Are damselflies a type of dragonfly?
Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio(Opens in a new window) reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.
What do damselflies do for the environment?
Damselflies are extremely beautiful, beneficial predators because they help control populations of harmful insects. Adults consume large quantities of other insects such as flies, mosquitoes and moths and some eat beetles and caterpillars. One way to conserve them is by avoiding indiscriminate use of pesticides.
Are damselflies flies?
Damselflies are those delicate, iridescent cousins of the dragon flies that you see around lakes and slower streams during the summer months; usually June, July and August. They are highly predacious during both their nymph and adult life. They eat other smaller aquatic insects.
What does it mean when a damselfly lands on you?
What is this? A damselfly generally symbolizes purity. Many people believe that if a damselfly lands on you, then it means that you have a pure soul. The origin of this metaphor is not clear, but it’s likely linked to the fact that these are very elegant creatures of nature.
What plants attract damselflies?
In addition to aquatic plants, you can incorporate pollinator plants into the landscape to attract more small insects for dragonflies and damselflies to eat. Some good pollinator plants for ponds include water lilies, buttercups, and irises. Damselflies and dragonflies are insects that you should invite to your garden.
How do you take care of a damselfly?
Immediate care and handling Include some aquatic plants or sticks that extend above the water line, as the nymphs will need to crawl out of the water to emerge as adults. The nymphs keep satisfactorily at 10 to 31° C (51 to 87° F). Do not place them in direct sunlight.
Why are they called damselflies?
Zygoptera (damselflies) means “equal winged,” while Anisoptera (dragonflies) means “unequal winged.”
What is the lifespan of a damselfly?
The life span of damselflies varies between species and within species depending on environmental factors. After one to three weeks, the eggs, laid in water, usually hatch, releasing the larvae or nymphs, but eggs laid in late summer may overwinter before hatching.