Essay --

Odonata The damselfly species is part of an insect group called Odonata. Odonata consists of dragonflies, which are the suborder Anisoptera, and damselflies, which are the suborder Zygoptera. The insect group Odonata is very small, probably containing only about 5,000 living species (Corbet, 1999). Odonata, typically called Odonates, are usually found close to bodies of water, looking for small insects to eat. Adult Odonates catch their prey while in flight, while younger Odonates, called nymphs, hunt for their prey at the bottom of the body of water they live in. Nymphs eat almost any insect small enough for them to digest (book on iCloud). Nymphs Nymphs live in water throughout their entire developmental stage, which can take anywhere from three weeks to more than eight years, depending on the species of the nymph and it’s location and habitat. They undergo eight to seventeen molts (Corbet, 1999), although the amount of molts undergone depends on the species. When a nymph’s developmental stage is complete, it climbs out of it’s previous home in the water, a final molt is undergone, and an adult damselfly appears (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). Nymphs have a set of gills along their abdomen, which are used for breathing as well as a transportation device and a way of escaping from predators in an emergency. Water is ushered into the gills, and then forcefully emitted, propelling themselves forward and farther away from their enemies (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). Nymphs, despite their excellent predatorily abilities, are usually hunted by fish, although occasionally they are also hunted by birds, crayfish, frogs, and each other. When their development is complete and they are finally an adult dams... .... Transferring sperm depends on the species of damselfly because the sex organs are particularly elaborate and specific to the each species. Organs in the male damselflies that allow the end of its’ abdomen to attach to the back of the females’ head correspond between each individual species, making mating between separate species nearly impossible. Some species of damselflies lay their eggs either inside or on plant tissue, which is either above or in water. Some females climb beneath the surface of the water to position their eggs and remain there for an hour, or perhaps more. Some species submerge their abdomen in the water, so the eggs wash off, or put them on leaves close to the water’s edge. This is sometimes done while the damselfly is in flight. Other species simply allow their eggs to drop onto the surface of the water while they are flying (Corbet, 1999).