Dragonfly
Guides
Ophiogomphus morrisoni
Great Basin Snaketail
Ophiogomphus morrisoni, commonly known as the Great Basin Snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The species was first described by Selys in 1879. It is endemic to western North America and has been recorded from Oregon, California, and Utah. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Ophiogomphus occidentis
Sinuous Snaketail
Ophiogomphus occidentis, commonly known as the sinuous snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Ophiogomphus smithi
Sioux snaketail, yellow-rayed lasthenium, sand snaketail
Ophiogomphus smithi is a clubtail dragonfly (family Gomphidae) described in 2004. It is known from North America, where it inhabits riverine environments. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival. Like other snaketails, it is characterized by its distinctive abdominal patterning.
Ophiogomphus susbehcha
St. Croix Snaketail
Ophiogomphus susbehcha, known as the St. Croix snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described in 1993 and is found in North America. The species has an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.
Ophiogomphus westfalli
Westfall's Snaketail
Ophiogomphus westfalli, known as Westfall's snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Cook and Daigle in 1985. The species occurs in North America and has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population.
Oplonaeschna
Riffle Darners
Oplonaeschna is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as riffle darners. The genus comprises approximately five described species, including both extant and fossil taxa. The type species, Oplonaeschna armata, has been the subject of limited ecological study. The genus was established by Selys in 1883.
Oplonaeschna armata
Riffle Darner
Oplonaeschna armata, commonly known as the riffle darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified as of 2017.
Orthemis
An undescribed species in the dragonfly genus Orthemis, recognized as distinct from described congeners but not yet formally named. The genus Orthemis is part of the skimmer family Libellulidae, with most described species occurring in the Neotropical region. This taxon represents one of many insect species awaiting formal taxonomic description.
Orthemis discolor
carmine skimmer, orange-bellied skimmer
Orthemis discolor is a medium-sized dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae, commonly known as the carmine skimmer or orange-bellied skimmer. It is widely distributed across the Americas, occurring from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. It is a sibling species to Orthemis ferruginea (roseate skimmer), with which it has been historically confused; the two are distinguished primarily by coloration and subtle structural differences in females.
Orthemis ferruginea
Roseate Skimmer
A dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas, with distribution extending from the United States to Brazil. Mature males are distinctive for their hot pink coloration. The species is common and widespread, and has been introduced to Hawaii. First complete life cycle description for a Mexican odonate documented 17 larval instars.
Pachydiplax
Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, containing at least one widespread North American species, Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher). These dragonflies are medium-sized skimmers characterized by blue coloration in mature males. The genus is notable for extensive research on territorial behavior, breeding dispersal, and agonistic interactions among males. Members are commonly found at freshwater habitats across their range.
Pachydiplax longipennis
Blue Dasher
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a common and widely distributed dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is the sole species in its genus. Adults are characterized by a blue pruinose abdomen, particularly in males, and are known as "perchers" that hunt from stationary positions. Males exhibit pronounced territorial behavior at breeding and feeding sites, with social dominance hierarchies influencing dispersal patterns. The species occurs throughout North America and into the Caribbean.
Paltothemis
Rock Skimmers
Paltothemis is a genus of skimmer dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, established by Karsch in 1890. The genus contains at least three described species, commonly known as Rock Skimmers. The best-known species, Paltothemis lineatipes (Red Rock Skimmer), has been studied for its variable mating system, which shifts between territorial defense and alternative strategies depending on male population density. Members of this genus are associated with rocky stream habitats in western North America.
Pantala flavescens
globe skimmer, globe wanderer, wandering glider
Pantala flavescens is a cosmopolitan dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, recognized as the most widespread dragonfly on Earth. It performs the longest known insect migration, with populations completing annual multigenerational circuits of up to 18,000 km between breeding grounds in Asia and Africa. The species exploits temporary freshwater habitats for rapid larval development, completing the life cycle from egg to adult in as little as 38–65 days. Its extraordinary dispersal ability is facilitated by broad wings adapted for gliding flight and utilization of high-altitude wind systems.
Pantala hymenaea
spot-winged glider
Pantala hymenaea, commonly known as the spot-winged glider, is a migratory dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas. It is closely related to and resembles the wandering glider (Pantala flavescens), but is distinguished by a dark basal spot on the hindwing. The species is a strong flier with a very large range across North, Central, and South America, and has been documented as one of five migratory dragonfly species monitored by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership in North America.
Perithemis
Amberwings
Perithemis is a genus of small dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as amberwings. Males are distinguished by their amber-colored wings. The genus includes approximately 12 described species distributed in the New World, with notable species including the Eastern Amberwing (P. tenera) and the Mexican Amberwing (P. intensa).
