OdonataThe dragonfly species is part of a group of insects called Odonata. Odonata consist of dragonflies, which are the suborder Anisoptera, and damselflies, which are the suborder Zygoptera. The Odonata insect group is very small, probably containing only about 5,000 living species (Corbet, 1999). Odonata, typically called Odonata, are usually found near bodies of water, searching for small insects to eat. Adult Odonata capture prey while in flight, while younger Odonata, called nymphs, hunt prey at the bottom of the body of water in which they live. Nymphs eat almost any insect small enough to digest (iCloud book).NymphsNymphs live in water throughout their entire developmental phase, which can last anywhere from three weeks to more than eight years, depending on the species of the nymph , its location and its habitat. They undergo between eight and seventeen moults (Corbet, 1999), although the number of molts undergone depends on the species. When a nymph's developmental stage is complete, it exits its previous home in the water, undergoes a final molt, and an adult dragonfly appears (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). Nymphs have a set of gills along their abdomen, which are used for breathing, as well as as a means of transportation and as a means of escaping predators in an emergency. Water is drawn into the gills and then forcefully expelled, pushing forward and away from enemies (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). Nymphs, despite their excellent predatory abilities, are usually hunted by fish, although occasionally they are also hunted by birds. , shrimp, frogs and other. When their development is complete and they are finally adult females... middle of paper.... Sperm transfer depends on the species of dragonfly because the sexual organs are particularly elaborate and specific for each species. The male damselfish organs that allow the end of the abdomen to attach to the back of the female's head match between each individual species, making mating between separate species nearly impossible. Some species of damselfish lay their eggs in or on plant tissue, which is on or in the water. Some females climb below the surface of the water to place their eggs and remain there for an hour or perhaps longer. Some species immerse their abdomens in water, so that the eggs are washed away, or place them on leaves near the water's edge. This is sometimes done while the dragonfly is in flight. Other species simply drop their eggs on the surface of the water while flying (Corbet, 1999).