Dragonflies, damselflies and demoiselles
The dragonfly and damselfly are both part of the order Odonata meaning "toothed ones". The young can be found in ponds and stream, whereas the adult form is the classic flying insect that everyone recognises with the dragonfly often being larger and chunkier than the generally more delicate damselfies. In this form they often eat flying insects like gnats, mosquitos and other small bugs. In the UK there are 36 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) and 21 species of damselflies (Zygoptera).
In this gallery
The photos on this pages are mostly macro and close up shots that have been taken of damselflies and dragonflies that have been sighted in the wild living across various habitats in the British Isles. They include common ruddy darter species and broad bodies chaser. Damselflies often settle on vegetation with their wings open so there are images of the brightly coloured emerald and various blue species. There is even the iridescent beautiful demoiselle sitting on a leaf.
All the images have been taken of dragonflies and damselflies in their natural settings carrying out natural behaviours
More information
They are often beautiful and colourful insects, and have a fascinating life cycle, if you want to learn more about the dragonflies of Britain then visit the British Dragonfly Society