Damselfly Symbolism
- Purity. A damselfly generally symbolizes purity. ...
- Activity. Damselflies can also symbolize activity. ...
- Equality. One of the key differences between a dragonfly and a damselfly is that the wings of a damselfly are of equal length and stick out like an equals ...
- Speed and Agility. Damselflies are fast and can’t be caught easily. ...
What is a damselfly?
Damselflies are insects in the order Odonata. Damselflies are similar to dragonflies, but the adults can be distinguished by the fact that the wings of most damselflies are held along, and parallel to, the body when at rest.
What is the difference between a damselfly nymph and a dragonfly?
Damselfly nymphs differ from dragonflies nymphs in that they possess caudal gills (on the abdomen) whereas dragonflies breathe through the rectum. Damselfly nymphs swim by fish-like undulations, the gills functioning like a tail. Dragonfly nymphs can forcibly expel water in their rectum for rapid escape.
How do damselflies get their colour?
The haemolymph is then pumped back into the abdomen, which also expands fully. The exoskeleton hardens and the colours become more vivid over the course of the next few days. Most damselflies emerge in daytime and in cool conditions the process takes several hours.
Are damselflies harmful to humans?
Damselflies are not considered dangerous to humans, fish, or pets. Whether aquatic larvae or flying adults, their mouthparts simply are not capable of harming our skin, nor do they try to go after things larger than they are.
Are damselflies good?
Damselflies are extremely beautiful, beneficial predators because they help control populations of harmful insects. Adults consume large quantities of other insects such as flies, mosquitoes and moths and some eat beetles and caterpillars. One way to conserve them is by avoiding indiscriminate use of pesticides.
What is the spiritual meaning of seeing a dragonfly?
In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life.
What is special about damselfly?
Damselflies can usually be distinguished from dragonflies by their thinner, needlelike abdomens and by the way they hold their wings when at rest. With few exceptions, damselflies hold their wings vertically and together, rather than horizontally and spread apart.
Is it good luck to see a dragonfly?
In some cultures, dragonflies represent good luck or prosperity. So make a wish when you see a dragonfly and it'll come true. Fishermen used them as an indicator of good fishing grounds. Plenty of dragonflies meant there were plenty of fish around.
What does it mean when a dragonfly flies around you?
A dragonfly symbol represents change and transformation. It is a reminder for you to shed more light and joy in your life. It tells you not to remain in the dark or the shadows. A dragonfly encourages you to dive into your emotions and asks your spirit to soar with your true colors.
What does it mean when a dragonfly crosses your path?
One common interpretation is that a transformation of some kind is coming. On the other hand, a dragonfly that crosses your path or is otherwise out of reach, may signify that you're insecure about something in your life and need to work hard to experience growth.
Are damselflies harmless?
Are Damselflies Dangerous or Poisonous? Damselflies are not considered dangerous to humans, fish, or pets. Whether aquatic larvae or flying adults, their mouthparts simply are not capable of harming our skin, nor do they try to go after things larger than they are.
How long does a damselfly live for?
The small damselflies live for a couple of weeks as free-flying adults. The larger dragonflies can live for 4 months in their flying stage. In Britain, lucky Damsel adults seldom manage more than two weeks and Dragons more than two months. Most Damsels rarely go more than a week, and Dragons two or three weeks.
Is a damselfly a dragonfly?
Damselflies have wings that are both the same size and shape, which taper where they attach to the body. Dragonflies, however, have different shaped fore and hind wings. Their hind wings are much broader and don't taper so much where they attach to the body, giving them more of a plane look.
Do dragonflies symbolize death?
Symbolism of the Dragonfly Meaning Death Throughout history, the dragonfly has been associated with death. It is portrayed as either a positive messenger to loved ones or the manifestation of the soul's transformation into the spirit world.
What does the color of a dragonfly mean?
It's the hue of primal energy, passion, anger, and intensity. In Asian cultures, red symbolizes good luck and wealth. In Japan, red dragonflies are associated with autumn. Red is also associated with the first chakra, also called the root chakra.
Do dragonflies symbolize death?
Symbolism of the Dragonfly Meaning Death Throughout history, the dragonfly has been associated with death. It is portrayed as either a positive messenger to loved ones or the manifestation of the soul's transformation into the spirit world.
What do the different colors of dragonflies mean?
