Odonata
Sign in to saveOdonata is an order of predatory flying insects that includes the dragonflies and damselflies (as well as the Epiophlebia damsel-dragonflies). The two major groups are distinguished with dragonflies (Anisoptera) usually being bulkier with large compound eyes together and wings spread up or out at rest, while damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are usually more slender with eyes placed apart and wings folded together along body at rest. Adult odonates can land and perch, but rarely walk.
AI overview
Odonata is an order of predatory flying insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies, distinguished by their large compound eyes and two pairs of wings. While dragonflies tend to be bulkier with wings spread at rest, damselflies are typically more slender with wings folded along their bodies, though both are skilled fliers that rarely walk.
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Article
15 sectionsContents
- Etymology and terminology
- External morphology
- Size
- Description
- Evolution
- Fossil history
- Phylogeny
- Taxonomy
- Ecology and life cycle
- Cannibalism
- Gallery
- See also
- References
- Cited sources
- External links
Odonata is an order of predatory flying insects that includes the dragonflies and damselflies (as well as the Epiophlebia damsel-dragonflies). The two major groups are distinguished with dragonflies (Anisoptera) usually being bulkier with large compound eyes together and wings spread up or out at rest, while damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are usually more slender with eyes placed apart and wings folded together along body at rest. Adult odonates can land and perch, but rarely walk.
All odonates have aquatic larvae called naiads or nymphs, and all of them, larvae and adults, are carnivorous and are almost entirely insectivorous, although at the larval stage they will eat anything that they can overpower, including small fish, tadpoles, and even adult newts. The adults are superb aerial hunters and their legs are specialised for catching prey in flight.