Dragonflies and Damselflies

Speeding over fields and ponds, dragonflies are some of the fastest-flying hunters in the insect world. They feed on other insects, overtaking their prey and then grabbing them in mid-air. There are about 5,500 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and all of them have large eyes, long bodies, and two pairs of transparent wings. Dragonflies usually rest with their wings held out, but damselflies fold theirs along their backs. Young dragonflies and damselflies live in freshwater, and take up to three years to grow up. During their underwater development, they feed on other animals, catching them with a lightning-fast stab of their jaws.

MID-AIR KILLER
With its strong wings and sturdy legs, this dragonfly is superbly equipped for ambushing and catching its prey. Inside its extra-large thorax are powerful flight muscles that beat its wings. Unlike most insects, a dragonfly’s wings beat in opposite directions, which means that it can fly backwards or hover on the spot. Dragonflies have very long abdomens, and people often imagine that they can sting; however, they cannot. Instead, dragonflies and damselflies kill their prey with their powerful legs and jaws.

HUNTING UNDERWATER
This dragonfly larva has caught a stickleback fish. It hunts by stealth, ambushing or stalking its prey. When it is close enough, it shoots out a set of hinged mouthparts, known as a mask. The mask is tipped with two spiky claws, and it works like a harpoon, stabbing and then pulling in the prey. Young damselflies are less powerful and eat smaller water animals.

HUNTING IN THE AIR
Adult dragonflies usually spot their prey by patrolling through the air. This dragonfly has just caught a meal, and has settled down to feed. It uses its feet to catch its prey, and also to hold it down as it starts to eat. Damselflies use a different technique – they either sit and wait for insects to fly past, or snatch them from waterside plants.

PAIRING UP
Dragonflies and damselflies have a unique way of mating – these two damselflies show how it is done. The male, on the left, grips the female behind the head, using a pair of special claspers on his tail. Meanwhile, the female’s tail reaches forwards to touch the male, so that her eggs can be fertilized. The mating pair can fly like this, and they often stay paired up while the female lays her eggs.