Narrow-Winged Damselflies

Family Coenagrionidae

Enallagma hageni. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

These damselflies are found in a variety of habitats, mainly along streams and near ponds or swamps. They are often very abundant. These are small, typical damselflies, with narrow wings. Damselflies can be distinguished from dragonflies by the shape of the head. In damselflies, the head is much broader than long, with the eyes widely separated; in dragonflies, the head is much rounder and the eyes touch on the top of the head. Males and females of narrow-winged damselflies are often different colours, with the male brighter.