Photo by R. Parker. A damselfly , nymph. Photo by Drees. Damselflies have four large membranous wings of nearly equal size which are held together over their back when they are at rest except for the Lestidae which hold them slightly open. Wings are usually clear except for a spot at the end of the wing called a stigma.
Some species have black or red coloration in the wings.
Damselflies have long thin bodies that are often brightly colored with green, blue, red, yellow, black or brown. They have oblong heads with bulging eyes and very short antennae. These appendages are used for oxygen transport. The largest species in Texas is Archilestes grandis in the family Lestidae. Spreadwing damselflies in the family Lestidae hold their wings somewhat open when at rest.