Coenagrion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coenagrion |
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| Coenagrion pulchellum | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Suborder: | Zygoptera |
| Family: | Coenagrionidae |
| Genus: | Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 |
Coenagrion is a group of beautiful damselflies. They are often called the Eurasian Bluets because most of them live in Europe and Asia. However, you can also find three types in North America: Coenagrion angulatum, Coenagrion interrogatum, and Coenagrion resolutum. These damselflies are usually medium-sized and have bright colors.
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What are Damselflies?
Damselflies are amazing insects, a bit like small dragonflies. They belong to an order called Odonata. Both damselflies and dragonflies have two pairs of strong, clear wings. They also have large eyes and long bodies.
How to Tell Them Apart
It's easy to mix up damselflies and dragonflies! But there are a few simple ways to tell them apart:
- Wings at Rest: When a damselfly rests, it folds its wings together over its back. Dragonflies usually hold their wings out to the sides.
- Body Shape: Damselflies have thinner, more delicate bodies. Dragonflies are often much stockier.
- Eye Shape: Damselflies have eyes that are separated and don't touch. Dragonflies have very large eyes that often meet in the middle of their head.
Where Coenagrion Damselflies Live
Coenagrion damselflies live in many different places. They are found near fresh water like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. This is because their young, called nymphs, live underwater. They need clean water to grow.
Life Cycle of a Damselfly
Damselflies have a fascinating life cycle:
- Eggs: Female damselflies lay their eggs in or near water, often on plants.
- Nymphs: The eggs hatch into nymphs. These nymphs live underwater for months or even years. They breathe with gills and hunt small water creatures.
- Emergence: When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water onto a plant stem. Its skin splits open, and the adult damselfly emerges.
- Adults: The adult damselfly then flies away. It will spend its short adult life hunting other insects and finding a mate.
Types of Coenagrion Damselflies
The Coenagrion group has many different species. Each one has its own unique look and habits. Some well-known species include:
- Coenagrion armatum is also known as the Norfolk Damselfly.
- Coenagrion hastulatum is called the Northern Damselfly.
- Coenagrion puella is a common one known as the Azure Damselfly.
- Coenagrion pulchellum is called the Variable Damselfly.
These damselflies are an important part of their ecosystems. They help control insect populations and are a food source for birds and fish.
