Dragonfly
Guides
Somatochlora semicircularis
mountain emerald
Somatochlora semicircularis, known as the mountain emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population.
Somatochlora septentrionalis
Muskeg Emerald
Somatochlora septentrionalis, known as the muskeg emerald, is a dragonfly species in the family Corduliidae endemic to Canada. Adults are medium-sized, measuring 39–48 mm in length, with metallic green, brown, and black coloration. The species inhabits open fens with pools of open water, where males patrol and females oviposit in water and floating vegetation. Adults are active from June to August. It is nearly identical to Somatochlora whitehousei, requiring examination of male cerci and female subgenital plate for definitive identification.
Somatochlora tenebrosa
Clamp-tipped Emerald
Somatochlora tenebrosa, the clamp-tipped emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America. The IUCN conservation status is "LC" (least concern), with a stable population. The species was reviewed in 2017.
Somatochlora whitehousei
Whitehouse's Emerald
Somatochlora whitehousei, known as Whitehouse's Emerald, is an emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. The species is found in North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population. It was described by Walker in 1925.
Somatochlora williamsoni
Williamson's emerald
Somatochlora williamsoni, known as Williamson's emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. 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 survival.
Stenogomphurus
Stenogomphurus is a genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) established by Carle in 1986. The genus was recently elevated from subgeneric status within Gomphus and now comprises two recognized species, both restricted to North America. Members are commonly known as clubtails due to the expanded, club-like tip of the male abdomen.
Stenogomphurus consanguis
Cherokee Clubtail
Stenogomphurus consanguis, commonly known as the Cherokee clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the southeastern United States. It inhabits small rivers and streams. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though it has experienced significant shifts in conservation status over recent decades, previously being assessed as endangered in 2007. Approximately 30 known populations exist, most with fewer than 50 adults.
Stenogomphurus rogersi
Sable Clubtail
Stenogomphurus rogersi, commonly known as the Sable Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was originally described as Gomphus rogersi by Gloyd in 1936 and later transferred to the genus Stenogomphurus. The species belongs to the clubtail group, characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments in males. It is a North American endemic with a documented but limited distribution.
Stylogomphus
Least Clubtails
Stylogomphus is a genus of small clubtail dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as Least Clubtails. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species distributed primarily across Asia, with some species extending into North America. Members are distinguished by their relatively diminutive size compared to other gomphids and possess the characteristic clubbed abdomen tip that defines the family. The genus was established by Fraser in 1922.
Stylogomphus albistylus
Eastern Least Clubtail
Stylogomphus albistylus, the eastern least clubtail, is a small clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in eastern North America, particularly in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Stylogomphus sigmastylus
Interior Least Clubtail
Stylogomphus sigmastylus, known as the interior least clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Cook and Laudermilk in 2004. The species is found in North America and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Stylurus
Hanging Clubtails
Stylurus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as hanging clubtails. The genus was established by Needham in 1897 and contains approximately 35 species distributed across North America and Asia. Members are distinguished by their characteristic perching behavior of hanging nearly vertically from vegetation. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously assigned to Stylurus now recognized as belonging to other genera such as Fukienogomphus. Nymphs of the Stylurus group were historically classified within the genus Gomphus before being recognized as a distinct lineage.
Stylurus amnicola
Riverine Clubtail
Stylurus amnicola, commonly known as the riverine clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. 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.
Stylurus ivae
Shining Clubtail
Stylurus ivae, commonly known as the shining clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to North America and belongs to a genus whose common name "clubtail" refers to the swollen, club-like tip of the abdomen found in males of many species. The species was described by Williamson in 1932. Like other members of the genus, adults are typically found near rivers and streams where larvae develop. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Stylurus laurae
Laura's clubtail
Stylurus laurae, commonly known as Laura's clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Williamson in 1932. Based on available records, it has been observed 238 times on iNaturalist. The IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), indicating no immediate threat to its survival with a stable population.
Stylurus notatus
Elusive Clubtail
Stylurus notatus, commonly known as the elusive clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species is part of the genus Stylurus, which comprises clubtail dragonflies characterized by their clubbed abdominal tips. As a member of the Odonata order, it undergoes aquatic larval development and aerial adult stages typical of dragonflies.
Stylurus plagiatus
Russet-tipped Clubtail
Stylurus plagiatus, commonly known as the russet-tipped clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, most recently reviewed in 2017.
