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The Order Odonata – Dragonflies and Damselflies

The order Odonata includes dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera), two groups of insects with membranous wings, well-developed eyes, and expert flight. These insect predators are intimately linked to aquatic environments, where their larvae develop. Adults are often brightly colored, territorial, and display spectacular hunting and reproductive behaviors. They play a key role in mosquito control and are excellent bioindicators of water quality. This section introduces the order and provides access to pages dedicated to the suborders and families observed in the field.

Suborders

Anisoptera – Dragonflies: robust, powerful flyers, wings spread at rest, eyes touching
Zygoptera – Damselflies: slender, light flight, wings folded at rest, eyes separated
(Sometimes Anisozygoptera, a fossil or transitional group in certain classifications)

Characteristics

Two pairs of independent, often veined membranous wings
Large, well-developed compound eyes (especially in Anisoptera)
Elongated body, often brightly colored
Chewing mouthparts (predators)
Agile flight, sometimes hovering

Habitat

Odonates depend on aquatic environments for reproduction:

Ponds, pools, rivers, ditches, bogs, lakes, canals
Require aquatic or riparian vegetation for egg-laying
Adults active in sunny areas near water

Biology

Eggs laid in or near water, often on plants
Aquatic larvae, predatory, equipped with a prehensile mask (modified labium)
Incomplete metamorphosis (no pupal stage)
Emergence on plant support, visible exuviae
Larval stage lasts from a few months to several years depending on species
Adults live for a few weeks to two months

Representative Families

Anisoptera

Aeshnidae – Large, fast-flying dragonflies (Anax, Aeshna…)
Libellulidae – Stocky and very common dragonflies (Libellula, Orthetrum, Sympetrum…)
Gomphidae, Corduliidae

Zygoptera

Coenagrionidae – Slender blue or green damselflies (Coenagrion, Ischnura…)
Calopterygidae – Large metallic damselflies (Calopteryx…)
Lestidae, Platycnemididae

Special Features

Bioindicators of aquatic habitat quality
Marked territorial behavior, especially in males
Characteristic “heart” mating posture
Some species exhibit migratory behavior

Anisoptera

Aeshnidae

Libellulidae

Zygoptera

Calopterygidae

Coenagrionidae

Platycnemididae

Anisoptera

Anisoptera, or true dragonflies, are powerful predatory insects, recognizable by their fast flight, robust bodies, and wings held open at rest.

Zygoptera – Damselflies

Zygoptera, or damselflies, are slender and graceful odonates with folded wings at rest, often seen near calm water bodies.