• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

• Insects (Class Insecta)

• Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

• Dragonflies and Damselflies (Order Odonata)

• Dragonflies (Suborder Anisoptera)

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Suborder Anisoptera comprises the dragonflies, a group of flying insects within the order Odonata. Dragonflies inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, marshes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. They are distinguished from damselflies by their robust bodies, large compound eyes that usually touch or nearly touch, and their habit of holding the wings outstretched when at rest. Both aquatic nymphs and winged adults are highly effective predators. Dragonfly nymphs live underwater, where they capture insects, tadpoles, and even small fish using a specialized extendable lower jaw, while adults hunt mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects with remarkable speed and precision. Many species display brilliant colours, including shades of blue, green, red, yellow, and metallic hues, and are among the fastest-flying insects in the world.