Skimming low over slow-moving water, such as streams, ponds, and lakes, Damselflies are found throughout North America. They have a long thin abdomen (1-2 in), large eyes, and 2 pairs of wings with a wingspan of .7 to 2.5 in.
Damselflies use their spiny legs or a long hinged lower lip to capture small insects settled on grasses or in flight. At night, they perch in dense vegetation with their abdomen resting along a stem.
Damselflies are smaller with slimmer bodies than Dragonflies. They hold their wings close together above their body when resting, whereas Dragonflies spread their wings apart.
Damselflies lay their eggs in the stems or leaves of aquatic plants. The nymphs live underwater, emerging as adults throughout spring, summer, and fall.
Did you know? Damselflies hold their prey between their legs so that they can eat while flying.
