Dragonflies and damselflies are extremely beautiful insects which capture the very essence of summer as they perform their intricate aerobatics around the gleaming backdrop of rivers and pools on hot and sunny days. As such they are highly visible and important indicators of the health of our wetlands being top insect predators both as airborne adults & aquatic larvae.
Dragonflies are entirely harmless and do not bite or sting, (though they may give a gentle nip if roughly handled!). They also make superb subjects for photography though getting close enough for a good shot can be difficult!
Over 70 species of Odonata (Dragonflies) have been recorded from the Iberian Peninsula and these can be divided into two sub-orders, the Zygoptera (damselflies), and the Anisoptera (dragonflies). Damselflies are generally smaller insects which when at rest hold their wings together over their abdomen, although an obvious exception to this are the 5 species of Spreadwings (Lestes) damselflies which hold their wings out at 45 degrees to the abdomen when at rest. Dragonflies are generally larger insects and as mature adults when at rest hold their wings apart at approximately 90 degrees to their body.
Read more here about dragonflies in Iberia or see the specific species list below.
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Insects and Creepy Crawlies 