Dragonflies and damselflies both belong to the order Odonata. They are very similar in appearance with long, thin bodies, two pairs of net-like transparent wings, large eyes and tiny pointed antennae. Their larvae (nymphs) are aquatic and so, because of this, adults are commonly found near water. Both nymphs and adults are carnivorous and keen hunters. Males and females of the same species usually differ in their colouration.

Dragonflies belong to the suborder Epiprocta. There are 18 Australian families of dragonfly. Most dragonflies are larger than damselflies and they typically rest with their wings held flat, perpendicular to their bodies. Their back wings are also usually broader at the base than their front wings. Dragonflies are some of the fastest flying insects known. One species of Australian dragonfly, Austrophlebia costalis the Southern Giant Darner, was clocked at clocked at nearly 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph).

Damselflies belong to the suborder Zygoptera. Australia has 12 families of damselflies. They are typically smaller and more delicate in appearance than dragonflies, and they are weaker fliers. Their main distinguishing feature is that the wings of most damselflies are held together over their body when at rest. Both pairs of wings on a damselfly are also very similar to each other in size and shape.

We have reproduced here, with the permission of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, a list of Girraween's Odonata species that was the result of an official scientific survey conducted in early 2014. The results were presented in an internal report, which is referenced below.

We have expanded upon this list with other, verified eyewitness accounts. The following list is by no means complete, as there are likely to be species in Girraween not yet recorded.