Odonata
Guides
Hylogomphus parvidens
Piedmont Clubtail
Hylogomphus parvidens, the Piedmont Clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the southeastern United States. It was transferred from the genus Gomphus to Hylogomphus in 2017 when Hylogomphus was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. The species inhabits river systems and holds a stable population with no immediate conservation concerns.
Hylogomphus viridifrons
Green-faced Clubtail
Hylogomphus viridifrons, commonly known as the Green-faced Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is a medium-sized clubtail characterized by distinctive green facial coloration. The species is found in eastern North America, where it inhabits clean, flowing streams and rivers.
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.
Ischnura barberi
Desert Forktail
Ischnura barberi, commonly known as the desert forktail, is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is found in North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Ischnura cervula
Pacific Forktail
Ischnura cervula, commonly known as the Pacific forktail, is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. 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 2018. Like other forktails in the genus Ischnura, it belongs to a group of small damselflies characterized by distinctive abdominal appendages.
Ischnura gemina
San Francisco Forktail
Ischnura gemina is a small damselfly endemic to the San Francisco Bay Area of California, with a total range of less than 500 square miles. It is considered one of the rarest odonates in the United States. The species inhabits coastal wetland ecosystems and has been observed to have an unusually long adult lifespan for a damselfly, likely an adaptation to the region's foggy climate. Populations have declined due to urbanization and habitat destruction, though the species shows some resilience to certain forms of habitat degradation.
Ischnura hastata
Citrine Forktail
Ischnura hastata, the Citrine Forktail, is a small damselfly with remarkable reproductive diversity across its range. Native populations in North America exhibit typical sexual reproduction, while populations in the Azores archipelago represent the only known example of parthenogenesis in the order Odonata. A population in the Galápagos Islands has evolved monandry (single mating per female), driven by extremely short adult lifespans of 1–3 days. The species occupies diverse wetland habitats from temperate North America to oceanic islands.
Ischnura kellicotti
Lilypad Forktail
Ischnura kellicotti, the lilypad forktail, is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is found in North America. The species has a stable population and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Ischnura verticalis
Eastern Forktail
Ischnura verticalis, the Eastern Forktail, is a small damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. Larvae exhibit behavioral thermoregulation through depth selection in water columns, moving deeper at higher temperatures and shallower when cooler. Development is temperature- and prey-dependent, with faster development at higher temperatures and food availability. Males typically develop faster than females, with sexual differences in larval behavior and instar progression. Adults emerge over extended periods, with univoltine life cycles in temperate populations.
Ladona
Corporals
Ladona is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as corporals. Molecular phylogenetic evidence supports its status as a monophyletic lineage distinct from the closely related genera Libellula and Plathemis. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in the Nearctic region. Historical taxonomic debate has centered on whether Ladona should be treated as a separate genus, subgenus, or synonym of Libellula.
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.
Leptobasis lucifer
Lucifer Swampdamsel
Leptobasis lucifer is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is relatively long and slender compared to other damselflies. The species is found in swampy woodland habitats in Central America, southern Mexico, and locally in southern Florida. Males are distinguished by black striping on a green thorax and a bright red patch near the end of the abdomen. Females exhibit considerable color variation, ranging from dull greenish-brown to blue, reddish-orange, or green with a blue abdominal ring.
Leptobasis melinogaster
Cream-tipped Swampdamsel
Leptobasis melinogaster, known as the cream-tipped swampdamsel, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It was described by González-Soriano in 2002. The species occurs in Mexico and the United States, where it inhabits intermittent rivers and freshwater marshes.
Leptobasis vacillans
Red-tipped Swampdamsel
Leptobasis vacillans is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the Red-tipped Swampdamsel. It occurs across the Caribbean, Middle America, and South America, with records from Oaxaca and other regions. As a member of the genus Leptobasis, it is associated with swampy habitats. The species was described by Hagen in 1877.
Lestes
Pond Spreadwings, Spreadwings
Lestes is a genus of damselflies in the family Lestidae, commonly known as pond spreadwings. Members of this genus are distinguished from most other damselflies by their characteristic resting posture: they hold their wings spread at approximately 45 degrees to the body rather than folded together above the abdomen. The genus name derives from the Greek word λῃστής (lēistēs), meaning thief. Lestes species are found across diverse habitats and are among the most widely observed damselflies in temperate regions.
Lestes alacer
Plateau Spreadwing
Lestes alacer, commonly known as the Plateau Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. It is distributed across 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. Like other spreadwings, it holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, distinguishing it from most other damselflies that hold wings parallel to the body.
Lestes disjunctus
Northern Spreadwing
Lestes disjunctus, commonly known as the Northern Spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is widely distributed across North America and inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats including riverine wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause, requiring overwintering before hatching. Adults emerge in late June through July and remain active until late August. Larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic posture of spreadwing damselflies.
Lestes dryas
emerald spreadwing, scarce emerald damselfly, robust spreadwing, turlough spreadwing
Lestes dryas is a Holarctic damselfly species in the family Lestidae, commonly known as the emerald spreadwing or scarce emerald damselfly. It is notable for being the only Lestes species that occurs in both Europe and North America. The species can tolerate extreme environmental conditions, including slightly brackish water, that few other odonates survive. It has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, particularly in Britain and Ireland, where it was believed extinct before its rediscovery in 1983. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining ditch systems and shallow water habitats that support its aquatic life stages.
