What is the Difference Between Dragonfly and Damselfly?

Dragonflies and damselflies are both insects belonging to the Odonata subspecies, but they have some key differences that can help you distinguish between them. Here are the main differences:

1. Body shape: Dragonflies have bulkier and shorter bodies, while damselflies have more slender and thinner bodies, resembling twigs.
2. Eyes: Dragonflies have large eyes that are close together, while damselflies have smaller eyes with a gap between them.
3. Wings: Both dragonflies and damselflies have two pairs of wings, but their shapes differ. Damselflies have wings that are the same size and shape, tapering towards the base, while dragonflies have different shaped fore and hind wings, with the latter being broader and not tapering as much towards the body.
4. Wing position: When at rest, dragonflies hold their wings straight out, perpendicular to their body, like an airplane's wings. In contrast, damselflies fold their wings back, aligning them with their body, giving them a more sleek, slender appearance at rest.
5. Size: Dragonflies are generally larger, with bodies typically longer than 2 inches, while damselflies are smaller, with bodies ranging between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches.

Next time you encounter these insects near a pond or stream, remember these differences to identify whether you're looking at a dragonfly or a damselfly.

Comparative Table: Dragonfly vs Damselfly

Here is a table comparing the differences between dragonflies and damselflies:

Both dragonflies and damselflies belong to the Odonata subspecies of insects and can be found near freshwater habitats. They are predatory, with both adults and larvae hunting other flying insects.