How do dragonflies and damselflies differ in wing position when resting?

How do dragonflies and damselflies differ in wing position when resting?

• A. Dragonflies tuck their wings along their bodies
• B. Dragonflies rest with their wings closed above their bodies
• C. Damselflies rest with their wings spread out to the sides
• D. Dragonflies rest with their wings outstretched while damselflies hold their wings together above their bodies

Answer: (D)

Wing position at rest distinguishes dragonflies from damselflies. Dragonflies typically perch with their wings held out to the sides, open and away from the body, ready for rapid takeoff. Damselflies hold their wings together above the abdomen, making a compact, roof-like silhouette. This difference in posture helps you tell them apart in the field: a perched dragonfly shows wings spread, while a perched damselfly shows wings held together above the body.

Wing position at rest distinguishes dragonflies from damselflies. Dragonflies typically perch with their wings held out to the sides, open and away from the body, ready for rapid takeoff. Damselflies hold their wings together above the abdomen, making a compact, roof-like silhouette. This difference in posture helps you tell them apart in the field: a perched dragonfly shows wings spread, while a perched damselfly shows wings held together above the body.