Slide 1

Order OdonataDragonflies and Damselflies

DragonflyWings extend laterally while at rest

Stout Body

Elongate Membranous Wings

Compound EyesDamselflyFold wings together above their backs at rest

Slender Body

Elongate Membranous Wings

Compound Eyes

ClassificationDragonflies and Damselflies belong to the class Insecta

And to the subclass Pterogota

They make up the order Odanata

Have three suborders Zygoptera- DragonflyAnisoptera- DamselflyAnisozygoptera-Ancient Suborder

Geographic RangeOdonates inhabit every continent except AntarticaThey are found in habitats where fresh water is present.5,000 described species, 450 in North America

HabitatDragonflies can be found near lakes, ponds, rivers, and swamps. Anywhere where there is water.They require water, sunlight, shelter, plants, and a source of food.Dragonflies usually are found near unpolluted water.

Feeding HabitsPrey includes: Midges, flies, mosquitos, and other flying insects. Capture prey in mid airNymphs feed on insect larvae and wormsCan fly up to 60 mph

ReproductionMale has 2 sets of sexual organsMale must first charge his secondarycopulatory apparatus with spermThey assume the wheel positionThe females sexual apparatus joins the males secondary copulatory apparatusLasts several minutes to several hours

The Wheel Position

Care of YoungMale stays with female while egg laying occurs.

Life CycleNymph- Lives underWater for a year

Adult- Only lives 3 months

NymphPrey on invertebratesFish prey on themMolts 6 to 15 times

Hemimetabolous MetamorphosisSourceshttp://www.earthlife.net/insects/odonata.html#7http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/uniramia/odonatoida.htmlhttp://insects.about.com/od/dragonfliesanddamselflies/p/char_odonata.htmhttp://www.oias.org/dragonfl.htm