The buzz

What's the difference?: Dragonfly vs. damselfly

A dragonfly on green leaves
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

If you've ever spent time near a pond or stream on a beautiful summer day, you've likely been buzzed by a dragonfly or two. Or maybe it was a damselfly. How can you tell the difference?

Dragonflies and damselflies are similar, both belonging to the Odonata subspecies of insects. More than 5,000 species of these insects exist, with dragonflies being more common than damselflies, according to Insect Identification

RELATED: KNOW YOUR DRAGONFLIES

Both dragonflies and damselflies are typically found near fresh water and are commonly seen during warm, sunny days. And while they share some physical characteristics, there are four ways you can differentiate between the two, according to Mother Nature Network

Eyes

Dragonflies have much larger eyes than damselflies. A dragonfly's eyes take up most of the insect's head, wrapping around to the sides of its head. Damselflies also have large eyes, but they are smaller than a dragonfly's and there is always a space between their eyes. 

Bodies

Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.

Wings

Both dragonflies and damselflies have two sets of wings, but there are some distinct differences in their wings that can help differentiate between the two. Dragonflies have two sets of similar-sized wings, but the hind wings become more broad at the base, where they attach to the body. Damselfly wings, on the other hand, are more slender and taper toward they base, where they attach to the body. 

At rest

While the wings of dragonflies and damselflies are a key distinction between the two, how they position their wings while not in flight further helps tell them apart. When not in flight, a dragonfly's wings stick straight out, perpendicular to their body like an airplane's wings. A damselfly's wings fold back so they are in line with their body, giving them a more sleek, slender appearance at rest. 

Latest Buzz

Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove

1/9/2025

Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.

Quiz: Are you a bald eagle expert?

1/2/2025

Test your knowledge to see how much you really know about these amazing birds.