Stylurus scudderi
Zebra Clubtail
Stylurus scudderi, commonly known as the zebra clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America and is distinguished by its distinctive black and white striped patterning on the abdomen. The species has been assessed by IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, reviewed in 2017. The zebra clubtail is one of several unrelated species across different taxa that share similar black-and-white striped coloration, including zebra swallowtail butterflies, zebra longwing butterflies, zebra beetles, zebra longhorn beetles, and zebra moths.
Stylurus spiniceps
Arrow Clubtail
Stylurus spiniceps, commonly known as the arrow clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was reviewed in 2017.
Stylurus townesi
Townes' Clubtail, Townes's Clubtail
Stylurus townesi is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the United States. It is a member of the family Gomphidae, a group characterized by their distinctive clubbed abdomens. The species is associated with riverine habitats, where it completes its life cycle. Like other members of the genus Stylurus, it is presumed to have aquatic nymphal stages and aerial adult stages typical of dragonflies.
Sympetrum costiferum
Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Sympetrum costiferum, the saffron-winged meadowhawk, is a small dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is distinguished by yellowish-brown to pale red abdomen coloration and distinctive saffron-colored wing stripes in juveniles and females. The species occurs across northern and central North America and is notably difficult to distinguish from closely related meadowhawk species.
Sympetrum danae
Black Darter, Black Meadowhawk
Sympetrum danae is a small dragonfly with a northern Holarctic distribution, found in northern Europe, Asia, and North America. It is Britain's smallest resident dragonfly at 29–34 mm long. The species is strongly associated with acidic bog habitats and is active from mid-June to mid-November, with peak activity in late summer. Mature males are entirely black, making this the only Sympetrum species lacking red coloration in males.
Sympetrum madidum
red-veined meadowhawk
Sympetrum madidum, the red-veined meadowhawk, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distinguished from congeners by gold to red clouding of its wings and red wing veins. The species ranges across western and northern North America, inhabiting shallow marshy ponds and lakes. Adults are active from mid-June to mid-September, with some populations flying from April through September.
Sympetrum obtrusum
White-faced Meadowhawk
Sympetrum obtrusum, the White-faced Meadowhawk, is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Adult males are distinguished by a pure white face and red bodies. The species is found in the northern United States and southern Ontario. Research has documented physiological variation in postcopulatory mate-guarding behavior in this species.
Sympetrum pallipes
Striped Meadowhawk
Sympetrum pallipes, commonly known as the striped meadowhawk, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found across North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017. As a member of the genus Sympetrum, it shares characteristics with other meadowhawks, including late-season flight activity.
Sympetrum semicinctum semicinctum
Sympetrum semicinctum semicinctum is a subspecies of meadowhawk dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. As a member of the genus Sympetrum, it shares characteristics typical of meadowhawks, including relatively small size and late-season flight activity. The nominate subspecies designation indicates this is the type subspecies of the species Sympetrum semicinctum. Like other Sympetrum species, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with aquatic nymphal stages and aerial adult predation.
Sympetrum vicinum
Autumn Meadowhawk, Yellow-legged Meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum is a small dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae, commonly known as the Autumn Meadowhawk or Yellow-legged Meadowhawk. Adults measure 26–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their yellow legs and late-season flight period. This species exhibits two disjunct populations in North America—one in the eastern United States and Canada, and another in the Pacific Northwest. It is notable for flying later into autumn than any other dragonfly species in its western range, with observations extending into November.
Tachopteryx
gray petaltail, Thorey's grayback
Tachopteryx is a monotypic genus of dragonflies in the family Petaluridae, containing only Tachopteryx thoreyi. This species is notable for having a non-burrowing larval stage, unlike most other petalurids. Adults are medium-sized dragonflies with distinctive gray and black coloration.
Tanypteryx
Dark Petaltails, Black Petaltail (for T. hageni)
Tanypteryx is a small genus of petaltail dragonflies containing two species: T. hageni (black petaltail), found in the Pacific Northwest of North America, and T. pryeri, found in Japan. The genus represents an ancient lineage that diverged from its sister species approximately 70-73 million years ago, making it an evolutionary "living fossil." T. hageni is a habitat specialist with nymphs that occupy fen wetlands and dig burrows, an uncommon life history among dragonflies.
Tauriphila argo
Arch-tipped Glider
Tauriphila argo, commonly known as the arch-tipped glider, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is found in South America. The species was first described by Hagen in 1869. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival; this status was last reviewed in 2017.
