Dragonflies

Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata. Dragonflies are commonly found near freshwater habitats, where they lay their eggs and spend their nymph stage underwater. There are around 175 species in New Guinea, its satellite islands and the Bismark Archipelago. Most species and some genera are not found elsehwere.

Identification Tips: To identify dragonflies, observe their robust bodies, large eyes, and distinct wing shape. When resting, their wings are spread perpendicular to their body in contrast to damselflies. Their eyes are also larger than damselflies, with no gap between them (except in Ictinogomphus australis)