Damselfly Facts: Wings, Eyes, Nymphs, and Mating

Damselflies are slender predatory insects in the suborder Zygoptera. Adults have four independently controlled wings and widely separated compound eyes, while aquatic nymphs usually carry three external gills at the abdomen tip. Mating often produces a tandem pair and then a wheel-shaped posture, and the full life cycle has egg, nymph, and adult stages without a pupa.

Are Damselflies Dragonflies?

They are close relatives in the order Odonata but belong to different suborders. Damselflies are Zygoptera. The modern dragonfly group is commonly placed in Anisoptera within Epiprocta.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes damselflies as usually smaller, with separated eyes and wings held along the body at rest. Those are useful general traits, not guarantees for every posture.

How Many Wings Do They Have?

An adult has two forewings and two hind wings. Damselfly wing pairs are generally similar in shape and narrow toward the thorax. Dense veins stiffen the membrane, while joints allow controlled deformation during flight.

Most species fold the wings together over the abdomen while perched. Spreadwings in the family Lestidae hold them partly open. A newly emerged adult pumps fluid through the wings before they harden.

What Can Their Eyes See?

Two large compound eyes occupy the sides of the head, leaving a visible gap between them. Each eye contains many visual units and is highly responsive to movement. Three small simple eyes, called ocelli, also sit on the head.

MassWildlife notes that damselfly eyes may contain thousands of lenses. Wide visual coverage helps adults track flying prey, rivals, mates, and approaching predators.

What Do the Antennae Do?

Damselfly antennae are short and bristle-like, unlike the long antennae of many other insects. Vision dominates adult hunting, but the antennae still sense mechanical and chemical information.

Short antennae help separate an odonate from a stonefly or antlion in a quick field view. Wing venation, eye position, and body shape should confirm the distinction.

What Do Nymphs Look Like?

Nymphs are slender, wingless aquatic predators with six legs, wing pads in later instars, and three flat gills projecting from the abdomen tip. Their lower lip is hinged and extends rapidly to seize prey.

The Maryland DNR contrasts these external gills with the internal rectal gills of dragonfly nymphs. The three plates also help a damselfly nymph swim by undulating its abdomen.

What Do Damselflies Eat?

Adults catch midges, mosquitoes, small flies, and other appropriately sized insects. Their six legs form a basket around prey, which is transferred to chewing mouthparts. A damselfly may eat another small odonate.

Nymphs ambush aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, and other small animals. Diet varies with body size and habitat. Damselflies help control prey but cannot remove every mosquito from a pond or yard.

How Do Damselflies Mate?

The male uses appendages at the abdomen tip to clasp the female near the head or front of the thorax, depending on the group. This creates the tandem position. The female then bends her abdomen forward to connect with the male’s secondary genitalia, forming a mating wheel.

The Maryland DNR account explains that a male may continue guarding a female as she lays eggs. Tandem flight is normal reproductive behavior, not one insect carrying injured prey.

Where Do Females Lay Eggs?

Many insert eggs into living or dead plant tissue at or below the water surface. Others use moist substrate. A paired male may remain attached, hover nearby, or leave, depending on species.

Some females submerge while placing eggs and carry a film of air around the body. Cutting all stems at pond edges can remove egg sites as well as emergence supports.

How Do They Become Adults?

A mature nymph climbs out of the water, anchors itself, and splits the old exoskeleton. The adult pulls free, expands its abdomen and wings, hardens, and flies away. The empty skin remains attached as an exuvia.

Iowa State Extension emphasizes the three-stage cycle and long aquatic period. Follow the timing in the damselfly life cycle.

Can They Sting or Hurt People?

Damselflies have no stinger and do not attack people. Their mouthparts are built for small prey. A handled adult might attempt a weak defensive nip, but it is not medically significant.

Avoid handling anyway because wings and legs are easily damaged. A cup or open hand placed ahead of a stranded individual is safer than pinching its body.

Sources

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “Dragons and Damsels”
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “Common Dragonflies and Damselflies of Maryland”
• Iowa State University Extension, “Dragonflies and Damselflies”
• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, “Born for Summer: Dragonflies Are Emerging”