Dragonflies, right on target.
Up to 30,000 lenses in each eye, four wings that each move on their own, and most of their lives spent underwater before they ever fly. Every fact here is traced to a source, mostly the British Dragonfly Society and the Natural History Museum, and dated where it can change. There are games, printables, and an eraser called Useless sitting by a pond with a notebook.
The short version
Dragonflies and damselflies together are called Odonata, which means ‘toothed jaw’: their mouthparts are serrated. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions
True dragonflies are the Anisoptera, meaning ‘unequal-winged’: their hind wings are usually shorter and broader than their front wings. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions Damselflies are the Zygoptera, meaning ‘pair-winged’ or ‘equal-winged’: all four wings are a similar size and shape. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions
There are around 6,000 species of dragonflies and damselflies in the world, and most live in the tropics. Natural History Museum, London: Dragonflies, the ultimate hunters · checked 31 Oct 2026
And they’re harmless to us. Dragonflies don’t sting, and they don’t attack people. A big one held in the hand may try to bite, but it can’t break the skin. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions
Start somewhere
Dragonfly or damselfly?How to tell the two groups apart.
Egg, larva and adultYears underwater, then a few hours to become an adult.
Top huntersHuge eyes, long legs as a net, and four independent wings.
Giants and tiddlersFrom 15 mm to griffinflies with 71 cm wings.
The species14 dragonflies and damselflies found in the UK.
On the Isle of Man18 species recorded, and where to look.
Tile pictures are credited on their pages and on the credits page.
Why “dragon”?
The name ‘Dragon-fly’ was first used by Francis Bacon, in a book published in 1626. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions Old English names for them include Adder Bolt, Snake Doctor, Horse-stinger and Devil’s Darning Needle. British Dragonfly Society: Frequently asked questions
And the giants
300 million years ago, giant dragonfly-like insects called griffinflies had wingspans up to 71 cm. Natural History Museum, London: Giant dragonflies Giants and tiddlers →
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Dragonfly printables
Fact-checked PDFs in A4 and US Letter.
Dragonfly and Damselfly Species Fact Cards
Fact cards for fourteen UK dragonflies and damselflies, from the emperor to the azure damselfly, with a Dragonfly or Damselfly? sorting game and an Isle of Man card
Dragonfly Life Cycle Pack
Egg, larva and adult: sequencing cards, a life cycle wheel, label-the-dragonfly and a pond diary, with an answer key
Dragonfly Spotter’s Pack
A pond spotting checklist, a dragonfly-or-damselfly comparison, an exuvia hunt, a record sheet and a field notebook cover
Dragonfly Activity and Colouring Pack
Colouring pages, draw-a-dragonfly, a maze, word search and spot-the-difference puzzles for ages 4 to 9
Dragonfly Facts Poster Set
Six fact-checked posters, from 30,000-lens eyes and up to 97% hunting success to griffinflies and the hidden life underwater
Dragonfly Quiz and Word Puzzles Pack
A crossword, code breaker, fill-the-gap facts, true or false, myth busters and a 20-question quiz, with answer keys
Best valueThe Complete Dragonfly Printables Bundle
All six packs plus a guide, A4 and US Letter, in one download.