DAMSELFLIES: Mostly small and very slender, and most fold their
wings together over their back (all except spreadwings). The fore- and
hindwings are the same size (Zygoptera means "equal wings"). Most have thin
but wide heads with eyes out on the end like a hammerhead shark. Many stay
very close to or in cover so you need to look close. Fly much more slowly
on average than dragonflies.
DRAGONFLIES: Small to very large, much more robust than
damselflies, and always have their wings spread out to the side when
perched. The hindwings are usually wider at the base than the forewings (Anisoptera
means "unequal wings"). Large eyes that usually meet on top of the head (exceptions
include petaltail and clubtails). Usually fly
fairly fast, and may patrol or hunt over large distances.Damselflies (Zygoptera)
Ebony
Jewelwing
Broad-winged Damsels (Calopterygidae)
Large for a damselfly, brightly colored and with some color in the wings, only four common GA species.
Swamp
Spreadwing
Spreadwings
(Lestidae)
Fairly large for damselflies, keep wings spread at rest, almost always found in cover, long and slender.
Rambur's
Forktail
Pond
Damsels
(Coenagrionidae)
All the rest! Medium to small, many are blue, and highly varied.
Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
Gray Petaltail
Petaltails
(Petaluridae)
Only one very large gray species, usually perched vertically on tree trunks, and not wary. Eyes do not meet on top of head.
Springtime Darner
Darners
(Aeshnidae)
Large in size, a few medium-sized, long and slender. Hang vertically when perched, and many only seen flying. Long patrols usually.
Cherokee Clubtail
Clubtails
(Gomphidae)
A large group, perch horizontally except for hanging clubtails (Stylurus), all sizes. Many have an exaggerated swollen tip to the abdomen (the "club").
Say's Spiketail
Spiketails
(Cordulegastridae)
Only five GA species, all are long and slender (no club) with yellow rings or spots. Many are found mostly near seeps.
Stream Cruiser
Cruisers
(Macromiidae)
Four common species in GA, perch obliquely, and patrol fast along streams and rivers.
Prince Baskettail
Emeralds
(Corduliidae)
Several different groups in GA, many very difficult to find. Taxonomy still being worked on. Medium sized mostly.
Painted Skimmer
King Skimmers
(Libellulidae)
Very common and obvious around mostly standing water like ponds, lakes or puddles. Mostly perch horizontally on sticks or other objects.
Red-veined Pennant
Other Skimmers
(Libellulidae)
Not quite as common as King Skimmers, but also usually found in the open and range in size from medium to very small.