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. Despite being expert fliers, dragonflies become targets of some predators. Adults are preyed upon by falcons, such as the American kestrel, the merlin, and the hobby.
- The functionally wingless larvae are usually mottled or dull in color, matching the sediments or water plants among which they live.
- Dr. Clarence Hine discovered Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly, hence its name.
- They live near ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams, where they hunt for insects.
- The suborder derives its name from the Greek words anisos (unequal) and pteron (wing) since the hindwings of dragonflies are broader than the forewings.
- Around midsummer, females hover over bodies of fresh water and dip in their abdomens, laying eggs that hatch in about seven to eight days.
Types of Dragonfly Species
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.
- Emily is a passionate nature writer who enjoys exploring the fascinating world of insects.
- Being almost cosmopolitan in distribution, dragonflies are found on all continents except Antarctica.
- American Emeralds dart and hover in the air when they finally emerge as adult dragonflies.
- They are aggressive predators, spending much of their time on the wing patrolling large territories.
- They are one of the most widespread dragonfly species seen around the world1.
- The largest living dragonfly, the giant hawker (Tetracanthagyna plagiata), has a maximum wingspan of about 6.42 in (163 mm).
Mottled Darner (Aeshna clepsydra)
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.
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 dragonfly doji meaning of its ability to hide in sand or mud.
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).
Distribution and Habitat
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. 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. Adult dragonflies are characterised by a pair of large, multifaceted, compound eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight.
Dragonflies also have huge bulging eyes that occupy most of the head, giving some a field of vision approaching 360 degrees. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Dragonflies make use of motion camouflage when attacking prey or rivals.
Common Green Darner
These late-season fliers remain active even as the seasons shift and cooler temperatures set in. Eastern Pondhawks exhibit sexual dimorphism and have an average length of 1.5 to 2 inches. Males have bright blue bodies, while females and juveniles are green. 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.
Moreover, this darner dragonfly can migrate hundreds of miles yearly, which is impressive for any insect. 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.
Twelve-spotted Skimmer
These types of dragonflies are sedentary; most of their life cycle happens in the larval stage, lasting up to two years. They submerge themselves in the waters of marshes, slow-moving streams, or vegetation-rich ponds, where they hunt other aquatic creatures. Males have a blue hue on their abdomens that contrasts with their green bodies, while females have a more subtle green coloration.
Yellow-winged Darter
Red-veined Darters are highly active fliers, often seen basking on bare ground or stones in sunny areas. 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. 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. They have four different styles of flight, switching between each from time to time.
They prefer to stay low on the ground or vegetation instead of flying above the water to avoid detection. They prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with rich vegetation; they occupy various regions across the Americas. Unlike other dragonflies, the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly has unique flying abilities, hovering in the air and darting in a straight line. 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. Dragonflies belong to the suborder2 Anisoptera within the larger order Odonata.
Their arms slant upward, forming a type of basket and enabling them to scoop up prey in flight. The hindwings are broader than the forewings, each wing comprising numerous veins that carry hemolymph. In most large species of dragonflies, the females have shorter and wider wings than males. 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. Dr. Clarence Hine discovered Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly, hence its name.
Types of Dragonflies: Species, Facts and Photos
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. Their shape, metabolism, and respiration differ concordantly with the microhabitat they occupy.
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.
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).
For instance, the globe skimmer (Pantala flavescens), the most widespread of all species, is almost cosmopolitan, found in the warmer regions of most continents. In females, the eighth segment contains the genital opening on the underside. The opening is covered by a simple flap (vulvar lamina) or bears a tube-like ovipositor, depending on the species. They patrol long stretches of streams, often flying close to the water’s surface. Slaty Skimmers are usually found in still or slow-moving waters like lakes, ponds, and marshy areas with plenty of shoreline vegetation.