Pronunciation: od-o-NA-ta

Common name(s): dragonflies & damselflies

Mouthparts: adults - chewing. naiads - a folding mask (labium) extends to capture prey

Wings: 2 pair; elongate with many veins; wings can't fold and are held horizontal (dragonflies) or vertical (damselflies) when at rest

Metamorphosis: hemimetabolous - naiads aquatic.

Body characteristics:

adults

large compound eyes
very elongate thin thorax and abdomen.
long legs and wings.
Often brightly colored.

naiads

anal gills and body thin with leaflike caudal filaments.

Where found: naiads in water; adults strong flyers but related to water

How distinquish: elongate, thin body with large eyes, long legs and wings found near water. Naiads are distinctive in water.

Economic impact: Predacious insects considered beneficial

Size of order: 4900 species worldwide (400 in No. America) - primarily tropical. Many fossils

• Gordon's Entomological Homepage
• University of Arizona Tree of Life Page (Very Interesting Site!)