They may belong to the same insect order, but there's a lot that sets them apart. Here's a quick guide
Here are some interesting facts you will find in this explainer on dragonflies and damselflies .
- What is the difference between a dragonfly and damselfly?
- Where are dragonflies and damselflies found?
- What do dragonflies and damselflies eat?
- Why is it called a damselfly?
- Why dragonflies and damselflies are important to humans?
- How many species of dragonflies exist?
- Are damselflies a type of dragonfly?
About the contributors
Anirudh Nair
is a staff writer with Roundglass Sustain. He enjoys walking through the wilderness and is constantly in awe of wild nature.
Diviya Mehra
is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.
View Profile
Related Content
Blue-necked Reedtail: The Mysterious Damselfly
In a forest in Kerala, a surprise encounter with a rare odonate that is an indicator of healthy, primary forests and guardian of freshwater
Ruby-tailed Hawklet: Black Dragon in Red Shorts
Endemic to the marshes and pools of the Western Ghats, this pretty dragonfly is also a good indicator of ecosystem health
Gossamer Wings: Damselflies and Dragonflies of the Western Ghats
Odonates are older than the mountains, and among the first creatures on Earth to fly. Their presence indicates a healthy and harmonious ecosystem
Globe Skimmer: The Dragonfly that Flies from India to Africa
It’s that time of the year when swarms of dragonflies known as globe skimmers undertake an intercontinental journey from India to Africa. Odonate researcher Vivek Chandran decodes the mystery
Turtles and Tortoises: What’s the Difference?
They may belong to the same order, but there's a lot that sets them apart. Here's a quick guide
Moths and Butterflies: What’s the Difference?
They may belong to the same insect family, but there's a lot that sets them apart. Here's a quick guide