Libellulidae

Guides

  • Sympetrum corruptum

    Variegated Meadowhawk

    Sympetrum corruptum, commonly known as the Variegated Meadowhawk, is a migratory dragonfly native to North America. It is one of five species tracked by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership due to its seasonal north-south movements. Adults are notable for their distinctive red-marked coloration and persistence late into autumn, often being the last active dragonflies in many areas. The species is abundant in diverse habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and even agricultural areas like lavender fields.

  • 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 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 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.

  • 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.