Monday 6 September 2010

Dragonfly or Damselfly?

damselfly or dragonfly?

dragonfly or damselfly?

I went for a walk along the River Witham yesterday and spotted these. Does anyone know what species they are? :-)

10 comments:

Joanne Olivieri said...

I don't know for sure but the second one lloks like a damselfy. I only know this because I got a shot of the same one, same coloring etc... and had to research it online. The first one, I don't know. They are fantastic shots though and a good capture.

Sharkbytes (TM) said...

Top one is a dragonfly for sure- holds wings level. 2nd might be damselfly... my book is in a different space... maybe I'll be back.

H said...

Top is dragon (wings at right angles), bottom is damsel (wings flat to body). Dragon is also larger and more vigorous. Very lovely shots!!

jeanlivingsimple said...

I feel the top one is a female Blue Dasher Dragonfly and the bottom one male. They can hold their wings at different angles. Of course I could be mistaken.:)

Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

Top one dragonfly, bottom damselfly. According to my book damselflies are dainty and more elegant - so there you have it! :)

Yami said...

I used to catch dragonfly when I was little. :)

J. M. P. said...

I don't know their name but I hope they're not dangerous! :)

harman kardon said...

iits looks like "huey" helicopters :)

Emm said...

I only recently heard about the existence of damselflies and I'm fascinated by them! They are so pretty!! I agree with others - I think the top one is a dragon and the bottom one a damsel.

Unknown said...

when i see ur blog it reminds me my childhood.I used to catch dragonfly..we used to have competition between friends that, who can catch more.Lol

Well, i can tell u some differences between dragonfly and damselflies: most damselflies hold their wings at rest together above the torso or held slightly open above whereas most dragonflies at rest hold their wings perpendicular to their body, horizontally or occasionally slightly down and forward. Also, the back wing of the dragonfly broadens near the base, caudal to the connecting point at the body, while the back wing of the damselfly is similar to the front wing. The eyes on a damselfly are apart; in most dragonflies the eyes touch.

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