Order Odonata – dragonflies & damselflies

Odonta means “Toothed jaws” traits of Odonta Order:

• extremely large eyes in proportion to the head
• long slender abdomen
• Primitive wings that can’t be folded. Each wing can be operated independently with ability to hover, fly backyards, and take off vertically (like a helicopter)
• Predacious.- eats insects Large chewing mandibles
• Eggs laid in fresh water; Aquatic larvae called “naiads” have gills and molt many times. Some remain in water for up to 2 years before becoming winged adults.