Classification
- Kingdom Animalia
- Phylum Arthropoda
- Class Insecta
- Order Odonata
We have a large amount of dragonfly species in Sri Lanka. Among them, some are common to Asia and some of them are endemic species. There are 117 dragonfly species and ,out of them 53 species can be found nowhere else. Dragonflies can be found throughout the year all over the country.
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata. Dragonfly (Order Odonata) has 3 suborders and 2 suborders are present in Sri Lanka. Damselflies belong to the suborder Zygoptera, Dragonflies belong to the suborder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to the body when at rest. Dragonflies possess six legs (like any other insect), but most of them cannot walk well. Dragonflies are some of the fastest insects in the world.
Families of dragonflies
- Aeshnidae
- Austropetaliidae
- Chlorogomphidae
- Cordulegastridae
- Corduliidae
- Libellulidae
- Neopetaliidae
- Petaluridae
- Synthemistidae
Dragonflies are valuable predators. They eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and very rarely butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. That because of their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic.
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