1. Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta Order Odonata Dragonflies and Damselflies

3. Odonate Characteristics ‘Odonto’ refers to strong teeth on mandibles of adults Aquatic larva -> terrestrial (aerial) adult Highly predaceous larva or adult Usually considered beneficial for the large number of flying insects the adults eat ~11 families and 407 species in NA Hemimetabolous: egg -> nymph (naiad) -> adult Some species are migratory Adults often mate guard by flying in tandem after copulating “Devil’s Darning Needle”; mosquito hawk

5. Natural History Habitat-almost all in lentic waters Feeding-zooplankton->larger invertebrates->larger items, even fish Life history: –Most have one generation/yr –Some require 2 years; a few require 3-6 yrs (in cold climes) –Most oviposit in water; a few in plants above water line with a sword-like structure –Hatch in several weeks; species of vernal pools may enter diapause for 11 months –Larval stage averages 10 months (range-6 weeks to 6 years) –Molt 11-12 times (range 10-15)

6. More Natural History Stop feeding several days prior to emergence Climb out of water Emergence takes 1-3 hrs; a very vulnerable stage; many emerge at night Adults live 1 month (range: 2weeks-2 months) Excellent vision; can rotate head almost 360  Catch food on the wing in leg basket Males territorial; may lek

7. Suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera Dragonflies Damselflies

8. Adults

9. Larvae Labial mask for catching prey Rectal gills Stout body Labial mask for catching prey Three leaf-like gills at rear of abdomen Body long and slender

10. Dragonfly Larvae Family Differences Aeshnidae Gomphidae Cordulugasteridae

12. Labial Mask

13. Often Identified by Wing Venation

14. Emergence: a dangerous time Teneral Stage

15. Exuvium

16. Ovipositing