Suborder Damselflies
The order Odonata has two suborders: Damselflies and Dragonflies. The three most obvious differences between the two are length, wing position, and eyes.
Damselflies are shorter than dragonflies. Typically between one and two inches, and thin. Dragonflies are generally longer and wider.
When a damselfly perches, most of their species have their wings together down the line of the abdomen. Dragonflies perch with wings outstretched.
The eyes of a damselfly are widely separated and on the opposite sides of the head. Dragonflies’ eyes are larger and touch, or almost touch, at the top of the head.
Pictures updated: Sep 26, 2023
1 – American Rubyspot Male TX
2 – Familiar Bluet Female TX
3 – Orange Bluet Male TX
4 – Springwater Dancer Male OK
5 – Azure Bluet Male NY
6 – Rambur’s Forktail Male TX
7 – Ebony Jewelwing Male MD
8 – Slender Bluet Male MD
9 – Variable Dancer Male PA
10 – Blue-fronted Dancer Male WV