It's the hue of primal energy, passion, anger, and intensity. In Asian cultures, red symbolizes good luck and wealth. In Japan, red dragonflies are associated with autumn. Red is also associated with the first chakra, also called the root chakra.
What does it mean to see a brown dragonfly?
Brown dragonflies, along with brown butterflies, are believed to be a sign to ground yourself. Seeing one of these insects is a reminder to focus on what is real in life and form a solid foundation to help you succeed.
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How to tell if a damselfly is a dragonfly or a dragonfly?
You can distinguish them by noticing that dragonflies fly directly and with purpose, while the damselfy’s flight is more fluttery. The damselfly also has a slightly longer abdomen. A damselfly has the same captivating appearance as a dragonfly, but it is a bit smaller and its eyes are farther apart.
How to attract dragonflies and damselflies?
Constructing a pond or other backyard water feature will attract a surprising number of dragonflies and damselflies. Size is not crucial, but dig the basin deep enough so that the water won’t freeze solid in the winter. Plant a few native plants at its edge for wind protection. The pond should get at least partial sun.
What do dragonflies mean?
Dragonfly Meaning and Symbolism 1 Many Americans believe that it is good luck if a dragonfly lands on you without prompting. Dragonflies are also a symbol of good luck in Chinese tradition. 2 Dragonflies have been a notable part of folklore in many countries, especially Japan. Japanese tradition views dragonflies as symbols of swiftness and as a sign of summer and autumn. 3 Dragonflies have been a symbol of purity, activity, and swiftness for some Native Americans. The indication of purity comes from both the pure water in healthy aquatic habitats where dragonflies thrive and from the fact that they eat their food right out of the wind. 4 Some common names for dragonflies are “Mosquito Hawk,” “Devil’s Darning Needle,” and “Snake Doctor.” Mosquito Hawk stems from the dragonfly’s favorite food, Devil’s Needle stems from very old traditions indicating that dragonflies were evil, and Snake Doctor stems from the fact that dragonflies can often be seen in the same habitat as snakes and sometimes even interact with them.
Why do people have dragonflies in their gardens?
Most people love to have dragonflies in their gardens, if only because dragonflies love to eat mosquitoes.
How long were dragonflies around before dinosaurs?
Fossil records show that dragonflies were around for 100 million years before the dinosaurs. These prehistoric predators had wingspans of over three feet and are the largest insects known. Imagine if they were that big now—a dainty dragonfly landing on your finger would not seem quite so charming!
What does it mean when a dragonfly lands on you?
Many Americans believe that it is good luck if a dragonfly lands on you without prompting. Dragonflies are also a symbol of good luck in Chinese tradition.
What are some common names for dragonflies?
Some common names for dragonflies are “Mosquito Hawk,” “Devil’s Darning Needle,” and “Snake Doctor.”.
Why are damselflies important?
These plants will help to filter and oxygenate water, making it more desirable to damselflies. In addition, plants will provide damselfly adults with a place to land, and also a place to lay their eggs since they are exclusively laid inside of plant tissues to help protect and nurture the larvae.
Why are damselfly larvae so desirable?
This makes them a very desirable species to gardeners and ponders alike, as they help to keep pest insect populations in check. Damselfly larvae are most often ambush predators, preferring to hide among plants and substrate until a potential target draws near.
What do damselflies eat?
They feed on a large variety of pest insects, including larval and adult mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Damselfly nymphs and adults also provide a valuable food source for fish, frogs, turtles, and birds.
How do damselflies catch prey?
As adults, damselflies catch prey during flight with their legs, the hairs of which help ensnare the victim. The damselfly will then use its toothed mandibles to tear them apart, either during flight or after landing.
What order are damselflies in?
Damselflies belong to the order Odonata, which is known to contain incredibly prehistoric organisms that have been around since the Permian period (think of those pictures of eagle-sized dragonflies that you likely were equal parts fascinated and terrified by as a child). As evidenced by the previous statement, dragonflies can also be found in this order.
How long does it take for a damselfly to live?
The life cycle of a damselfly can take anywhere from a few months to three years. Image courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica. Damselflies can spend anywhere from two months to three years as nymphs, depending on environmental conditions.
How many species of damselflies are there?
Within Zygoptera, there are over 20 families (the exact number is contested due to newly emerging molecular data) that amount to around 3,000 different species of damselflies! Perhaps the most well-known families (or rather, the most easily recognizable by most people, even those not particularly enthralled by insects) are Calopterygidae (broad-winged damselflies) and Coenagrionidae (narrow-winged damselflies).
