A
dragonfly is an
insect belonging to the order
Odonata,
suborder Anisoptera (from
Greek ανισος
anisos "uneven" + πτερος
pteros, "wings", because the
hindwing is broader than the
forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large
multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent
wings, sometimes with coloured patches and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group,
damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by
structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly eye has nearly 24,000
ommatidia.