Insects

The Odonata are generally split into 3 suborders : Zygoptera (damselflies), Anisoptera (dragonflies) and the Anisozygoptera (which contains only 2 Asian species and is not illustrated here).  Recognising which of the two main suborders an individual belongs to is generally quite easy and although there are a few exceptions to the rule, a quick glance at the resting wing posture, the separation of the eyes and the shape of the base of the hindwing will usually suffice.

Zygoptera

Damselflies are generally quite dainty-looking insects and generally hold their wings folded back along their body when at rest.  There are, of course, exceptions.  For example, members of the genus Lestes rest with their wings held half-open.  Other distinguishing features include the base of their hindwings having a similar shape to their forewings and widely separated eyes.

Lestes sponsa Emerald Damselfly Calopteryx splendens Banded Demoiselle Pyrrhosoma nymphula Large Red Damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale Southern Damselfly Platycnemis pennipes White-legged Damselfly Coenagrion puella Azure Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum Common Blue Damselfly Ischnura elegans Blue-tailed Damselfly Austrolestes colensonis New Zealand Blue Damselfly

Anisoptera

Dragonflies are generally larger and more robust-looking than Damselflies.  They hold their wings spread out when at rest and their hindwings have a much wider base than their forewings.  Their eyes are also much larger and envelop their head, usually touching each other at the top.

Aeshna juncea Common Hawker Aeshna mixta Migrant Hawker Aeshna cyanea Southern Hawker Libellula quadrimaculata Four-spotted Chaser Aeshna grandis Brown Hawker Libellula depressa Broad-bodied Chaser Orthetrum brunneum Southern Skimmer Sympetrum striolatum Common Darter Sympetrum nigrescens Highland Darter Sympetrum danae Black Darter Sympetrum pedemontanum Banded Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii Red-veined Darter

Unidentified Asian Dragonfly Unidentified South American Dragonfly