Nature Field Guide
Damselflies
- Spanish name
- Caballitos del diablo
- Scientific name
- Odonata: Zygoptera — group card
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “Let's look closely at the damselflies!”
Tati: “We can compare its shape and markings without touching it.”
Species overview
About the Damselflies
Look for a slender body and widely separated eyes.
Identification
Key Features of the Damselflies
Slender body
widely separated eyes
many fold wings above abdomen
Habitat & range
Vegetation near ponds, wetlands and streams; individual species use different waters.
Local observations
Regional tags are broad habitat-based discovery suggestions for this insect group, not a verified range for one species. Confirm local records with a guide or identification reference.
When to observe
Look during suitable weather. Activity and visibility vary by locality and species.
Conservation & care
Observe without collecting, handling or disturbing insects or nests. Stay on permitted paths. Leave caterpillars and their food plants in place.
Observation activity
Record the date, location and two visible clues. Compare your observation with a verified photograph before naming a species.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Central Valley · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific