Dragonflies are magnificent insects that inhabit all continents except Antarctica and they bring joy to all and more. The number of species continues to change, with more knowledge being added and new species being found. At the moment some 6400 species in all have been described, with 3300 damselflies (Zygoptera], and 3100 dragonflies [Anisoptera], plus the special 3 that have been places in a third suborder, Anisozygoptera, including species that present characters of both suborders.
History
They came from far away eons and decided to co-exist with
Taxonomy
The knowledge of relationship between species is an ongoing process that is still very much in the making.
Life stages
The life cycle of all dragonflies goes from egg to larva to imago, meaning they do not use a pupae stage to transform to the final adult animal.
Behavior
Being cold-blooded all odonata needs the energy from the sun to become active. They will continuously, during the day, seek out sunny spots to be able to hunt or breed. In overcast weather and when they need to rest, they retreat to the taller parts of trees, for some species, while others will seek shelter low in dense vegetation.
Habitat
They inhabit all types of habitats, but exclusively need water to complete their breeding act. Outside the breeding period they can be found far from water, foraging and maturing in calm conditions away from mating-ready individuals of the opposite sex. Vegetation giving shelter from predators or the weather is then essential, and forests with clearings are often valued among the larger dragonflies. Damselflies also use the vegetation to protect themselves from predators and the weather, but are usually always found relatively close to the breeding waters, where their minute size gives them the benefit of being able to maneuver delicately in-between the straws and stems of the low vegetation.
Anatomy
All dragonfly species consist of the same anatomical parts, though dragonflies and damselflies are formed somewhat differently.