Habitat

Damselflies can be found around a variety of habitats where freshwater is present (the presence of water is essential for the processes of egg laying and larval development). Streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes and ditches all can act as breeding grounds for these insects. These habitats usually provide vegetation suitable for perching on, and aquatic vegetation in which the females can lay their eggs. Different species of damselflies may also require a certain pH, depth or speed of movement of water in order to breed. Different species even vary in their tolerance to certain minerals present in the water. This means that the presence or absence of damselflies can be used to determine the health of a wetland area.