
A dragonfly is a type of
insect belonging to the order
Odonata, the suborder
Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large
multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent
wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to
damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Even though dragonflies possess 6 legs like any other insect, they are not capable of walking. Dragonflies are also the fastest flying insect.
Dragonflies are valuable
predators that eat
mosquitoes, and other small insects like
flies,
bees,
ants, and
butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and
wetlands because their
larvae, known as "
nymphs", are aquatic.
Nymphs can deliver a painful bite when threatened. The wound should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent water-borne infections.
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