Dragonflies usually mate while flying in the air; lay their eggs in the pond; then die before they see the eggs hatch! The young ones spend half their lives swimming in the water (look nothing like dragonflies); climb out onto a blade of grass or reed and dry off--are vulnerable prey to birds at this time--then turn into adult dragonflies. I realized dragonfly parents and children, unlike other animals, never see each other!
I think dragonflies are the gutsiest of the insects, and now I think I know why. They’re tough guys who don’t grow up with parents who coddle and protect them but have to grow up fending for themselves.
Damselfly – left, (not true dragonfly) and Lesser Emperor Dragonfly – right
I’m not an expert so don’t see the need to differentiate between damselflies that fold their wings and dragonflies that hold them horizontally. I’ve been told they’re different so mention it, but they feel the same to me. And yes, they have the same life cycle, both types are orphaned tough guys.
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