|Introduction
|Identification Key
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Order Odonata
(Dragonflies and Damselflies)
The order Odonata represents the dragonflies and damselflies. There are
approximately 450 North American species, all of which are aquatic
as nymphs. Odonates are
hemimetabolous and nymphs pass through 10 to 12 instars, depending on
species. Most odonate nymphs occur in shallow areas of streams and slower
reaches of rivers. Many are highly predaceous carnivores feeding on other
insects, small fish, and even small amphibians.