Lestes forcipatus
Sweetflag Spreadwing
A species of spreadwing damselfly native to eastern North America, particularly Canada and the United States. Females exhibit stronger melanotic encapsulation immune responses than males, suggesting higher immunocompetence. Sexual dimorphism is moderate, with mass at emergence influencing immune response patterns in males but not females.
Lestes inaequalis
Elegant Spreadwing
Lestes inaequalis, the elegant spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae native to eastern North America. Like other spreadwings, it perches with its wings partially spread rather than folded together over the abdomen. It is one of the larger members of the genus Lestes and is associated with a variety of freshwater habitats.
Lestes rectangularis
slender spreadwing
Lestes rectangularis, commonly known as the slender spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the eastern United States. The species is characterized by its elongated, slender body form and distinctive wing posture at rest, with wings held partially spread rather than folded together above the abdomen. It inhabits springs and temporary pond habitats, where it completes its aquatic larval development before emerging as a flying adult.
Lestes sigma
Chalky Spreadwing
Lestes sigma, commonly known as the chalky spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of spreadwing damselflies that distinguishes them from most other damselflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Lestes stultus
Black Spreadwing
Lestes stultus, commonly known as the Black Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. It is found in North America and holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of spreadwing damselflies that distinguishes them from most other damselfly species. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Lestes tenuatus
Blue-striped Spreadwing
Lestes tenuatus, commonly known as the blue-striped spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It has a broad distribution across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. Like other spreadwings, it typically perches with its wings partially open rather than folded together over the abdomen.
Lestes unguiculatus
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
Lestes unguiculatus, commonly known as the Lyre-tipped Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. The species is native to North America and holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of the Lestidae family that distinguishes spreadwings from most other damselflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017.
Lestes vidua
Carolina Spreadwing
Lestes vidua, commonly known as the Carolina Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. It is found in North America. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of spreadwing damselflies that distinguishes them from most other damselfly families. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017.
Lestes vigilax
Swamp Spreadwing
Lestes vigilax, commonly known as the swamp spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is a medium-sized spreadwing damselfly with a body length of 42–55 mm. The species is found in eastern North America, ranging west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas, and south to Georgia and South Carolina. Adults are most commonly observed between May and October.
Lestidae
spreadwings, spread-winged damselflies
Lestidae is a cosmopolitan family of damselflies distinguished by their characteristic wing posture at rest. Most species hold their wings partially or fully spread rather than folded together over the abdomen. The family includes two subfamilies: Lestinae, which rest with wings partly open, and Sympecmatinae (reedlings, ringtails, and winter damselflies), which rest with wings folded. The family contains nine currently recognized genera. Fossil records extend to the Late Eocene.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Libellulidae
skimmers, perchers, chasers, darters, meadowhawks
Libellulidae is the largest family of dragonflies, comprising over 1000 species with nearly worldwide distribution. Members are commonly known as skimmers, perchers, chasers, or darters. The family is characterized by broad, often flattened abdomens and a tendency to perch frequently. Many species display bright colors or banded wings. The family name derives from Latin "libella," meaning a carpenter's level, referencing the insect's ability to remain level when hovering. Larvae have stout bodies with the labium developed into a mask over the lower face. The earliest fossil record dates to the Late Cretaceous (Turonian) of Kazakhstan.
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 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.
Macromiidae
cruisers, skimmers
Macromiidae is a family of large dragonflies commonly called cruisers or skimmers, containing approximately 125 species in three genera (Epophthalmia, Macromia, Phyllomacromia). Adults are known for their distinctive flight pattern of patrolling straight down the middle of water bodies and roads. The family is widely distributed across the Holarctic, Afrotropical, Australasian, and Indo-Malayan regions, with highest diversity in East and Southeast Asia, North America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Females lack an ovipositor and deposit eggs by dipping their abdomen into water during flight.
Nehalennia
Sprites
Nehalennia is a genus of very small damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as Sprites. Most species occur in North and South America, with one species, N. speciosa, distributed in Eurasia. Members of this genus are among the smallest odonates and are associated with specific wetland microhabitats.
Nehalennia gracilis
Sphagnum Sprite
Nehalennia gracilis, commonly known as the sphagnum sprite, is a small damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It is one of the smallest damselflies in North America. The species is associated with peatland habitats, particularly sphagnum bogs, which is reflected in its common name. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Nehalennia irene
Sedge Sprite
Nehalennia irene, commonly known as the sedge sprite, is a small damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. The species exhibits female-limited color polymorphism, with two distinct female morphs: an androchrome morph that resembles males in coloration and pattern, and a gynochrome morph that is dissimilar to males. Research indicates complex behavioral interactions between these morphs and males, with differential patterns of attraction, harassment, and refusal displays. The species is found in North America, particularly in association with sedge-dominated wetlands.
Nehalennia pallidula
Everglades Sprite
A small damselfly endemic to the southeastern United States, restricted to Florida and Texas. It inhabits swamps and freshwater marshes, where its preference for dense vegetation and diminutive size make it difficult to detect. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss due to water diversion, peat fires, and invasive species.