Odonata: This is the taxonomic order which encompasses dragonflies and damselflies. It essentially means “toothed ones” referring to their strong, sharp mandibles. This term can be modified to “odonatology” (the study of Odonata) and “odonatologist” (one who studies Odonata).
Odonate: A general term for any insect in the order Odonata. I try to use this term when I speak of dragonflies and damselflies collectively or when I’m talking about particular species ambiguously. An “odonatist” is one who has an interest in odonates.
|A male Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis). |
This is an odonate and a dragonfly.