Damselflies

Overview

Zygoptera is the suborder of insects that includes damselflies. They occur on every continent except Antarctica. There are about 2,942 still surviving (extant) damselfly species in 309 genera in 27 families worldwide. There are 136 species in 22 genera in 5 families In North America north of Mexico. There are at least 42 damselfly species in Minnesota.

Damselflies spend most of their lives under water as nymphs. Naiad are found in rivers and streams, in lakes and ponds, and in swamps and marshes. They eat mostly crustaceans, including water fleas, but also other aquatic invertebrates. Adults are found in good quality habitats not far from fresh water suitable for breeding. They will eat any small, flying, soft-bodied insect.

Description

Damselflies are similar to dragonflies but are smaller; the bodies are more slender; the heads are much wider than long (hammer-headed); the compound eyes are separated by at least the width of the eye; the forewings and hindwings are similar in size and shape and are held over the body (most species) or at a 45° angle (spreadwings) when at rest; the flight is weak and fluttering; and the ovipositor on the female is functional.