Aàdragonflyàis anàinsectàbelonging to the orderàOdonata,àinfraorderàAnisopteraà(fromàGreeká¼âýùÃÆÿÃâàanisos, unequal and Ãâ¬ÃâõÃÂÃÅýàpteron, wing, because theàhindwingàis broader than theàforewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large,àmultifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparentàwings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group,àdamselfliesà(Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliantàiridescentàor metallic colours produced byàstructural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly'sàcompound eyesàhave nearly 24,000àommatidiaàeach.
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