Damselflies are insects of in the order Odonata, along with dragonflies. They are similar to dragonflies but are smaller, slimmer, and most damselflies fold the wings along the body when at rest, while dragonflies extend their wings outward. Damselflies are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Damselflies are predatory; both in the nymph and adult stages. As nymphs, damselflies are aquatic. Different species living in a variety of freshwater habitats including acid bogs, ponds, lakes and rivers. The nymphs moult repeatedly, finally climbing out of the water. At that point, they undergo metamorphosis. Their skin splits and they inflate their wings and abdomen to transform into adults.
Their presence on a body of water indicates a low level of pollution, but this dependence on a freshwater ecology makes them vulnerable to damage.
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