Odonata
Odonates are aerial predators with two pairs of large, independently controlled wings and enormous compound eyes that cover most of the head.
Dragonflies hold their wings flat at rest, while damselflies fold theirs together over the body. Larvae develop in fresh water and use a hinged, extendable lower lip called a labial mask to capture prey.
Modern odonates retain many features of their Carboniferous ancestors, and the order remains a sensitive bioindicator of freshwater habitat quality.
Coenagrionidae - Ischnura posita
Pin #132 · Odonata · Coenagrionidae - Ischnura posita
NE: Lancaster Co. · 21 Apr 2026 · 40.98, -96.89
Collector: A. Angel
Preservation: Pin through middle of thorax; wings spread
Characters: Pond damsel; slender black-green body, blue tip on abdomen; wings stalked at base; two antenodal crossveins; eyes widely separated.
Coenagrionidae - Mecistogaster modesta
Pin #133 · Odonata · Coenagrionidae - Mecistogaster modesta
Guatemala: Flores · 21 Mar 2026 · 17.07, -89.40
Photographer: FLAAR · ID: A. Angel
Preservation: Pin through middle of thorax; wings spread
Characters: Helicopter damsel; extremely long slender abdomen; wings stalked at base; single dark pterostigma near wing tip; iridescent body.
Calopterygidae - Hetaerina sp.
Pin #131 · Odonata · Calopterygidae - Hetaerina sp.
Guatemala: Escuintla · 28 May 2016 · 14.30, -90.79
Collector: UVG · Photographer/ID: A. Angel
Preservation: Pin through middle of thorax; wings spread
Characters: Rubyspot damselfly; lots of antenodal crossveins; metallic brown body; broad wings with bright crimson basal patch; wings gradually narrow (not stalked); eyes widely separated.