Damselfly
Enallagma spp.
A slender, delicate relative of the dragonfly with widely spaced eyes and slim wings that fold together over its back at rest, often seen fluttering weakly among reeds and grasses at the water's edge.
- Size
- 1–2 in body length
- Habitat
- Ponds, streams, marshes, and vegetation near water
- Danger
- Harmless
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Overview
Damselflies make up the suborder Zygoptera within the order Odonata, closely related to dragonflies but generally smaller and more slender. More than 3,000 species are known worldwide.
The aquatic larval stage plays a significant role in freshwater food webs as both a predator of smaller invertebrates and prey for fish and other animals. Adults are frequently used by ecologists as indicators of freshwater habitat quality due to their sensitivity to water conditions.
Though closely related to dragonflies, damselflies are easily separated by their slimmer build and characteristic folded-wing resting posture.
How to Identify
- Slender, thread-like body, often metallic blue, green, or red
- Two pairs of narrow, roughly equal-sized wings, typically held closed together above the back at rest — unlike dragonflies
- Eyes set well apart on either side of the head, rather than touching
- Weaker, more fluttering flight than dragonflies
- Body length roughly 1–2 in; distinguished from dragonflies by its slimmer body, separated eyes, and folded-wing posture at rest
Habitat & Range
Found worldwide except in polar regions. Closely associated with freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow streams, and marshes with abundant emergent vegetation. Adults typically stay close to water and surrounding plants, and are most active in warm months from spring through fall.
Behavior & Diet
Adults are predators of small, soft-bodied flying insects, caught during short fluttering flights near vegetation. Aquatic larvae (naiads) prey on smaller aquatic invertebrates and mosquito larvae using an extendable, hinged lower lip (labium). Males of many species guard females during and after mating. Both larvae and adults serve as prey for fish, birds, and amphibians within the freshwater ecosystem.
Life Cycle
Incomplete metamorphosis with no pupal stage. Eggs are laid in or on aquatic or emergent plant tissue. Aquatic larvae develop over several months to about a year depending on species and climate. Mature larvae crawl out of the water onto vegetation to molt into winged adults, which generally live for a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a damselfly from a dragonfly?
Damselflies are slimmer, have eyes set apart on the sides of the head, and fold their wings together over the back at rest, while dragonflies are stockier with touching eyes and outstretched wings at rest.
Where are damselflies usually found?
Near freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow streams with plenty of emergent vegetation.
What do damselfly larvae eat?
Other small aquatic invertebrates, including mosquito larvae, captured with an extendable hinged mouthpart.
Are damselflies strong fliers?
No, compared to dragonflies they have a weaker, more fluttering flight and tend to stay close to vegetation.
Damselfly guides
In-depth guides for identifying, understanding, and living alongside Damselfly.
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