20 Types of Dragonflies: Species, Facts and Photos

However, each species has its distinct preference for the environment they inhabit. Adult dragonflies are characterized by long bodies with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings that, while generally transparent, may have colored markings. Unlike damselflies, the front and rear wing pairs are shaped differently. In addition, dragonflies rest with their wings spread horizontally, rather than held vertically against each other (with the exception of one very small family, Epiophlebiidae). Dragonflies have a more powerful build and are generally much stronger fliers than damselflies.

Dragonflies

In this guide, we’ll explore 25 different types of dragonflies, highlighting their key identification points, habitats, and behaviors. For example, the yellow presba, a dragonfly native only to South Africa, is losing its grassland habitat to the Australian black wattle, a commercially introduced tree. The fast-growing invasive species blocks out sunlight that sustains the grasses. The International Union for Conservation of Nature now considers this dragonfly vulnerable to extinction. Dragonflies are important to their environments both as predators (particularly of mosquitos) and as prey to birds and fish.

Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis)

Blue Dashers prefer still or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshy areas with abundant vegetation. Living on every continent but Antarctica, these insects are instantly recognizable by their large bodies; four long, horizontal wings; and the way they hover and zip around. Dragonflies can reach speeds of up to 35 miles an hour and fly just as gracefully backward by lifting off vertically, helicopter style. Their compound eyes are so large they nearly touch, and each one has about 28,000 single eyes, or ommatidia. Originating from Scandinavia, these types of dragonflies are seen in many parts of Northern Europe and North America. They are typically found in acidic water bodies with abundant floating vegetation.

The Common Green Darner (Anax junius) is one of the largest and most easily recognized dragonflies in North America. With its bright green thorax and powerful flying ability, it is often seen near ponds, lakes, and wetlands throughout the warmer seasons. When they land, the female curls her abdomen under to meet his secondary genitalia, forming a “mating wheel” that can resemble the shape of a heart. (Sometimes they will mate in the air.) Mating takes just a few seconds, after which the female can immediately lay her eggs. The males of the species are larger than the females, measuring up to 2 inches in length, and have a club-shaped abdomen and terminal appendages.

Watery beginnings

Emperor Dragonflies are found around lakes, large ponds, and slow rivers, often hunting over open water. They frequently perch on rocks, sticks, or bare ground, darting out quickly to catch flying insects. The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a robust dragonfly widely distributed across the eastern United States, easily recognized by its green and blue coloration.

• She shares clear, easy-to-read guides to help people understand and appreciate these tiny creatures.
• They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore.
• (Sometimes they will mate in the air.) Mating takes just a few seconds, after which the female can immediately lay her eggs.
• Before and after mating, dragonflies often fly in tandem, with the male towing the female in flight using claspers at the tip of his abdomen to grip the back of her head.
• Each species has its own unique features that make it stand out, whether it’s the bright blue body of the Blue Dasher or the striking yellow rings of the Golden-ringed Dragonfly.

Identify Insects & Safety Tips

Flame Skimmers often perch on exposed branches or rocks, basking in the sun before swiftly catching prey. Black Saddlebags are strong fliers, often seen soaring effortlessly in groups, especially during late summer migrations.

Their shape, metabolism, and respiration differ concordantly with the microhabitat they occupy. Dragonflies are predatory insects, both in their aquatic nymphal stage (also known as “naiads”) and as adults. They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilisation, and sperm competition. Around midsummer, females hover over bodies of fresh water and dip in their abdomens, laying eggs that hatch in about seven to eight days. Dragonfly, (suborder Anisoptera), any of a group of roughly 3,000 species of aerial predatory insects most commonly found near freshwater habitats throughout most of the world.

The Twelve-spotted Skimmer is a highly admired species due to its unique and fascinating characteristics. It is easily identifiable by the twelve black spots on each of its four wings, a unique pattern that resembles brushstrokes. Golden-ringed Dragonflies favor clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers, especially in upland and moorland regions. Widespread globally, they are primarily found near rivers and streams, as well as occasionally around lakes and near water-filled ditches. They measure between 1.2 to 1.6 inches, which puts them in the medium-sized bracket of dragonfly species. Growing up to three inches long, darners contain some of the biggest dragonflies in North America.

These late-season fliers remain active even as the seasons shift and cooler temperatures set in. Exploring the various types of dragonflies can offer insights beyond their physical appearance. These insects play a significant role in our ecosystems and possess unique features. They patrol long stretches of streams, often flying close to the water’s surface.

Common Green Darner (Anax junius)

The males have white patches on their wings and blue-white bodies, while females and immature males have an earthy brown color with a yellow stripe on each side of their abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Dragonflies make use of motion camouflage when attacking prey or rivals. Males have a blue hue on their abdomens that contrasts with dragonfly doji candlestick their green bodies, while females have a more subtle green coloration. Moreover, this darner dragonfly can migrate hundreds of miles yearly, which is impressive for any insect. Most species live in tropical areas, near ponds, rivers, marshes, and beaches; dragonfly nymphs are aquatic.

As the larva grows, it molts, its future wings first becoming apparent about halfway through the larva’s development. Eventually, the larva crawls out of the water (often at night) and molts one last time, emerging as an adult and leaving behind a cast skin (exuvia). In 2021 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the first global assessment of dragonflies as an update to their Red List of Threatened Species. They prefer still or slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, canals, and ditches, often with plenty of floating vegetation.

A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly’s compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each. This species lives in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. They prefer marshy habitats near slow-moving rivers, calm ponds, or vast lakes, where they feed on small flying insects like mosquitoes and flies.

The Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) is one of the most widespread dragonflies globally, known for its impressive migratory behavior. Red-veined Darters are highly active fliers, often seen basking on bare ground or stones in sunny areas. They are aggressive predators, spending much of their time on the wing patrolling large territories. The Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea) is a vibrant dragonfly found across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, known for its intense red color. They are known for their relaxed, gliding flight and often perch prominently on stems or reeds.

• They patrol long stretches of streams, often flying close to the water’s surface.
• Common Whitetails are found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, often favoring areas with open water and scattered vegetation.
• This species prefers marshes, ponds, and lakes with still or slow-flowing water, often in open sunny areas.

Common Green Darner

Called the “mask,” it is a fusion of the larva’s third pair of mouthparts. Disproportionately large, the mask folds beneath both the head and thorax when it is not in use. At the end of the mask is a set of fanglike pincers used to seize prey such as mosquito larvae, worms, crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish. Different species of dragonfly larvae can be described as sprawlers, burrowers, hiders, or claspers.

Because these insects require stable oxygen levels and clean water, scientists consider them reliable bioindicators of the health of an ecosystem. Orange Shadowdragons have a distinctive orange-brown color, where their name originated. Females have a less vibrant shade than males and a unique protruded lower lip that males don’t. The Eastern Pondhawk is a species of dragonfly commonly found in the eastern and central United States.

This dragonfly has a bright green face with black markings, hence the name. They often patrol the edges of water bodies and occasionally rest in shaded areas like trees or shrubs. The Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) is a strong-flying dragonfly that is widely distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Unlike most dragonflies, the Azure Hawker inhabits cool, acidic bogs, peatlands, and moorlands.