The Odonata along with the Ephemeroptera are presumed to be the oldest orders, having adults that can't fold their wings. The Odonata have fossilized ancestors, the Protodonata, which were also carnivorous. Emergence by crawling up an emergent stem or other surface, then splitting nymphal skin. Fairly extended adult period, with feeding away from water.
Adults then return to stream or pond to mate and oviposit.
Nymphs typically go through 9-15 instars.