Damselflies & Dragonflies

damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly

Damselflies and dragonflies are both members of the same family. 

Both dragonflies and damselflies are carnivorous predators that feed on other insects, including mosquitoes, flies, midges and other small insects.  As such, they help to keep the populations of these insects under control.

How do you tell them apart:

  • Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies. 
  • Damselflies have wings closed at rest; their eyes do not touch at top of the head.
  • Dragonflies have wings open at rest; their eyes touch at the top of the head.
Common Darter Dragonfly
Common Darter Dragonfly
Four Spotted Chaser Dragonfly
Four Spotted Chaser Dragonfly
Emperor Dragonfly
Emperor Dragonfly
Brown Hawker Dragonfly
Brown Hawker Dragonfly
Black-Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly
Black-Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly
Blue-tailed Damselfy
Blue-tailed Damselfy
Common Blue Damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly
Red-Eyed Damselfly
Red-Eyed Damselfly
Black-tailed Skimmer
Black-tailed Skimmer
Common Hawker Dragonfly
Common Hawker Dragonfly
damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly

Photographs on this web page were taken in Wollaton Park and are reproduced with the original artist’s permission.  Copyright © for each picture remains with the original artist, who is duly acknowledged for their contribution.

On this page:  Maurice Moore, Gary Thrall (Common Hawker), Botanic Garden.