Dragonflies and Damselflies: Order Odonata

The dragonfly pictured below is the only member of Odonata to occur in Colorado's mountain streams.

Dragonfly nymphs respire by means of gills lining the rectal chamber.

Both dragonfly and damselfly nymphs are voracious predators.

Ophiogomphus severus nymph (Odonata: Anisoptera) (2.5 centimeters)

Image of Ophiogomphus severus nymph

Illustration courtesy of B.C. Kondratieff, Colorado State University.

Source:

Ward, J.V. and B.C. Kondratieff. An Illustrated Guide to the Mountain Stream Insects of Colorado. Niwot, Colorado: University Press of Colorado, 1992.

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