They are aggressive predators, spending much of their time on the wing patrolling large territories. Whether delicately perched on a cattail or hovering over a pond, dragonflies are a sure sign of summer. As their name suggests, this type of dragonfly bags the record for the longest-distance insect flyer. They measure between 1.2 to 1.6 inches, which puts them in the medium-sized bracket of dragonfly species. She prefers cooler climates, while the Common Sanddragon is home in the sand near streams and rivers. Depending on the species, nymphs can survive for several months to up to 5 years7.
They favor ponds, lakes, marshes, and quiet backwaters with lots of aquatic plants. Blue Dashers prefer still or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshy areas with abundant 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.
AllInsects shares simple, trustworthy guides to identify, understand, and appreciate insects—from backyard species to global favorites. They tend to perch on low branches or grass tips and defend their territory aggressively against intruders, often flying short distances to chase off others. They inhabit ponds, lakes, and marshes, especially where there is open space for hunting. The Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is a robust and very common dragonfly across much of North America, known for its short, thick body and distinctive markings. Four-spotted Chasers are often territorial and will chase away intruding dragonflies from their perches. The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a medium-sized dragonfly easily recognized by the dark spots on its wings.
The largest living dragonfly, the giant hawker (Tetracanthagyna plagiata), has a maximum wingspan of about 6.42 in (163 mm). In contrast, the smallest, the scarlet dwarf (Nannophya pygmaea), has a wingspan of only 20 mm (0.8 in). Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artefacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues, and Art Nouveau jewellery. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colours and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Lord Tennyson and the prose of H.
Its appearance is striking, with green eyes, a metallic green body, and yellow stripes on its thorax and abdomen. They are relatively large dragonflies, with a body length of up to 2.5 inches and a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches. Being almost cosmopolitan in distribution, dragonflies are found on all continents except Antarctica.
Recent numbers say there are 2,967 recorded species of dragonflies existing worldwide. In the same order, there are damselflies under the suborder Zygoptera comprising 3,332 species. Dragonflies typically consume up to 95% of the prey they chase.5 In a single day, a dragonfly may eat an amount of prey equal to about one-fifth of its body weight. Around 3,000 species of dragonflies are classified into 348 genera in 11 confirmed families and a single uncertain group, incertae sedis. The prothorax is flattened dorsally into a shield-like disc having two transverse ridges.
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.
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 dragonfly doji meaning bodies with abundant floating vegetation. Northern Emeralds are slender-bodied dragonflies with bright emerald green eyes and a bronze or dark brown body. Regarding habitat, these types of dragonflies prefer temporary water bodies and are often seen in rice fields and other agricultural areas. They live near ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams, where they hunt for insects. However, when their preferred prey is scarce, they may consume aphids, termites, ants, and beetles.
This dragonfly has a bright green face with black markings, hence the name. In males, the second and third segments are enlarged, with the underside of the second segment having a cleft that forms the secondary genitalia. The secondary genitalia comprises the lamina, hamule, genital lobe, and penis. Southern Hawkers prefer woodland ponds, shaded lakes, and garden ponds. They prefer open areas near freshwater — including lakes, ponds, and even large puddles. They can also be seen migrating in groups during late summer and fall.
Primarily found in the eastern United States, their preferred habitat is shallow, oligotrophic streams and rivers where the water flow is slow to moderate. 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. Female Sanddragons, on the other hand, have a cylindrical abdomen and lack claspers. These emerald dragonflies typically inhabit wetland habitats, such as fens and sedge meadows, where water flows slowly. The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk has a vibrant cherry-red face and thorax that males develop as they age.
In 2009, the first comprehensive assessment of insect species showed that 10 percent of dragonfly species were under threat of extinction. The animals are imperiled by destruction of freshwater habitats—particularly ponds, bogs, and fens—by pollution, and non-native 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. Both males and females have a yellow and black striped thorax and a mainly black abdomen with yellow rings.
An adult dragonfly’s compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each. 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. Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are sometimes also called dragonflies in that both are odonates (order Odonata).
Depending on the species, a single clutch can contain up to 1,500 eggs, which typically hatch into aquatic nymphs, or naiads, in about a week. They also breathe through gills in their rectum and propel themselves forward by expelling water through the anus. This body part is largely made up of a pair of compound eyes, each consisting of numerous ommatidia. For instance, the variable darner (Aeshna interrupta) has about ommatidia of two varying sizes, while the giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) has around ommatidia of just one size. In addition to the compound eyes, these insects also have three simple eyes (ocelli).
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. Widespread globally, they are primarily found near rivers and streams, as well as occasionally around lakes and near water-filled ditches. The Common Sanddragon is typically dark brown to black with yellow markings. Despite its name, it can be difficult to spot because of its ability to hide in sand or mud.
Because these insects require stable oxygen levels and clean water, scientists consider them reliable bioindicators of the health of an ecosystem. The slaty skimmer dragonfly Libellula incesta (pictured, an adult female) is native to eastern North America. Residing mainly in the northern parts of North America, their habitat ranges from ponds and bogs to slow-flowing streams surrounded by dense forests. It is named after Halloween due to its unique wing pattern and behavior. The dark bands on its wings give it an eerie look, and it has an unusual habit of perching atop plants and grasses and swaying with the wind. The Eastern Pondhawk is a species of dragonfly commonly found in the eastern and central United States.
Dragonflies are among the most fascinating insects in the natural world. Known for their vibrant colors, swift flight, and impressive hunting skills, they have captured human curiosity for centuries. With around 5,000 species found worldwide, dragonflies come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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.
Dragonflies are predatory, flying insects that belong to the suborder Anisoptera within the order Odonata. The suborder derives its name from the Greek words anisos (unequal) and pteron (wing) since the hindwings of dragonflies are broader than the forewings. 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. The Azure Hawker (Aeshna caerulea) is a northern species with vivid blue markings, mostly found in subarctic and alpine habitats. Eastern Pondhawks are fierce predators, catching insects both in the air and on vegetation.
Compared with other insects, they are large, with some having wingspans of up to 16 cm (about 6 inches). Dragonfly wing muscles must be warm to function optimally, and so, if cool, the insect often engages in wing-whirring and basking in the sun to generate heat before taking flight. The dragonfly’s speed and agility contribute to its being one of the most effective aerial predators. Small flying insects, such as mosquitoes, are the usual fare, but some dragonflies regularly consume prey that is 60 percent of their own weight.
Young dragonflies, called larvae or sometimes nymphs or naiads, are aquatic and are as dedicated predators under water as the adults are in the air. The functionally wingless larvae are usually mottled or dull in color, matching the sediments or water plants among which they live. They have bulging eyes somewhat similar to the adults, but possess a formidable anatomical structure not present in the adult. Called the “mask,” it is a fusion of the larva’s third pair of mouthparts.
Banded Pennants are calm flyers and often glide above open water or perch on exposed stems. The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is a beautiful dragonfly that looks like a small, colorful flag fluttering in the wind. They are strong flyers and rarely perch, often seen gliding effortlessly over open fields and roads. The Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) is one of the most widespread dragonflies globally, known for its impressive migratory behavior.