Dragonflies are insects undergo "incomplete metamorphosis", there are only 3 stages in their life history: egg, larva and adult. Unlike butterflies or moths, dragonflies would not turn themselves into pupa. They undergo eclosion and turn into adult stage directly from the larva stage.


Life history of dragonflies and damselflies Egg

• Larvae are aquatic insects, most female dragonflies lay their eggs in the waterbody or near water. However, some known species lay their eggs in the soil. Except dipping their abdomen into water when laying eggs, dragonflies also lay their eggs just like the bomber by dropping their eggs into water body directly in flight, or lay eggs on the epidermis or in the endodermis of aquatic plants.

A pair of dragonflies is ready to lay eggs after coupling
Larva

• Depends on species and different environmental parameters, the egg may hatch after about few hours to over 200 days. The body structure of dragonfly naiad and damselfly naiad are in great difference:

Dragonfly larva Damselfly larva Body Bulky Slim Gills Rectal gills Caudal appendages

Adult

• Dragonfly and damselfly can be distinguished by their appearances and behaviors:

Dragonfly adult Damselfly adult Body Large and robust Long and slender Compound Eyes Usually confluent at top of head or not widely separated (Gomphidae) More distant, dumbbell-shaped Wings - Shape Different shape and size for forewings and hindwings Identical forewings and hindwings - Resting Posture Spread flat Mostly fold over abdomen