Damselflies

Damselflies are a group of insects closely related to the dragonflies. They are aerial predators and feed on small insects which they catch on the wing. Damselflies are to be seen close to slow moving and still freshwater habitats.

At a quick glance they do look similar to dragonflies but on closer inspection there can be seen significant differences.

Their bodies tend to be much slimmer, shorter and are often bright iridescent colours.

They also have two pairs of transparent veined wings, but unlike the dragonfly which rests with wings horizontally apart, damselflies hold them vertically together.

Like the dragonfly, their hunting is eased by their large compound eyes.

Mating is similar to the dragonflies, the mating pair forming a wheel position. Such couples flying in this position are a common sight in summer. They may stay joined in this position to after the laying of eggs. During egg laying the female may be completely submerged under the water.

The nymphs are similar to those of dragonflies and feed in the same way by firing out their fearsome jaws and gripping the unfortunate prey with pincers. They do differ, the nymph has three feather like gills at the end of the abdomen and they remain under water for just a year.

The nymphs have to moult as they grow. Before the final moult they climb out of the water. After the final moult they emerge as an adult.