Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
Overview
ADULTS: The most reliable way to distinguish a dragonfly (sub-order Anisoptera) from a damselfly (sub-order Zygoptera) is based on the wing venation. However, as a rough guide, dragonflies tend to be heavier-bodied that damselflies, and they tend to rest with their wings held horizontally. Their compound eyes tend to join in the middle, whereas they are widely separated in damselflies.
LARVAE: The larvae of nearly all species are aquatic, with just a few tropical species found in moist leaf litter. Dragonfly larvae are stout-bodied and lack the terminal gills of damselfly larvae. Many larvae are readily identifiable to family. To identify a larva to genus or species usually requires microscopic examination.
Page 1 of 10 species
Adversaeschna brevistyla (Blue-spotted Hawker)
Kerri-Lee Harris, Wonboyn
Kerri-Lee Harris, Wonboyn
Kerri-Lee Harris, Wonboyn
Orthetrum caledonicum (Blue Skimmer)
Max Campbell, Brogo
Kerri-Lee Harris, Wonboyn
Paul Whitington, Wonboyn - early stage larva
1
Conservation Level
- All conservation levels (change?)
Invasiveness
- All invasiveness levels (change?)
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