This picture shows that the basic bidy structure (ie the abdomen) is the same for both dragonflies (Anisopetera) and the damselflies (Zygopetera). The thorax for the two however are slightly different, the damselflies are more "aerodynamic" in shape. Plus the legs on the damselflies are longer as seen in the diagram.

Another diagnostic feature between the two suboders is the shape of the head. The shape is relavent to the position of the eyes. Dragonfly heads are more rounded with the eyes covering most of the area. While the damselfies are more of a rectangular shape head with the eyes set wider apart.

< Back | Home | Next >