On page A2 of the June 25 Sun Journal there is a photograph of a so-called “dragonfly.” The pictured insect was a damselfly.

Dragonflies do not fold their wings as shown in the photo. My copy of The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders states as follows, speaking of dragonflies: “this order cannot fold their wings flat against the body – dragonflies extend them to the sides horizontally”

And then it states: “and damselflies hold them toward the rear vertically.”

I have particularly observed these beautiful and fragile creatures, as I have used them at times in paintings and etchings, and I like to be able to classify what I paint.

Both of these predatory insects are highly beneficial to man in capturing large numbers of adult mosquitoes on the wing, and at lightning speed.

Cleo Stilphen, Otisfield

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