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Damsel Fly

Damsel flies and dragonflies are related and have a similar appearance. Unlike dragonflies, damsel flies' hind wings and forewings are similar in shape and size. When resting, damsel flies fold their wings parallel to their bodies. Damsel fly eyes are separated, and the overall size of a damsel fly is usually smaller than a dragonfly. Females lay their eggs in water. After hatching, the nymphs eat water fleas, mosquito larva, and other tiny water-dwelling organisms. Damsel fly nymphs have three gills near the end of the abdomen. After undergoing several stages of molting, nymphs turn into an adults. Adults prey upon insects such as mosquitos and flies, and even spiders.

Photo from Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org: adult damsel fly perched on a stem