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From learning about it to liking it. Odonates (part I)

Summary/Abstract: The odonates are insects whose body is clearly divided into segments – head, thorax, and abdomen. They are most often found near bodies of water, where their larval development may take several years. They have large compound eyes and short antennae on their heads, a massive thorax where the legs and wings are found, and a clearly elongated abdomen. Their membranous wings are densely veined. They are the most skillful fliers among insects, and can hover in one place for long periods of time by rapidly moving their wings. Most odonates have vivid, beautiful coloration, often with a metallic sheen. They have biting-type mouth organs equipped with numerous teeth. They are predators that catch their prey in flight. Mating takes place in flight and is preceded by fighting between males. Odonates undergo incomplete metamorphosis and have larval organs (mask, gills) allowing them to live in water. They are efficient predators. Two groups can be distinguished among the odonates by the size and structure of their wings. Damselflies have both pairs of wings tapering towards the base and are identical. When perched, the wings are folded along the abdomen (sometimes slightly raised). Dragonflies have wings in which the front pair differs in shape from the back pair, which is also broad at the base. The wings remain spread out to the sides when perching.

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