Order:  Odonata
Family:
Diet:  They are insect feeders as adults and nymphs and eat small crustaceans as adults.
Vegetation Association:  They are found in riparian habitats such as stream pools. Eggs can be found beneath stones under the water line.
Predators:  Birds.
Life Stages:  Incomplete metamorphosis; egg, nymph, adult.
Notes:  Dragonflies extend their wings outward and damselflies wings are held over their backs. Some species of damselflies have hooks for pulling out sperm deposited by another male.  Dragonfly nymphs have posteriors that suck oxygenated water into their bodies.  Many of these nymphs can dart through the water by forcing water out of their systems.  As nymphs they have retractable mouth parts that can extend up to 2-3 head lengths.  They will defend their feeding and reproductive territories against other dragonflies.  Dragonflies can travel at up to 35 mph.

Photo:  Photo taken on August 1, 2006.  For more photos click on the camara icon.