Damselfly

Eastern Blue Forktail (Ischnura verticalis)

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?  Perhaps you are among the many who thought  these winged creatures with long abdomens and large eyes were all called dragonflies.    I used to think so, too.  The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the wings when the insect rests.  If the pairs of wings remain open in an H-shape, then you are looking at a dragonfly.  Damselflies have hinged wings that allow them to fold both pairs of wings over their backs as shown above.

I did quite a bit of comparing photos to determine this ID.  There are many species of damselflies, some with minor differences in appearance.  Noting that the blue spot covers the last two whole segments of the abdomen and has small black marks within the blue on the side, I believe this to be the Eastern Blue Forktail. 

You can find a good photographic comparison guide here and some helpful diagrams here.  I checked BugGuide.net as well to confirm my decision.  I’m thinking my next field guide purchase should be one on dragonflies and damselflies.  We have so many thanks to the creek that runs beside our home.