Dragonfly vs. Naiad — What's the Difference?

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos, "unequal" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body.

In Greek mythology, the naiads (; Greek: Ναϊάδες, translit. naïádes) are a type of female spirit, or nymph, presiding over fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water.

Any of numerous predatory insects of the order Odonata, having large eyes, a long slender body, and two pairs of transparent veined wings, especially those of the order Anisoptera, which hold the wings outstretched when at rest, as distinguished from the damselflies. Also called regionally darner, darning needle, devil's darning needle, mosquito fly, mosquito hawk, needle, skeeter hawk, snake doctor, snake feeder, spindle.

(in classical mythology) a water nymph said to inhabit a river, spring, or waterfall.

An insect of the suborder Epiprocta or, more strictly, the infraorder Anisoptera, having four long transparent wings held perpendicular to a long body when perched.

The aquatic larva or nymph of a dragonfly, mayfly, or stonefly.

Slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest; adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.

A submerged aquatic plant with narrow leaves and minute flowers.

Greek Mythology One of the nymphs who lived in and presided over brooks, springs, and fountains.

The aquatic nymph of certain insects, such as a mayfly, damselfly, or dragonfly.

Any of various aquatic plants of the genus Najas.

(Greek mythology) A female deity (nymph) associated with water, especially a spring, stream, or other fresh water.

(entomology) The aquatic larva (nymph) of a dragonfly or damselfly.

Any of various aquatic plants of the genus Najas.

A water nymph; one of the lower female divinities, fabled to preside over some body of fresh water, as a lake, river, brook, or fountain.

Any species of a tribe (Naiades) of freshwater bivalves, including Unio, Anodonta, and numerous allied genera; a river mussel.

One of a group of butterflies. See Nymph.

Any plant of the order Naiadaceæ, such as eelgrass, pondweed, etc.

Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water

(Greek mythology) a nymph of lakes and springs and rivers and fountains