Dragonfly vs. Damselfly : The Differences Between | KNOW #46

Summary

In this video, Koaw from #teamkoaw educates viewers on the differences between dragonflies and damselflies. He explains that dragonflies are typically larger with thicker bodies and eyes that often touch, while damselflies have slender bodies and eyes that are always separate. Dragonflies perch with outstretched wings, whereas damselflies fold theirs. Koaw also mentions the 'obelisk position,' a behavior used by both to stay cool in hot weather. He ends by expressing gratitude for a shout-out from the Kilted Coaches and encourages viewers to spread their new knowledge of odonates.

Takeaways

• 🐉 Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the insect order Odonata, collectively called odonates.
• 🦋 Dragonflies (anisopterans) are generally larger and have thicker bodies compared to damselflies (zygopterans).
• 👁️ Damselfly eyes are always separated, while dragonfly eyes are typically touching, with some exceptions like in the clubtails and petaltails families.
• 🦅 Dragonflies rest with their wings outstretched, while damselflies fold their wings when perched (except for spread-winged damselflies).
• 🌬️ Dragonflies have fast, strong flight, whereas damselflies flutter and bounce in flight.
• 🔍 Dragonflies often have broad wing bases, while damselflies have thin wing bases.
• ☀️ Both dragonflies and damselflies can perform the obelisk position on hot days to reduce their exposure to sunlight and avoid overheating.
• 💪 Male blue dasher dragonflies sometimes take the obelisk position as a display to intimidate other males.
• 🔥 The video highlights how hot weather can cause dragonflies to adopt the obelisk position purely to cool down.
• 📣 The video gives a shout-out to the Kilted Coaches for promoting the Ultimate Scottish Workout, thanking their community for their support.

Q & A

What is the order of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies?

The order of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies is called Odonata.

What are dragonflies and damselflies collectively referred to as?

Dragonflies and damselflies are collectively referred to as odonates.

What are the main differences in body shape between dragonflies and damselflies?

Dragonflies generally have thicker and larger bodies, while damselflies have thinner thoraxes and abdomens, giving them a more delicate appearance.

Can damselflies ever be longer than dragonflies?

Yes, some damselflies, like the dancer species, can grow longer than certain smaller dragonflies, such as the eastern amberwing. However, the dragonfly's body shape will still be thicker compared to the damselfly.

What is a distinguishing feature of dragonfly eyes compared to damselfly eyes?

Dragonflies typically have eyes that touch or are very close to each other, whereas damselfly eyes are always separated.

Are there exceptions to the typical dragonfly eye structure?

Yes, some dragonfly families, like clubtails and petaltails, have a gap between their eyes. An example is the dragonhunter, a member of the clubtail family, which has widely separated eyes.

How do dragonflies and damselflies hold their wings when at rest?

Dragonflies outstretch their wings horizontally when perched, while damselflies usually fold their wings together over their back. An exception is the spread-winged damselflies, which keep their wings outstretched.

What are the differences in wing structure between dragonflies and damselflies?

Dragonflies have broader bases to their wings, while damselflies have thin bases to their wings.

How do the flight patterns of dragonflies differ from those of damselflies?

Dragonflies typically have a fast, strong flight and often zoom and glide. In contrast, damselflies tend to have a more fluttery, bouncing flight.

What is the obelisk position, and why do odonates use it?

The obelisk position is when an odonate points its abdomen up in the air, reducing the surface area exposed to the Sun’s rays to avoid overheating. This posture is also used as a display to warn or intimidate other members of the same species.

What is an example of a species that uses the obelisk position for communication?

The male blue dasher is an example of a species that uses the obelisk position to intimidate and warn other males.