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dragonflies vs. damselflies, what’s the difference? The two are easily confused as they are both big and flying insects. They are very similar – both are in order Odonata — and there are many varieties of each, although dragonflies are more common than damselflies. Both are characterized by their bright and vibrant colors, and both can be found in nearby waters. However, despite their similarities, they have some key differences.
So, how similar are they really? Well, they have differently shaped wings and they hold them differently when they are at rest. Not only that, but they have different eyes and different body sizes. Join us and we will discover all the differences between these fascinating animals.
Compare Damselfly to Dragonfly
Dragonflies and damselflies are both flying insects found nearby fresh water ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. At first glance there is very little difference between them, but when we look more closely – especially when they are at rest – it becomes quite clear that they are not the same animal. In fact, there are some differences between them that make it much easier to tell them apart.
Check out the chart below to learn some of the key differences.
| dragonfly | Dragonfly | |
| Measure | Usually between 1.5 and 2 inches long | Usually over 2 inches long |
| Wing shape | Both fore and hind wings are the same size and shape, but taper where they meet the body | Hindwings are much wider than their forewings and not as tapered as damselflies |
| Wings at rest | Wings are closed and rest against their body while resting | Wings are held open when resting |
| Eyes | Slightly smaller eyes than dragonflies and have a gap between them | Big eyes that are close together |
| body type | Long, thin body like a twig | chunky body |
| Flight | Slower and not as strong as dragonflies | Strong, fast and agile |
The 6 main differences between dragonflies and damselflies
Dragonfly vs Damselfly: Size
Women’s selfies are generally smaller than dragonflies and are usually between 1.5 and 2 inches in length. Dragonflies are generally over 2 inches long, with the biggest dragonfly is the giant darner with a length of 5 inches and a wingspan the same.
Dragonfly vs. Damselfly: Body Type
Damselflies are not only shorter in length, but also have a smaller and smaller body type. Damselflies have long, thin bodies that look more like very small twigs. On the other hand, dragonflies have much coarser and more robust bodies.
Dragonfly vs Damselfly: Wing Shape
One of the most noticeable differences between dragonflies and damselflies is the shape of their wings. Both the fore and hind wings of damselflies are the same size being long and slender like their bodies and they taper at the base where they join their bodies. However, dragonflies have much wider wings than damselflies and their wings widen at the base where they join their bodies.
Dragonfly vs Damselfly: Wings at Rest
Another major difference between dragonflies and damselflies is the position of their wings when they are at rest. When resting, damselflies keep their wings closed. They fold them back and hold them against their bodies, giving them a sleek and streamlined appearance, even when they are resting. However, dragonflies do the opposite. When resting, they hold their wings open so that their wings extend out the side of their bodies.
Dragonfly vs. dragonfly: eyes
If you are lucky enough to get a very close look at a dragonfly or dragonfly, you can tell the difference between their eyes. Dragonflies have large eyes that take up most of their heads and wrap around the side of their faces. There is also little to no gap between their eyes. Damselflies have much smaller eyes than dragonflies and there is always a gap between their eyes.
Dragonfly vs Damselfly: Flight
There is also a difference in the flying ability of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies – despite being larger and having a sturdier body – are fast and agile in the air and are both strong and graceful in flight. Damselflies are much slower and do not fly as strongly as dragonflies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are dragonflies and damselflies closely related?
Yes, dragonflies and damselflies are both of the same order Odonatadragonflies, however, are of the suborder Epiprocta and damselflies are from Zygoptera. Zygoptera is derived from the ancient Greek word for “equal wing”.
Do damselflies and dragonflies live in the same places?
Yes – both dragonflies and damselflies are found nearby fresh water ponds, lakes, streams and rivers on every continent except Antarctica. Both lay their eggs in or near waters and the eggs hatch into water nymphs. Depending on the individual species, they remain as nymphs for between a few weeks and several years.
Do dragonflies and damselflies eat the same thing?
Yes, both eat almost all flies insect that they can catch. They eat a variety of butterflies, wasps, moths, bees, and to fly. Dragonflies sometimes eat other dragonflies as well. Even dragonflies and damselflies eat the same things – they both feed! invertebrates, tadpoles, and small fish.
How long do dragonflies and damselflies live?
Although there is a common misconception that dragonflies only live twenty-four hours, as adults they live between one and eight weeks, while damselflies generally live a few weeks.
Are there differences between dragonflies and damselflies?
Yes, many dragonfly nymphs are much stockier and have more rounded bodies than dragonfly nymphs. Damselflies are much taller and have leaner bodies just like their adult counterparts. Damselfly nymph
s
also have gills on their abdomens while dragonfly nymphs have rectal gills.
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