Why do damselflies turn into adults?
This is important, because this is when most of the Damselflies get eaten. In the process of leaving the water, they have to swim to the top. Trout will then snag the Damselflies on their way up to the top of the water.
Why do fly anglers use damselfly nymphs?
As a result, many fly anglers use Damselfly Nymphs flies to collect a large bounty of fish while fly fishing.
How to catch a trout on a damselfly nymph?
The best way to catch a trout on the Damselfly Nymph is to simulate how the Damselflies leave the water by scurrying up to the top and out. This is where the trout will snatch them up, as they try to escape. The process of becoming a full fledged adult, Damselfly starts when a female Damselfly, flies over the top of the water and drops her eggs.
What family is a damselfly nymph?
Damselfly Nymph: Everything You Need To Know To Catch More Fish. Damselfly nymphs are of the Odonata family, which includes Dragonflies and Damselflies. Damselfly Nymphs is the first stage of their life hood. It is here where they are aquatic predators of other aquatic insects, and also prey to Trout at the same time.
How long do damselfly nymphs stay in water?
Damselfly Nymphs are in or around the water for most of the year. They won’t venture out of the water until they have turned into full fledged adults.
Why do damselflies get eaten by trout?
However, because they spend so much time in the water, they are apt to get eaten by trout. As a result, A local fishing blog wrote that “Damselflies have learnt that the best way to prevent getting eaten by trout is to head for the weeds.”.
Where do damselflies eat?
They aren’t limited to the weeds completely though. Damselflies catch a lot of their prey on other rocks and areas with aquatic plants. Their main source of food comes from lying in wait of other insects, and then eating them as they go by.
Overview
Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies, which constitute the other odonatan suborder, Anisoptera, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along the body when at rest, unlike dragonflies which hold the wings flat and away from the body. An ancient group, damselflies have existed since at l…
Classification
The Zygoptera are an ancient group, with fossils known from the lower Permian, at least 250 million years ago. All the fossils of that age are of adults, similar in structure to modern damselflies, so it is not known whether their larvae were aquatic at that time. The earliest larval odonate fossils are from the Mesozoic. Fossils of damselfly-like Protozygoptera date back further to 311–30 Mya. Well-preserved Eocene damselfly larvae and exuviae are known from fossils pres…
General description
The general body plan of a damselfly is similar to that of a dragonfly. The compound eyes are large but are more widely separated and relatively smaller than those of a dragonfly. Above the eyes is the frons or forehead, below this the clypeus, and on the upper lip the labrum, an extensible organ used in the capture of prey. The top of the head bears three simple eyes (ocelli), which ma…
Distribution and diversity
Odonates are found on all the continents except Antarctica. Although some species of dragonfly have wide distributions, damselflies tend to have smaller ranges. Most odonates breed in fresh-water; a few damselflies in the family Caenagrionidae breed in brackish water (and a single dragonfly species breeds in seawater). Dragonflies are more affected by pollution than are damselflies. The presence of odonates indicates that an ecosystem is of good quality. The mos…
Biology
Adult damselflies catch and eat flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. Often they hover among grasses and low vegetation, picking prey off stems and leaves with their spiny legs. Although predominantly using vision to locate their prey, adults may also make use of olfactory cues. No species are known to hunt at night, but some are crepuscular, perhaps taking advantage of newly hatche…
Conservation
Conservation of Odonata has usually concentrated on the more iconic suborder Anisoptera, the dragonflies. However, the two suborders largely have the same needs, and what is good for dragonflies is also good for damselflies. The main threats experienced by odonates are the clearance of forests, the pollution of waterways, the lowering of groundwater levels, the damming of rivers for hydroelectric schemes and the general degradation of wetlands and marshes. The cl…
In culture
Damselfly is a 2005 short film directed by Ben O'Connor. Damselfly is also the title of a 2012 novel in the Faeble series by S. L. Naeole, and of a 1994 poem by August Kleinzahler, which contains the lines "And that blue there, cobalt / a moment, then iridescent, / fragile as a lady's pin / hovering above the nasturtium?" The poet John Engels published Damselfly, Trout, Heron in his 1983 collection Weather-Fear: New and Selected Poems.
See also
• List of damselflies of the world
• List of odonates of Sri Lanka