The young, termed larvae or sometimes nymphs are functionally wingless and aquatic based in habitat usually. The habitats range from shallow freshwater ponds or marshes to tree holes. They are often bottom dwelling and are well camouflaged. Their motted and drab colors match the surrounding sediments or water plants perfectly. The young, like the adults are predators. They will eat other insects including other larvae. Usually their prey are insects smaller or the same size as the larva.

			Left is a damselfly nymph. Probably near the beginning of its larval stage