I think of fishing the Eastern Sierras and hungry Trout…….. Sigh…….
nice