Dragonfly
Guides
Idiataphe cubensis
metallic pennant
Idiataphe cubensis, known as the metallic pennant, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a stable population and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Ladona deplanata
Blue Corporal, Little Corporal
Ladona deplanata, commonly known as the Blue Corporal or Little Corporal, is a dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. First described by Jules Pierre Rambur in 1842, it is common across much of the eastern United States. The species is relatively small among corporal dragonflies and is active during spring.
Ladona julia
Chalk-fronted Corporal
Ladona julia, commonly known as the Chalk-fronted Corporal, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the northern United States and southern Canada. The species is well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 18,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed within its range.
Lanthus parvulus
Northern Pygmy Clubtail
Lanthus parvulus, commonly known as the northern pygmy clubtail, is a small dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. The species was first described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1854. As a member of the clubtail group, it belongs to a lineage characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments.
Leucorrhinia
whitefaces
Leucorrhinia is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as whitefaces due to their distinctive pale frons. The genus name derives from Greek 'leuco' (white) and 'rhinus' (nose). Species within this genus are associated with wetland habitats, particularly acidic bog pools with Sphagnum moss. Several species are of conservation concern due to specialized habitat requirements and vulnerability to habitat degradation.
Leucorrhinia borealis
Boreal Whiteface
Leucorrhinia borealis, commonly known as the boreal whiteface, is a species of dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. The species is found across North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. As a member of the genus Leucorrhinia, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized dragonflies often associated with northern or boreal habitats.
Leucorrhinia frigida
Frosted Whiteface
Leucorrhinia frigida, commonly known as the frosted whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is found in northeastern North America, including the northeastern United States and southern Canada. The species has been documented as a host for parasitic mites, with research showing distinct patterns of mite infestation correlated with host age and behavior.
Leucorrhinia glacialis
crimson-ringed whiteface
Leucorrhinia glacialis, the crimson-ringed whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is found in North America, with disjunct populations in the Appalachian Mountains. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN with stable populations.
Leucorrhinia hudsonica
Hudsonian Whiteface
Leucorrhinia hudsonica, the Hudsonian Whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Its common name derives from its association with the Hudson Bay region. The species has disjunct, regionally rare populations in the Appalachian Mountains. As a member of the genus Leucorrhinia, it shares characteristics with other whiteface dragonflies, including the distinctive pale facial coloration that gives the group its common name.
Leucorrhinia intacta
Dot-tailed Whiteface
Leucorrhinia intacta, commonly known as the dot-tailed whiteface, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is one of the most common and widespread species in the genus Leucorrhinia across North America. Research has documented distinctive reproductive behaviors, including female oviposition site selection favoring shallow water and male territorial defense through site-fixed 'dominion' territories. The species has been studied extensively for its behavioral ecology, particularly regarding spatial predictability of breeding activities and aggressive interactions among males.
Leucorrhinia patricia
Canada Whiteface
Leucorrhinia patricia, known as the Canada whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It was described by Walker in 1940 and is endemic to North America. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations.
Libellula auripennis
Golden-winged Skimmer
Libellula auripennis, commonly known as the golden-winged skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is native to North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Libellula composita
Bleached Skimmer
Libellula composita, commonly known as the bleached skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Colorado and other regions. The species is characterized by notably pale, almost translucent wing coloration, particularly in females. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC) as of 2017, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.
Libellula cyanea
Spangled Skimmer
Libellula cyanea, commonly known as the spangled skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to the United States. Males exhibit a blue thorax and abdomen, while females are brown with yellow stripes. Both sexes have clear wings with brown wing tips.
Libellula flavida
Yellow-sided Skimmer
Libellula flavida, the yellow-sided skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae found in North America. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. Like other members of its genus, it is an aerial predator as an adult and aquatic as a larva.
Libellula forensis
Eight-spotted Skimmer
The eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensis) is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a medium-sized skimmer native to western North America. Like other dragonflies in the genus Libellula, it is a predatory species with aquatic larvae and aerial adults. The species is named for the distinctive pattern of spots on its wings.
Libellula gaigei
Libellula gaigei is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, described by Gloyd in 1938. As a member of the genus Libellula, it belongs to a diverse group of dragonflies commonly known as skimmers. The species is accepted in current taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in the available literature.
Libellula incesta
slaty skimmer
Libellula incesta, commonly known as the slaty skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 5.28 cm in length. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration: mature males are dark blue with black heads, while females and juveniles display brown abdomens with a darker dorsal stripe. Larvae are specialized inhabitants of lake benthos, and adults are active from June through August.
