Spot ID Characters for the Order
ODONATA
Key Characters:
Rectangular
stigma
(pigmented patch) near tip of each wing
Large compound eyes
Short, bristle-like antennae
In damselflies
,
front and hind wings are stalked
(narrow at
the base) and similar in size and shape
In dragonflies
,
hind wings have an enlarged anal region
(broader toward the base than front wings)
Common Families:
Dragonflies (suborder Zygoptera)
Aeshnidae
-- Darners
Libellulidae
-- Common skimmers
Gomphidae
-- Clubtails
Damselflies (suborder Anisoptera)
Coenagrionidae
-- Narrowwinged damselflies
Lestidae
-- Spreadwinged damselflies
Calopterygidae
-- Broadwinged damselflies
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Last Updated: 11 November 2007
© Copyright 2007
All rights reserved
John R. Meyer
Department of Entomology
NC State University