noun. Any of numerous predatory insects of the order Odonata, which includes the dragonflies and damselflies, characterized by a long, slender, often brightly colored body, two pairs of transparent veined wings, large compound eyes, and an aquatic larval stage.

noun. large primitive predatory aquatic insect having two pairs of membranous wings

"He is particularly fascinated by butterfly ecology, bird evolution and diversity, odonate habitat choice and breeding, and adaptation to the sea shore by a wide variety of animals, as well as being a keen plantsman (species only, though!)."

insect  

damselfly  darning needle  devil's darning-needle  dragonfly  mosquito hawk  

Odonata