How do I identify a dragonfly nymph?

Field Guide. Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, usually drab, with 6 legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. Gills are located inside the rectum (unlike those of damselflies, which extend from the hind end like 3 leaflike tails).

How can you tell a dragonfly?

Damselflies have wings that are both the same size and shape, which taper where they attach to the body. Dragonflies, however, have different shaped fore and hind wings. Their hind wings are much broader and don’t taper so much where they attach to the body, giving them more of a plane look.

What is a dragonfly nymph called?

Dragonflies are predatory insects, both in their aquatic nymphs stage (also known as naiads) and as adults.

How do you identify Odonata?

Many characteristics distinguish Odonata from other groups of insects — minute antennae, extremely large eyes (filling most of the head), two pairs of transparent membranous wings with many small veins, a long slender abdomen, an aquatic larval stage (nymph) with posterior tracheal gills, and a prehensile labium ( …

Whats the difference between dragonfly and damselfly?

Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio(Opens in a new window) reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.

How can you tell the difference between a male and female dragonfly?

If you have a dragonfly in your net or your hand or a really good photo, look for a bump on the underside of the abdomen near its joint with the thorax. If there’s a bump there, it’s a male. If the underside of the dragonfly is smooth, it’s a female. It’s easy!

How do you preserve a dragonfly nymph?

dragonfly larvae are best kept in containers with a bit of wet moss or other vegetation to keep the humidity high. Once you are back home, drop them in water that has been brought to a boil, but removed from the heat source; leave them for 30 seconds, remove and place on paper toweling to remove excess water.

How do you preserve dragonfly in acetone?

The preservative of choice for adult Odonata is acetone because it does a fairly good job of preserving colors, which can be important in identification. Acetoning is not difficult. Soak the insects for 8 hours (overnight is fine), then allow them to dry before putting them into permanent envelopes.

How can I tell what kind of dragonflies I have found?

Some species can only be found in certain parts of the country or in very specific habitats. The colour of adult dragonflies changes with age. Tenerals (newly emerged adults) can appear very pale and may not have their mature colouration yet. You may have to look closely for any emerging markings or patterns to help identify it.

What is the colour of a mature dragonfly?

The colour of adult dragonflies changes with age. Tenerals (newly emerged adults) can appear very pale and may not have their mature colouration yet. You may have to look closely for any emerging markings or patterns to help identify it. Similarly very mature adults can appear much darker.

What to do if you spot a dragonfly?

If you spot a dragonfly that you can’t identify try and take well-focused photos from above and the side. For a quick response share them with the BDS community on Facebook.

How many types of dragonflies are there?

Dragonflies (order Odonata) are divided into two distinct sub-orders, the Zygoptera or Damselflies and the Anisoptera or Dragonflies. Please use the filters on our identification tool below to find your species.