What is "odonata"

Odonata \O*don"a*ta\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, a tooth.] (Zo["o]l.) The division of insects that includes the dragon flies.

Odonata is an order of carnivorous insects, encompassing the dragonflies (Anisoptera) and the damselflies (Zygoptera). The Odonata form a clade, which has existed since the Triassic.

Dragonflies are generally larger, and perch with their wings held out to the sides; damselflies have slender bodies, and hold their wings over the body at rest.