Damsel + Demoiselle?

[goosey]

I suppose this will be a groan question and is obvious to most of you, but what is the difference between a Damselfly and a Demoiselle? Incidentlly I didn't know the latter even existed until I saw posts about them this week. Actually I'll throw dragonflies into the equation for good measure.

[GRH]

Dragonflies and damselflies comprise the insect order Odonata (sometimes 'dragonflies' is used to refer to damselflies as well when refering to the group as a whole). The suborders' scientific names are Zygoptera (damselflies) meaning 'same wings' (referring to fore- and hind-wing shape) and Anisoptera (dragonflies) meaning 'different wings'. These groups are then divided into families - the Demoiselles are just a family of damselflies (the Calyopterygidae).

You can see how the classification is broken down here: British Dragonfly Society (then go to UK Species)

Greg

[goosey]

Thanks Greg for your answer and the link. There is lots of useful information and great photo's which will prove useful in the future as well no doubt. I had a large red Damselfly in the garden this morning which got me thinking. Thanks again .

[Fourwings]

Dragonflies and Damselflies are a fascinating and highly addictive form of wildlife to study, I should know, its all I have done between late April & early November for the last 15 years!!

Demoiselles are our largest and most attractive Damselfly, we have two species in the UK, the Banded Demoiselle and the Beautiful Demoiselle, the Banded is the more common of the two.
In its most basic form the main difference between Damselfly & Dragonfly is the shape of the wings (as explianed above) and the way in which the insect holds them when at rest, Damsels will fold their wings down their abdomen whilst a Dragonfly holds its wings at 90 degrees to its abdomen, this is easily seen in the images below.

Damselfly - Banded Demoiselle


Dragonfly - Four-spotted Chaser


There are lots of other differences between the two, Eye shape/configuration, body shape, etc.... but the wing angle at rest is the quickest way of separating the two, with the one exception of the Emerald Damselflies which tend to hold their wings at about 35 degrees.

Emerald Damselfly


I highly recommend you have a good look through our own Dragonfly & Damselfly Gallery here on WAB, its an excellent rescource for anyone who wants to learn more about these fantastic insects.

Steve.

[goosey]

Great Steve, by the sound of it the wings will be the easiest and an instant way to distinguish for me. You are right, they truely are fascinating and most beautiful - is it just me who think they have such comical faces? Thanks for the clear explanation and the photo's which showed exactly what you meant.

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by goosey

Great Steve, by the sound of it the wings will be the easiest and an instant way to distinguish for me. You are right, they truely are fascinating and most beautiful - is it just me who think they have such comical faces? Thanks for the clear explanation and the photo's which showed exactly what you meant.

No, its not just you who thinks their faces are comical - they are simply gorgeous I have been addicted more seriously now for the last 3 to 4 years, its quite a learning curve and very addictive. I never tire of watching them and it makes my day when I can get a real close shot of a face - so I thought you might enjoy this one - they also dribble lol. I cant wait to try and get some more this year.



Linda

[goosey]

Now thats what I call a close-up! Great photo Linda