The animal world is very extensive, especially that of insects. Did you know that there are more than 900 species around the world? It's a barbarity! Many of them are very different from each other: Some insects can fly, others cannot, a few are excellent diggers and others climbers. The diet of these small animals also varies a lot. Even so, there are many species that are very similar. This is the case of damselflies and dragonflies, that are often confused by their very similar physical appearance. Would you be able to distinguish them?
If not, I recommend that you continue reading. In this article we will explain what damselflies are and we will explain what are the main differences with dragonflies. After knowing this you will no longer be confused! In addition, we will discuss How does this species reproduce? since it is a very striking and curious process that requires a lot of balance on the part of those involved. They are acrobats!
What are damselflies?
Let's start by discussing what damselfishes are. Despite what it may seem from their name, they are neither horses nor seahorses. Damselflies are actually insects, specifically a suborder belonging to the order Odonata. The scientific name of these little animals is zygoptera. These flying insects have impressive colors and, due to their physical resemblance, are often confused with dragonflies. However, if we know both types of insects it is very easy to know which is which. For this reason we will comment later on what are the differences between both species.
Since damselflies do not have as strong and developed musculature as, for example, dragonflies, they are usually less active. Therefore, they usually hunt static prey, that is, that is perched somewhere. Damselflies begin to develop their predatory instincts already in the larva stage. During this phase they already devour other larvae of other small insects, such as mosquitoes or flies. It should be noted that there are some larger species that live in the tropics that can even feed on spiders while they are still larvae.
What is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
Now that we know a little more about damselflies, let's see how they differ from dragonflies. First of all, it should be noted that the latter are much larger and also more active, which is why we tend to see them more. Damselflies, on the other hand, fly less and are somewhat more fragile.
Apart from the size and activity, there are more differences between the two species, such as the wings. What they have in common in this respect is that they have two pairs, some in the front and the other in the back. However, in damselflies, the two pairs of wings are the same size. Also, when they are not flying they fold them against their abdomen. On the other hand, the wings of the dragonflies are not the same, since the rear ones are larger and have very strong muscles to speed up the flight. Therefore, this species is capable of moving much faster and farther. Of course, they do not have the ability to fold their wings when they perch.
Although both species have large, protruding compound eyes, they are different. Dragonfly eyes are closer together and somewhat larger, while Damselfly eyes are further apart and smaller. Also the body makes a big difference in size. Damselflies are more slender and cylindrical compared to dragonflies, which are larger and stockier. In addition, the latter tend to move away from the water from time to time, while the former always stay close. As for hunting, their behavior also differs. Dragonflies hunt prey on the fly, while damselflies normally hunt static prey.
Damselflies: Mating
A curious aspect about damselflies is the way they reproduce. The mating of these insects is a truly amazing balancing game. The male has two superior appendages in the anal area, known as cercoids. With them, the male holds the female behind the head, thus creating a type of tandem. In this way they fly from one side to the other. In this position, it is very easy to distinguish the male from the female, since his abdomen is usually thicker.
Male damselflies generally have a genital pore at the end of their abdomen, a feature they have in common with many other damselflies. types of insects. However, they also have another genital pore in the front, more or less in the middle of their body. That is where your injector device is located, that is, the penis. For this reason, before beginning copulation with the female, first you have to transfer the capsule with sperm that is in the rear pore to the front one.
During mating, the male is forced to curve his abdomen so that the female's genital pore, which is located at the end of his body, can mate with his. During this process, the female is lifted twice by the male and ends up holding on to her own abdomen. This reproductive dance usually takes place near ponds or other water areas with overhanging trees. As for egg laying, This is normally carried out on the bark of trees and aquatic plants, such as willows.
A priori it may seem like a very strange and uncomfortable way to reproduce, but we must not forget that the bodies of these animals are prepared for it. Nature is intelligent and knows how to achieve adaptations that are evolutionarily advantageous. I hope this information about damselfishes has been interesting for you!