Vivid Dancer & California Spreadwing (Damselfly vs. Dragonfly)

The Odonata ("toothed ones") includes three groups of species. The two groups that interest us for this post are Zygoptera (which includes damselflies), and Anisoptera (which includes dragonflies).


The Vivid Dancer is a member of the Zygopetera. Observe how it's wings are held above the body while at rest. This is the quickest way to identify whether you are viewing a damselfly or dragonfly. The body of damselflies are also much more slender by comparison.



The California Spreadwing is a member of the Anisoptera. It's body is quite stout in comparison to the previous Vivid Dancer. We can also quickly identify it as a dragonfly by noticing that it's wings extend to each side of the dragonfly while at rest.