Damselflies
Damselflies are distinguished from true dragonflies by their slender bpdies, similar pairs of wings, and the different gill structure on their larvae. There are 17 breeding species of damselfly in Britain (although in recent years one or two new species such as the Willow Emerald Damselfly have recolonised southern England after many years' absence), in contrast to 26 breeding dragonflies.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies can be seen just about anywhere in Britain, even in town gardens, where some larger species may wander occasionally. Many species are relatively widespread, although some such as the White-faced Darter are habitat specialists and can only be reliably seen on particular nature reserves.