Dragonflies and damselflies are captivating creatures that grace the landscapes of the United Kingdom with their vibrant colors and graceful flight. These insects belong to the order Odonata, with damselflies falling under the suborder Zygoptera (meaning “paired wings”). and dragonflies under the suborder Anisoptera (meaning "unequal") because dragonflies’ hindwings are broader than their forewings. With a total of 57 recorded species in Britain, 21 damselflies, and 36 dragonflies, these enchanting insects offer a delightful sight for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The Characteristics and Behaviors of Damselflies

Damselflies possess delicate and small bodies, distinguishing them from their larger dragonfly counterparts. Their forewings and hind wings are identical in shape, setting them apart from dragonflies. The eyes of damselflies are separated on their heads, providing them with excellent all-around vision. These insects tend to have weak flight capabilities and often rest with their wings held against their bodies.

One notable feature of male damselflies is their accessory genitalia, located under the second segment of the abdomen. This structure is used for transferring sperm to the female during copulation. On the other hand, females have an ovipositor, an appendage used for laying eggs, located under segments 8-9 of the abdomen. Unlike males, female damselflies do not have prominent anal appendages.

Damselfly Larvae

Damselfly nymphs are primarily aquatic creatures, residing in marshes, ponds, lakes, streams, and other freshwater habitats. They can be found crawling among submerged plants, rocks, and along the bottoms of these water bodies. Damselfly nymphs are lie-in-wait predators, patiently resting on the substrate or a submerged plant, waiting for their prey to come near. When a potential meal approaches, the nymphs swiftly extend their scoop-like jaws to snatch and consume the prey. The life cycle of a damselfly consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The eggs are laid in the water, and once hatched, the nymphs emerge. Damselfly nymphs undergo several molts as they grow, with their size varying depending on the species. Some nymphs can reach lengths ranging from ¼ inch to 2½ inches.

The Lifecycle and Age of Damselflies

As with many insects, damselflies undergo a remarkable transformation from their early stages to adulthood. Newly emerged adults, known as tenerals, are often paler in coloration with milky-colored wings. As they mature, their colors become more vibrant and distinct. Notably, female damselflies undergo a change in coloration as they become sexually mature.

Understanding Dragonfly Behavior

Before we address the question of whether dragonflies bite or sting, it's important to understand their behavior and anatomy. Dragonflies are predatory insects that rely on their powerful jaws to catch and consume their prey. They have impressive mandibles that allow them to grasp and crush smaller insects with ease. These mandibles, while highly efficient for hunting, are not designed to harm humans.

Dragonflies and Biting

Dragonflies do have the ability to bite, but it is important to differentiate between their behavior toward prey and their behavior toward humans. When hunting, dragonflies use their sharp mandibles to capture and immobilize their prey. However, these bites are not intended to cause harm to larger animals, including humans.

If you happen to catch a dragonfly and it feels threatened or cornered, it may attempt to defend itself by biting. However, these bites are typically harmless and rarely break the skin. Only the largest dragonflies may be capable of breaking the skin, and even then, the bite is unlikely to cause any significant pain or injury.

Dragonflies and Stinging

Contrary to popular belief, dragonflies do not possess stingers. They do not have a venomous or barbed appendage that can be used for stinging. The confusion between biting and stinging may stem from the behavior of certain dragonfly species during their egg-laying process.

During egg-laying, some dragonflies may inadvertently pierce the flesh or clothing of individuals who interrupt their activity. However, these actions are not intentional stings and are not meant to cause harm. They are merely the result of the dragonfly attempting to deposit its eggs in a suitable location.

The Harmlessness of Dragonflies

In reality, dragonflies are harmless creatures that pose no significant threat to humans. They do not bite or sting unless severely provoked or mishandled. Their main focus is on hunting and breeding, rather than engaging in aggressive behavior toward humans.

It is important to respect the natural behavior and boundaries of dragonflies. If you encounter one in the wild, observe it from a distance and avoid attempting to handle or capture it. By respecting their space, you can appreciate the beauty and elegance of these remarkable insects without any risk of harm.

Dragonfly Larvae

While adult dragonflies are generally harmless to humans, the same cannot be said for their larvae. Dragonfly larvae, also known as nymphs, inhabit bodies of water and are formidable predators in their own right. They have sharp mandibles that they use to capture and consume small aquatic organisms.

In rare cases, larger dragonfly larvae may deliver a noticeable poke to an intrusive individual's finger. However, their bites are not venomous or dangerous. It is important to exercise caution when handling dragonfly larvae, especially if you are not familiar with their behavior.

Dragonfly Folklore and Misconceptions

Throughout history, dragonflies have been the subject of various myths and folklore. These tales often attribute malicious or dangerous behavior to these harmless insects. Some common names, such as "horse-stingers" and "devil's darning needles," reflect the misconceptions surrounding dragonflies.

The origins of these names can be traced back to instances where dragonflies inadvertently pierced the skin during the egg-laying process, as mentioned earlier. These isolated incidents likely led to exaggerated stories and the perpetuation of the notion that dragonflies possess harmful stings or bites.

The Fascinating World of Dragonflies and Damselflies in the UK