How do dragonflies differ from damselflies?

While dragonflies and damselflies are both members of the order Odonata, they belong to distinct suborders—Anisoptera and Zygoptera, respectively—and exhibit several key differences in anatomy and behavior.123

Physical Differences

• Wings: Dragonflies typically rest with their wings spread horizontally, and their front and rear wing pairs are shaped differently. In contrast, damselflies usually hold their wings vertically and together when at rest, and their four wings are nearly identical in size and shape.13
• Body and Eyes: Dragonflies are generally more robust and powerful fliers with huge, bulging eyes that often touch or are very close together. Damselflies are more delicate, possess thinner, needlelike abdomens, and have eyes that are widely separated.13

Larval Development

The larvae of both groups are aquatic predators, but they differ in their respiratory systems. Damselfly larvae typically possess three external, leaflike gills at the tip of the abdomen, whereas dragonfly larvae utilize internal gills located within the rectum.13