Damselflies and dragonflies | Colorful insects in and around the pond

Dragonflies and damselflies, everyone knows these two insects, but what exactly are the differences between the two and what is the use of these insects in your pond? Read on and learn all about these two colorful insects!

All about the dragonfly and damselfly

• What is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
• Dragonfly and damselfly species in the Netherlands
• What is the use of the dragonfly and damselfly?
• What do these insects prefer to eat?

What is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?

Although dragonflies and damselflies are often confused because of their similarity, there are also differences between these two insects. Dragonflies are generally larger than damselflies and have a larger wingspan and a longer body. When resting, dragonflies keep their wings outstretched, while damselflies fold their wings against their bodies. The eyes of dragonflies are larger and more widely spaced than those of damselflies, which have smaller and more closely spaced eyes. Dragonflies have a more robust body with a broader chest, while damselflies have a slimmer body. Dragonflies often fly faster and straight ahead, while damselflies often fly slower and have a twitching flight.

Which pond plants attract dragonflies and damselflies?

Native Sumpfpflanzen are well liked by these insects. The pond plants that they often have an immediate eye for are the: Swanflowers (Butomus Umbellatus) and the Iris (Lis). This is because the aquatic plants have large colorful flowers that damselflies and dragonflies are attracted to.

Sumpfpflanzen attract dragonflies and damselflies

Sumpfpflanzen with large flowers and bright colors immediately catch the eye of dragonflies and damselflies, as they are naturally attracted to these pond plants, so if you want to attract these insects to your pond, choose Sumpfpflanzen. - Simon

Dragonfly and damselfly species in the Netherlands

There are about 70 species of dragonflies and damselflies in the Netherlands, some of which are rare and some of which are common. Here are some common species you may encounter in the Netherlands:

1. Common bank dragonfly (Orthetrum cancellatum): This is one of the most common dragonflies in the Netherlands and is often seen near water in open areas.
2. Horse Biter (Aeshna mixta): Another large dragonfly species that is common in the Netherlands and can be found near standing water. Males are blue and females are green.
3. Azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella): This is a small species of dragonfly that can be found near flowing water, such as streams and small rivers. Males are colored blue and females are green.

These are just a few examples of common dragonfly and damselfly species in the Netherlands.

What is the use of the dragonfly and damselfly?

Dragonflies are an important link in the ecosystem. They help control pests such as mosquitoes, they pollinate flowers, are a food source for other aquatic animals such as pond fish and provide information about water quality and water values. In addition, they have aesthetic value and are popular with nature lovers and photographers because of their colors and flight patterns. Like dragonflies, damselflies can be useful at a pond because they help reduce the mosquito population by using mosquito larvae as food. In addition, they are a nice addition to the pond's biodiversity and can help pollinate nearby flowers.

What do these insects prefer to eat?

Dragonflies and damselflies are similar in their diet. They both like flying small insects such as moths, flies and mosquitoes. The critters can eat sitting down, but eating flying is not a problem either. This is useful because they need to be able to fly away quickly in the event of danger.

Frequently asked questions about Dragonflies and damselflies