Perithemis domitia
slough amberwing
Perithemis domitia, commonly known as the slough amberwing, is a small skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Perithemis tenera
Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera, commonly known as the Eastern Amberwing, is a very small dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, reaching a maximum length of 25 mm. It is notable for being one of the few dragonflies that actively mimics a wasp, with yellow and brown abdominal stripes that deter predators. The species exhibits territorial behavior, with documented prior residency advantage in territorial disputes. Males have distinctive orange or amber wings, while both sexes display a red pterostigma.
Phanogomphus australis
Clearlake Clubtail
Phanogomphus australis, commonly known as the Clearlake Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is a North American endemic with a restricted distribution centered on Florida. The species inhabits lake margins and associated wetland habitats. Like other clubtails, it is characterized by the expanded, club-like tip of the male abdomen.
Phanogomphus borealis
Beaverpond Clubtail
Phanogomphus borealis, the beaverpond clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The genus Phanogomphus was formerly treated as a subgenus of Gomphus but was elevated to genus rank based on phylogenetic studies. This species is associated with beaver pond habitats in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Phanogomphus cavillaris
Sandhill Clubtail, Brimley's Clubtail
Phanogomphus cavillaris, the sandhill clubtail, is a clubtail dragonfly endemic to the Southeastern United States. It inhabits dry, sandy, scrub-like habitats near streams or lakes. The species is distinguished from similar taxa by the straight occiput line between the eyes and a dark band across the face. Two subspecies are recognized: P. c. cavillaris in Peninsular Florida and P. c. brimleyi in the Florida Panhandle, Southern Alabama, and North Carolina.
Phanogomphus cavillaris brimleyi
Brimley's Clubtail
Brimley's Clubtail is a subspecies of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is distinguished by specific morphological traits separating it from the nominate subspecies Phanogomphus cavillaris cavillaris. The subspecies is associated with particular riverine habitats in the southeastern United States. It is relatively poorly documented compared to other clubtails, with limited observational records.
Phanogomphus descriptus
Harpoon Clubtail
Phanogomphus descriptus, commonly known as the harpoon clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was originally described by Banks in 1896 and was long classified under the genus Gomphus. Phylogenetic studies led to the elevation of Phanogomphus from subgenus to full genus rank. The species occurs in eastern North America.
Phanogomphus kurilis
Pacific clubtail
Phanogomphus kurilis, known as the Pacific clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It occurs in the western United States. The IUCN assessed this species as Least Concern in 2016, indicating no immediate conservation threats. It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Phanogomphus, a group of clubtail dragonflies characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments.
Phanogomphus militaris
Sulphur-tipped Clubtail
Phanogomphus militaris, known as the sulphur-tipped clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was transferred from the genus Gomphus to Phanogomphus in 2017 when that taxon was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. The species is found in central North America and holds a stable population with no immediate conservation concerns.
Phanogomphus minutus
cypress clubtail
Phanogomphus minutus, commonly known as the cypress clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The genus Phanogomphus was elevated from subgenus status within Gomphus based on phylogenetic studies. The species is found in North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Phanogomphus westfalli
Westfall's Clubtail
Phanogomphus westfalli, commonly known as Westfall's Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It was described in 1987 and is native to the southeastern United States. The species is named in honor of the odonatologist Minter J. Westfall. Like other clubtails, it is associated with flowing water habitats.
Phyllocycla breviphylla
Ringed Forceptail
Phyllocycla breviphylla, commonly known as the Ringed Forceptail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Belle in 1975. The species is distributed across Central and South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern, indicating no immediate threats to its survival.
Phyllogomphoides albrighti
Five-striped Leaftail
Phyllogomphoides albrighti, commonly known as the five-striped leaftail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It occurs in 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.
Plathemis lydia
Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer
Plathemis lydia, commonly known as the Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread dragonfly species across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism: males possess a conspicuous white abdomen and brownish-black wing bands, while females have a brown body with different wing spot patterns. Research has documented significant wing morphometric differences between sexes, with males showing adaptations for faster flight and higher acceleration capacity, likely related to territorial behavior and predator evasion. The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats and is among the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America with over 110,000 iNaturalist records.
Plathemis subornata
Desert Whitetail
Plathemis subornata, commonly known as the Desert Whitetail, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to arid regions of western North America, where it frequents ponds, streams, and other water bodies in desert and semi-desert habitats. The species is often placed in the genus Libellula by some authorities. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently observed perching on rocks or vegetation near water.
Progomphus bellei
Belle's Sanddragon
Progomphus bellei, commonly known as Belle's Sanddragon, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits rivers and freshwater lakes.
Progomphus borealis
Gray Sanddragon
Progomphus borealis, commonly known as the Gray Sanddragon, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Middle America and North America. The species is part of the skimmer dragonfly group and is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Progomphus.
Pseudoleon superbus
Filigree Skimmer
A subtropical dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae and sole member of its genus. Males have predominantly blackish wings with distinctive filigree-like venation patterns; females display reduced black markings in a reticulated pattern. The species occupies a disjunct distribution, with core populations in the southwestern United States and Mexico, and scattered northern records including Colorado. It frequents rocky streams and rivers with slow to moderate current in open, often arid settings.
Remartinia secreta
Secretive Darner
Remartinia secreta is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as the Secretive Darner. The species was described by Philip Powell Calvert in 1952. It belongs to a small genus of Neotropical darners with limited documentation in scientific literature. Records indicate presence in South America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Rhionaeschna
blue-eyed darners, Neotropical Darners
Rhionaeschna is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as blue-eyed darners or Neotropical darners. The genus contains approximately 42 species distributed across the Americas from southern Canada to southern Argentina, with the greatest diversity in the Neotropics. Notable exceptions to this range include a complete absence from the Amazon basin. The genus exhibits remarkable cytogenetic diversity, with multiple sex chromosome systems documented across species.
Rhionaeschna californica
California Darner
Rhionaeschna californica, the California darner, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. Adults are distinguished by bright blue diagonal spots on the abdomen and exhibit sexual dimorphism in coloration and eye color. The species occupies aquatic habitats across western North America and Central America, with larvae requiring several years of aquatic development before nocturnal emergence as adults.
Rhionaeschna dugesi
Arroyo Darner
Rhionaeschna dugesi, commonly known as the arroyo darner, is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was reviewed in 2017.
Rhionaeschna multicolor
Blue-eyed Darner
Rhionaeschna multicolor, commonly known as the Blue-eyed Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. The species is distinguished by its striking blue eyes and multicolored thoracic patterning. It occurs across much of western North America and extends south into Middle America. Adults are strong fliers often observed patrolling over water bodies.
Rhionaeschna mutata
Spatterdock Darner
Rhionaeschna mutata, commonly known as the spatterdock darner, is a rare and ecologically restricted dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is found in North America, with specific reproductive habitat requirements that limit its distribution. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population as of 2017. Its common name references its association with spatterdock (Nuphar), a type of aquatic vegetation.
Rhionaeschna psilus
Turquoise-tipped Darner
Rhionaeschna psilus, commonly known as the turquoise-tipped darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a least concern conservation status due to its stable population and absence of immediate threats.
Somatochlora
Striped Emeralds, Striped Emerald Dragonflies
Somatochlora is a genus of 42 described species of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Corduliidae, distributed across the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, and North America. Members are characterized by dark bodies with metallic green lustre, brilliant green eyes, and often yellow thoracic or abdominal markings. Species-level identification is challenging and requires examination of male cerci or female subgenital plates. Many species are habitat specialists with restricted distributions, particularly associated with boreal and montane wetland systems.
Somatochlora brevicincta
Quebec Emerald, Robert's Emerald
Somatochlora brevicincta is a rare dragonfly in the family Corduliidae, first described by Canadian entomologist Adrien Robert in 1954. It belongs to the 'ringed' group of emeralds, distinguished by faint whitish rings on the abdomen. The species is among the rarest Odonata in Canada, with a transcontinental distribution across boreal and subarctic regions. It is classified as vulnerable to critically imperiled across most of its range.
Somatochlora calverti
Calvert's Emerald, Andre Flies
Somatochlora calverti is a rare, range-restricted dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is endemic to the southeastern United States, primarily known from the Florida panhandle with scattered records in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The species is a habitat specialist associated with shallow seepage streams and steephead ravines. Its nymph has never been collected in the field, and its reproductive microhabitat remains speculative based on analogy to sympatric congeners.
Somatochlora ensigera
Plains Emerald
Somatochlora ensigera, the plains emerald, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. First described in 1906 from Montana, this species inhabits slow-flowing streams and small rivers across the northern Great Plains of North America. Adults are active from June through September and exhibit distinctive male cerci that aid in identification.
Somatochlora forcipata
Forcipate Emerald
Somatochlora forcipata, commonly known as the forcipate emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Somatochlora franklini
Delicate Emerald
Somatochlora franklini, commonly known as the delicate emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assigned a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified as of the 2017 assessment.
Somatochlora incurvata
Incurvate Emerald
Somatochlora incurvata, the Incurvate Emerald, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. First described by Canadian entomologist Edmund Murton Walker in 1918 from Michigan specimens, it was initially suspected to be a local race of the closely related forcipate emerald. The species occupies a restricted range in northeastern North America and is specialized to bog and fen habitats, where larvae develop within saturated Sphagnum moss.
Somatochlora minor
Ocellated Emerald
Somatochlora minor, known as the ocellated emerald, is a species of dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Somatochlora provocans
Treetop Emerald
Somatochlora provocans, commonly known as the treetop emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.