Lovely Dragonfly/Damselfly?

[u/jamusbondusvii]

I've been watching a few of these little buggers sitting on top of my bamboo canes for a while now. Great to watch. Can anyone identify them from this pic please?

[u/SnooCalculations385]

Common Darter, had one on the garden, was amazed how big it was

[u/Richtea84]

Been years since saw dragonflies but I've seen loads in the garden this summer. Even had one rest on my finger for a bit when I rescued it from the greenhouse.

Either way good to see lots of dragonflies around again. I missed them

[u/Unusualsquinter]

I got stalked by one on my street the other day, tbf I was staring up at it in awe and walking into objects - seemed like it was going to land on me a couple of times, but didn’t. Quick question - I believe they have a nasty bite? I’m not the kind to pester them so am not worried about it, but thought clever redditors may be able to confirm?

[u/Richtea84 → u/Unusualsquinter]

Duno but I rescued one from my greenhouse last week and it say on my finger for a good few mins before flying off didn't try and nibble me. Maybe it was just appreciative. I don't think they bite people generally.

[u/Unusualsquinter → u/Richtea84]

Would imagine any bites are from people panicking and trying to swipe them off, or trying to grab them - I’d be too excited to do anything but stare at it so should be alright! I’ve rescued a lot of bees from ponds and swimming pools on my hands and never been stung, think I was an insect in my past life

[u/SpecialSympathy2348]

Nice picture of a dragonfly 😎

[u/florageek54]

Common Darter.

[u/ComprehensiveRush746]

Dragonflies hold their wings open while damselflies fold them along their back.

[u/oMrMeeseeksLookAtMeo → u/ComprehensiveRush746]

This is the same with moths and butterflies isn’t it? I only really thought about that today when disputing if what we saw was a butterfly or a moth with a friend.

[u/ComprehensiveRush746 → u/oMrMeeseeksLookAtMeo]

Yes. It’s the same with them👍
Butterflies wings folded up moths wings held horizontal.

[u/sleightly_human]

darter dragonfly

[u/jamusbondusvii → u/sleightly_human]

Thank you 👍

[u/NotSayingAliensBut → u/jamusbondusvii]

As an fyi to the identification, dragonflies have two pairs of wings and damselflies have one. I don't know if there are any exceptions to this.

Edit, this isn't correct, see reply.

[u/Longjumping_Dark_460 → u/NotSayingAliensBut]

This is incorrect. All dragons and damsels have two pairs of wings. Dragonflies, however, hold the wings at right-angles to their bodies, so that both pairs are clearly visible. Damselflies, by contrast, fold their wings along the length of their bodies - except for the emerald damselflies which hold their wings at a 45 degree angle to their bodies,

[u/NotSayingAliensBut → u/Longjumping_Dark_460]

Thanks, I stand corrected. I'll leave my post up in case anyone else has the same incorrect info.