Tauriphila australis
Garnet Glider
Tauriphila australis, commonly known as the Garnet Glider, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America. The species was described by Hagen in 1867. As a member of the skimmer family, it likely exhibits typical libellulid characteristics including broad wings and perching behavior, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Tauriphila azteca
Aztec Glider
Tauriphila azteca, commonly known as the Aztec Glider, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species was first described by Calvert in 1906 and is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Tauriphila, it belongs to a group of dragonflies commonly referred to as gliders.
Tholymis
Tholymis is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. Species are tropical in distribution and exhibit crepuscular activity patterns, being most active at dawn and dusk. The genus was established by Hagen in 1867.
Tholymis citrina
evening skimmer
Tholymis citrina, the evening skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, 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.
Tramea
Saddlebags, Saddlebags Gliders, Saddlebag Gliders
Tramea is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly called saddlebags or saddlebags gliders. Species are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are characterized by colored bases on otherwise translucent hindwings that create the visual impression of carrying bags near the abdomen base. Members are medium to relatively large dragonflies known for sustained gliding flight and infrequent perching.
Tramea abdominalis
Vermilion Saddlebags, vermilion saddlebag
Tramea abdominalis, commonly known as the vermilion saddlebags, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, and South America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Tramea carolina
Carolina Saddlebags
Tramea carolina, commonly known as the Carolina saddlebags, is a dragonfly species native to eastern North America. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing markings and colored abdominal segments. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males displaying brighter red tones. It occupies a range of aquatic habitats and has been observed year-round in southern portions of its range.
Tramea darwini
Striped Saddlebags
Tramea darwini is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as the Striped Saddlebags. An insular population has been documented exhibiting exceptional behavioral diversity in oviposition strategies, with four distinct modes recorded—more than any other studied population of the genus. This species belongs to a genus characterized by saddlebag-like markings on the hindwings.
Tramea insularis
Antillean saddlebags
Tramea insularis, the Antillean saddlebags, is a species of dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Tramea lacerata
Black Saddlebags
Tramea lacerata, commonly known as the Black Saddlebags, is a migratory skimmer dragonfly found throughout North America. It is distinguished by prominent black blotches at the base of its hindwings that resemble saddlebags. The species is one of five North American dragonflies targeted by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership for citizen science monitoring due to its poorly understood migration patterns. Adults are aerial predators that capture flying insects, while nymphs are aquatic predators in wetland habitats.
Triacanthagyna caribbea
Caribbean Darner
Triacanthagyna caribbea is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae, described by Williamson in 1923. It is endemic to the Caribbean region, with confirmed records from Colombia (departments of Antioquia, Bolívar, Magdalena, and Sucre) and broader Caribbean distribution. The species is part of the genus Triacanthagyna, which is characterized by three-spined abdominal appendages in males. As with other aeshnids, it is likely a strong flier adapted to tropical environments.
Triacanthagyna septima
pale green darner, Pale-green Darner
Triacanthagyna septima, commonly known as the pale green darner, is a relatively small aeshnid dragonfly found across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure 59–66 mm in length with a wingspan of 68–86 mm. The species exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism, with females possessing three long, slender cerci that may break off in mature individuals, causing them to resemble males.
Triacanthagyna trifida
Phantom Darner
Triacanthagyna trifida, commonly known as the Phantom Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Triacanthagyna, a group of neotropical darners characterized by their distinctive three-toothed claspers. The species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. Adults are known for their crepuscular activity patterns, being most active at dusk.
Williamsonia fletcheri
Ebony Boghaunter
Williamsonia fletcheri, commonly known as the ebony boghaunter, is a small dragonfly in the emerald family Corduliidae. It is one of North America's earliest-flying dragonflies, active in May and June. The species is strongly associated with acidic bog habitats and has a restricted range in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is considered rare across most of its range and is classified as endangered in Massachusetts.
Williamsonia lintneri
Ringed Boghaunter
Williamsonia lintneri, commonly known as the ringed boghaunter, is a small dragonfly in the emerald family Corduliidae. It inhabits acid bogs in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, with a restricted range spanning Wisconsin, Michigan, New England, New York, New Jersey, and Ontario. Adults are active early in the season, primarily during May and June. The species is distinguished by distinctive yellow rings on the abdomen and gray-black coloration.