Read about related Odonata by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. Adult dragonflies and damselflies mate and catch their insect prey in mid flight. Odonata groups include dragonflies, darners, skimmers, narrow-winged damselflies and broad-winged damselflies.

Red Skimmer Crocothemis chinensis Odonata Lubellulidae This vibrant Red Skimmer Dragonfly from Kauai was found patrolling the banks of a pond and habitually landed on it's favorite vantage point. Unlike other groups of insects, the beautiful colors fade quickly after death. Dragonflies sit with their wings out and perpendicular to their body whereas their damselfly relatives hold their wings up together above their body. Living up to their names, to their insect prey they are true dragons of the air, using their first 2 pair of legs as a basket with which they scoop up their insect prey in mid flight. View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects