Odonata is the order of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies. The name stems from the greek root word odonto, meaning tooth, a reference to their large mandibles. Similar to most insects, odonates have two pair of wings, six legs, a pair of antennae, and a body divided into three distinct segments; the head, thorax and abdomen. Odonates have large, compound eyes, and primitive wings that cannot be folded smoothly over their abdomens (as compared to the wings of beetles and many other insects). However, each wing is independently controlled and maneuverable, allowing the odonates to hover or even fly backwards.
There are more than 5000 species of Odonata world wide. In North America, there are more than 600 species, with seven families of anisoptera (dragonflies) and four families of zygoptera (damselflies) represented. In Texas there are at least 67 identified damselfly species, and 140 identified dragonfly species, making 207 total. Go near almost any body of water here in Central Texas and you are almost certain to find at least a few odonates. Their ubiquitousness, their fairly large size and colorful bodies, their generally predictable flight patterns and their tendency to sit and perch make them easy and fun to observe. They are voracious predators, eating mosquitoes and other insects, so they are more helpful than harmful. They also have some interesting characteristics that make them fun to study (some dragonfly larvae can use a form of jet propulsion underwater by rapidly squeezing water out of their anus!). They are beautiful little jewels of the air; showcases of God’s creative power.
There are more than 5000 species of Odonata world wide. In North America, there are more than 600 species, with seven families of anisoptera (dragonflies) and four families of zygoptera (damselflies) represented. In Texas there are at least 67 identified damselfly species, and 140 identified dragonfly species, making 207 total. Go near almost any body of water here in Central Texas and you are almost certain to find at least a few odonates. Their ubiquitousness, their fairly large size and colorful bodies, their generally predictable flight patterns and their tendency to sit and perch make them easy and fun to observe. They are voracious predators, eating mosquitoes and other insects, so they are more helpful than harmful. They also have some interesting characteristics that make them fun to study (some dragonfly larvae can use a form of jet propulsion underwater by rapidly squeezing water out of their anus!). They are beautiful little jewels of the air; showcases of God’s creative power.
Introduced in 2011, the Odonates Honor encourages Pathfinders to study these interesting and colorful insects. Due to the ease of finding and watching dragonflies and damselflies, this is a fun nature honor to connect to other outdoor activities, and Pathfinders can build up their “collection” of identified Odonates during their summer travels, on weekend hikes, or visits to local streams, ponds and even man-made waterways. Although they are fast 9perhaps at times reaching speeds as high as 30 miles per hour), many Odonates have a habit of sitting perched on twigs, grasses, rocks or the ground, making it relatively easy to photograph them, and to use the photos as aids in identification. In recent years several new books about Texas dragonflies and damselflies have been published, filling a gap in field guides.
For more information on the Odonate honor, helpful resources, and images of many Central Texas odonates, check out the SAIL Pathfinder webpage on Odonates, and their Odonate image gallery. And get out there and see what Dragonflies and Damselflies you can discover!
For more information on the Odonate honor, helpful resources, and images of many Central Texas odonates, check out the SAIL Pathfinder webpage on Odonates, and their Odonate image gallery. And get out there and see what Dragonflies and Damselflies you can discover!