Which insects belong to the order Odonata?

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Male jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx splendens). — Odonata Male jewelwing damselfly (*Calopteryx splendens*).

The insect order Odonata, a name meaning "toothed-ones," consists of two primary suborders: dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera).12

These insects are characterized by their two pairs of narrow, transparent wings, sloping thoraxes, and long, slender bodies. While the term "dragonfly" is sometimes used colloquially to refer to all members of the order, it specifically identifies the suborder Anisoptera, which is distinguished from the suborder Zygoptera.23

The order comprises over 5,000 living species distributed globally, excluding Antarctica. Taxonomically, these are divided into 8 superfamilies and 27 families. Both adults and their aquatic larvae are known as voracious predators, often feeding on other insects such as mosquitoes.12