Like the adults the larvae have large eyes. Anisopterans are generally stockier in shape then Zygopterans. The way to distinguish the two suborders is through inspection of the abdomens. In damselflies (Zygopterans) there are external leaf like plates at the top of the abdomen, that act as gills. For Anisopterans the gills are an internal growth. The two respiratory systems can both be used as "jet propulsio" in emergencies for escape. See previous pages for a better diagram of the larval anatomy and stages of growth.