Libellula jesseana
Purple Skimmer
Libellula jesseana, the purple skimmer, is a threatened dragonfly endemic to Florida, United States. Adults measure approximately 5 centimeters in length. The species is restricted to infertile, clear, sandy-bottomed lakes with specific shoreline vegetation, and is critically imperiled due to habitat degradation from human development.
Libellula luctuosa
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa, commonly known as the Widow Skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Males establish and defend territories at freshwater habitats, engaging in aerial contests with intruding males. The species exhibits a resource-defense polygyny mating system where male reproductive success depends on territory quality. Females visit water primarily to mate and oviposit, typically during midday hours. Larvae are aquatic predators that undergo multiple molts before emerging as winged adults.
Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata, known as the four-spotted skimmer in North America and four-spotted chaser in Europe, is a holarctic dragonfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. This species exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in males, who adopt either territorial or satellite mating strategies depending on competitive conditions. It is also recognized for its gregarious migratory behavior, with historical records of immense swarms in Europe and documented migration flights in North America.
Libellula vibrans
Great Blue Skimmer
Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the Great Blue Skimmer, is a large dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is one of the largest skimmers, with a total body length of 50 to 63 mm. Immature individuals are brown, while mature adults develop blue coloration. The species inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in the eastern United States, with rare occurrences in southern Ontario.
Macrodiplax
Coastal Pennants
Macrodiplax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as Coastal Pennants. The genus contains only two species and is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with the notable exception of Africa. Members of this genus are characterized by their coastal habitat preferences and distinctive wing markings.
Macrodiplax balteata
Marl Pennant
Macrodiplax balteata, commonly known as the Marl Pennant, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America. The species was originally described by Hagen in 1861 as Tetragoneuria balteata. As a member of the skimmer family, it is associated with aquatic habitats where its larvae develop.
Macromia
River Cruisers
Macromia is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Macromiidae, commonly known as river cruisers. Species are characterized by their habit of flying long distances along river corridors. The genus has a broad but disjunct distribution, with the majority of species occurring in tropical Australasia, one species in Europe (Macromia splendens), and a few species in North America. Nine species have been documented from the Western Ghats of India, including six endemics.
Macromia annulata
Bronzed River Cruiser
Macromia annulata, commonly known as the bronzed river cruiser, is a species of dragonfly in the family Macromiidae. It is native to parts of Mexico and the southern United States, specifically New Mexico and Texas. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. As a member of the cruiser dragonflies, it is typically associated with riverine habitats.
Macromia illinoiensis
swift river cruiser, Illinois river cruiser
Macromia illinoiensis, commonly known as the swift river cruiser or Illinois river cruiser, is a dragonfly species in the family Macromiidae. The aquatic larval stage has been extensively studied due to its interactions with the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which frequently colonizes larval bodies. Research demonstrates that zebra mussel attachment impairs larval foraging behavior, reducing prey capture efficiency and altering burying behavior. Mussel colonization creates a positive feedback loop where colonized larvae bury more shallowly, increasing further colonization risk. These effects are density-dependent and reversible when mussels are lost, typically at molting. The species' life cycle spans aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making population impacts from mussel colonization potentially significant for ecosystem dynamics.
Macromia illinoiensis georgina
Georgia river cruiser
Macromia illinoiensis georgina is a subspecies of river cruiser dragonfly in the family Macromiidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Macromia illinoiensis. The subspecies was described by Selys in 1878 and has been recorded from Vermont in the northeastern United States. As a member of the genus Macromia, it shares the characteristic large size and riverine habitat preferences typical of river cruisers.
Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Illinois River Cruiser
A subspecies of river cruiser dragonfly whose larvae are frequently colonized by invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Larvae exhibit burying behavior in substrates and employ both sit-and-wait ambush and active sprawling foraging strategies. Research indicates zebra mussel attachment negatively affects prey capture rates and alters burying depth, with behavioral changes reversing upon natural mussel loss at molting.
Macromia magnifica
Western River Cruiser
Macromia magnifica, commonly known as the western river cruiser, is a species of dragonfly in the family Macromiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species holds a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival. The IUCN status was last reviewed in 2018.
Macromia pacifica
Gilded River Cruiser
Macromia pacifica, commonly known as the gilded river cruiser, is a dragonfly species in the family Macromiidae. It is native to North America. The species was first described by Hagen in 1861. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern, last assessed in 2017.
Macrothemis imitans
ivory-striped sylph
Macrothemis imitans, commonly known as the ivory-striped sylph, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species is widely distributed across the Americas, with records from North, Central, and South America. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified. Two subspecies are recognized: M. i. imitans and M. i. leucozona.
Miathyria marcella
hyacinth glider
Miathyria marcella, commonly known as the hyacinth glider, is a skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the Caribbean through Central and North America to South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), with a stable population last assessed in 2017. Larvae have been documented in wetlands of Northern Colombia, where their distribution has been studied in relation to water quality parameters.
