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An illustration of a dragon fly (right) and a nymph (left). A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. n biology, a nymph is the immature form of some insects, which undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism) before reaching its adult stage; unlike a typical larva, a nymph's overall form already resembles that of the adult. In addition, while a nymph moults it never enters a pupal stage. Instead, the final moult results in an adult insect.

Dragon Fly and Nymph

An illustration of a dragon fly (right) and a nymph (left). A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging…

Illustrated is a fossil of a dragon fly, petalia longialata.

Dragon Fly Fossil

Illustrated is a fossil of a dragon fly, petalia longialata.

"The Dragon Fly has a large, broad head, very freely attached to the thorax, and large, convex, prominent eyes, which often meet upon the crown of the head. Some 1,400 species have been described from all parts of the world."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Dragonfly

"The Dragon Fly has a large, broad head, very freely attached to the thorax, and large, convex, prominent…

"The anterior portion of the body of Aeschua cyanea freed from the puparium." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Dragonfly

"The anterior portion of the body of Aeschua cyanea freed from the puparium." — Encyclopedia Britannica,…

"The tail being extricated." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Dragonfly

"The tail being extricated." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

"The whole body extricated." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Dragonfly

"The whole body extricated." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

"The perfect insect (the wings having acquired their full dimensions) resting to dry itself, preparatory to the wings being horizon tally extended." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Dragonfly

"The perfect insect (the wings having acquired their full dimensions) resting to dry itself, preparatory…

A dragon-fly and its development. Larva and pupa feeding at 1 and 3; 2, nymph ready to change; 4, a pupa skin from which 5, the adult, has emerged.

Dragonfly

A dragon-fly and its development. Larva and pupa feeding at 1 and 3; 2, nymph ready to change; 4, a…

The dragonfly is an insect belonging to the Odonata order.

Dragonfly

The dragonfly is an insect belonging to the Odonata order.