These are medium big to big insects. They have huge eyes, and a long, stick like body. These species have lots of local names, and many of those names tells us about the inhabitants views and old beliefs regarding these intriguing insects. The dragon and damsel flies are among our oldest insects. Fossils 280 million years old shows that their body form was exactly the same then as it is today. They are predators, and they are well adapted to their role. The eyes contain up to 30,000 facets, and have two different kind of lenses. The antennae are short, and the mouth is made for biting with huge teeth. The wings can be moved independently, and as many of us have seen, these insects are excellent flyers. We find dragon and damsel flies most everywhere . . . by small and big lakes, rivers and creeks, especially on sunny days. In order to fly, their body temperature must be higher than their surroundings, and to heat the body they can often be seen sitting on rocks basking in the warming sun. While not among the more important aquatic insects that contribute to food for gamefish, they are a very conspicuous element along streams and lakes and are of significant interest to anglers.
A Few Key Dragon & Damsel Flies
(To reveal the adult forms of these immature larva/nymphs, place mouse over image.) |
