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July 9, 2020
Yesterday we looked at a dragonfly, which is a member of the order Odonata. Today we're looking at the other heavy hitter from that same order: the damselfly.
This damselfly is Argia bipunctulata, also known as the "seepage dancer." Like the dragonfly we looked at yesterday, this damselfly is associated with seeps, which are spots where groundwater seeps up to the surface from an underground aquifer.
Damselflies are superficially similar to dragonflies, but there are a few key differences. For one, they're smaller and slimmer. One of the easiest differences to spot is that dragonflies generally hold their wings flat and away from their bodies, while damselflies tend to fold their wings along the length of their bodies when at rest.
While dragonflies are very strong fliers, damselflies tend to be weaker fliers. If you spot a damselfly, it's pretty likely that it hatched only a short distance from the place where you found it.
Like dragonflies, damselflies are predatory, and if you like spending time outdoors during the summer, then the damselfly is your pal. These guys tend to prey on small insects such as flies and mosquitoes, so if you're having a picnic, don't shoo away any damselflies that stop by!
Thank you to VMNH Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology Dr. Kal Ivanov for identifying this one for me! #BenInNature
This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Supporter King's Grant Retirement Community.
ABOUT THIS POST
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.
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