Libellulidae

Definition

The largest family of dragonflies (order Odonata), comprising the skimmers, perchers, darters, and chasers. Members typically have broad, often flattened abdomens and perch with wings held horizontally or slightly depressed. The family contains over 1000 species with nearly cosmopolitan distribution, making it the most commonly encountered dragonfly group in field surveys. Some classifications subsume the families Corduliidae and Macromiidae as subfamilies Corduliinae and Macromiinae.

Etymology

From Libellula, the type genus (Latin 'libellula', diminutive of 'libra', level or balance, referring to the hovering flight), plus the family suffix -idae.

Example

The twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) and the common whitetail (Plathemis lydia) are familiar North American libellulids often seen patrolling ponds and perching on emergent vegetation.

Synonyms

• skimmers (common name, partial)

Related Terms

• Odonata
• Anisoptera
• Corduliidae
• Macromiidae
• dragonfly
• skimmer
• percher
• Libelluloidea
• Aeshnidae

Usage Notes

Libellulidae is treated as a family-rank taxon in most modern classifications, though its circumscription varies: some systems include Corduliidae and Macromiidae as subfamilies, while others maintain them as separate families. The common names 'skimmers' and 'perchers' apply to many but not all members; 'darters' and 'chasers' are more regional (chiefly British) usage. Field identification relies heavily on wing pattern, abdominal shape, and perching posture—libellulids typically perch with wings spread flat, unlike darners (Aeshnidae) which rest with wings angled forward.