Can you tell if that flying insect you find in New Zealand is a dragonfly or damselfly? Here are 4 tips to easily tell them apart.
New Zealand has a huge number of endemic insects. Scientists estimate that there are around 20,000 insects in New Zealand, about 90% of which are endemic! There are insects that crawl, fly, and swim. New Zealand is home to 11 endemic species of dragonfly and 6 species of damselfly. At first glance it may be confusing if you are looking at a dragonfly or damselfly. These simple tips will help you tell them apart.
4 Tips To Tell Apart A Dragonfly Or Damselfly
Look At The Shape Of The Wings
Both have two sets of wings, but they have different shapes.
A Dragonfly’s back set of wings are bigger than the front set. They get broader at the base (by the body).
Damselfly wings are the same for both front and back. Both sets of wings slowly get narrower as they get closer to the body.
Look At The Wings When It’s Resting
When these two insects are resting their wings are held in different manners.
The dragonfly tends to rest with its wings outstretched or open.
In contrast, a damselfly rests with its wings folded up and tight to its body.
Check Out The Eyes
I know you may not have time or be able to see the eyes. If you are able to look close enough you’ll see that the eyes of these two are different.
Dragonflies have larger eyes. Their large size takes up a bigger part of their head and they are also close together. Sometimes their eyes are even touching.
In contrast, a damselfly has smaller eyes, which are farther apart. There is also a space between the eyes.
Overall Size And Appearance
The overall size of the insect can be used to help you determine if you are looking at a dragonfly or damselfly. However, this may be hard if you have nothing for comparison.
In general, dragonflies are bigger in size and just appear heavier built.
On the other hand damselflies tend to be a bit smaller and appear more delicate.