Micrathyria aequalis
spot-tailed dasher
Micrathyria aequalis, commonly known as the spot-tailed dasher, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The IUCN status was last reviewed in 2017.
Micrathyria hagenii
Thornbush Dasher
Micrathyria hagenii, commonly known as the thornbush dasher, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Nannothemis
elfin skimmer
Nannothemis is a monotypic genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, containing a single species, Nannothemis bella (elfin skimmer). It is the smallest dragonfly in North America, with males exhibiting powdery blue coloration and females displaying black and yellow wasp-like patterning. The genus is native to eastern North America, where it inhabits specialized wetland habitats.
Nannothemis bella
Elfin Skimmer
Nannothemis bella, commonly known as the elfin skimmer, is the smallest dragonfly in North America. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Nannothemis. Males are powdery blue, while females are black and yellow with wasp-like coloration. The species inhabits bogs and sedge fens across eastern North America, from Quebec south to Florida and west to Minnesota and Louisiana. Southern populations are disjunct and rare, making the species of conservation concern in that region.
Nasiaeschna pentacantha
Cyrano Darner
Nasiaeschna pentacantha, commonly known as the Cyrano Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distinguished by an exceptionally long, upward-curving frons that gives the head a distinctive profile. The species occurs in eastern North America and is associated with forested streams and rivers. Adults are most active in late summer.
Neurocordulia michaeli
Broad-tailed Shadowdragon
Neurocordulia michaeli, commonly known as the broad-tailed shadowdragon, is a dragonfly species in the family Corduliidae. It was described by Brunelle in 2000. The species is found in rivers across parts of Canada and the United States. It is one of several shadowdragon species in the genus Neurocordulia, which are known for their crepuscular flight habits.
Neurocordulia obsoleta
umber shadowdragon
Neurocordulia obsoleta, commonly known as the umber shadowdragon, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is distributed across North America. The species holds a Least Concern conservation status according to IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival; this status was reviewed in 2017.
Neurocordulia virginiensis
Cinnamon Shadowdragon
Neurocordulia virginiensis, commonly known as the cinnamon shadowdragon, is an emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. The species is found in North America. It has been assigned a conservation status of Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Octogomphus specularis
Grappletail, Club-tailed dragonfly
Octogomphus specularis, commonly known as the grappletail or club-tailed dragonfly, is the sole species in its genus. It is a North American dragonfly distinguished by a club-like widening at the end of its abdomen. Larvae are specialized to lake outlet streams, where warmer thermal conditions support development at the northern range limit. The species has a three-year life cycle and reaches its northernmost distribution in British Columbia, Canada.
Ophiogomphus
snaketails
Ophiogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as snaketails. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Most species exhibit green markings on club-shaped abdomens, with males typically displaying more prominent coloration. The genus includes both widespread species and localized endemics with restricted ranges.
Ophiogomphus anomalus
Extra-striped Snaketail
Ophiogomphus anomalus, commonly known as the extra-striped snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It inhabits intermittent rivers across Canada and the United States. The species is one of several North American snaketails characterized by their distinctive thoracic patterning and riverine habitat preferences.
Ophiogomphus arizonicus
Arizona Snaketail
Ophiogomphus arizonicus, the Arizona snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the clubtail family Gomphidae. It is found in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Ophiogomphus aspersus
Brook Snaketail
Ophiogomphus aspersus, known as the brook snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. It is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival. Specific ecological details beyond basic distribution and conservation status remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ophiogomphus australis
southern snaketail
Ophiogomphus australis, the southern snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Carle in 1992. The species is native to North America and holds a Near Threatened conservation status according to the IUCN, with a decreasing population trend.
Ophiogomphus edmundo
Edmund's Snaketail
Ophiogomphus edmundo, commonly known as Edmund's Snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits river systems and is currently threatened by habitat loss. Specific details regarding its distribution within the United States, population status, and ecological requirements remain limited in available sources.
Ophiogomphus howei
Pygmy Snaketail
Ophiogomphus howei, commonly known as the pygmy snaketail, is the smallest species in its genus in North America. This rare gomphid dragonfly is endemic to the United States and exhibits a highly disjunct distribution pattern across two main regions: the Great Lakes area and the Appalachian Mountains. Recent discoveries in southern Michigan suggest the species may be more adaptable to disturbed habitats than previously thought.
Ophiogomphus incurvatus
Appalachian snaketail
Ophiogomphus incurvatus, commonly known as the Appalachian snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits intermittent rivers and is one of several snaketail dragonflies in the genus Ophiogomphus.