Odonata
Guides
Neoerythromma
Yellow-faced Damselflies
Neoerythromma is a small genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly called yellow-faced damselflies. The genus contains two described species: Neoerythromma cultellatum (Caribbean yellowface) and Neoerythromma gladiolatum. These damselflies are distinguished by yellow markings on the face, a trait referenced in both the common and scientific names. The genus was established by Kennedy in 1920.
Neoneura
Robust Threadtails
Neoneura is a genus of damselflies in the family Protoneuridae, commonly called Robust Threadtails. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed throughout the Neotropics from Cuba and Texas to Argentina. Unlike other threadtails, Neoneura species have abdomens no more slender than pond damselflies. Males display bright coloration in red, orange, yellow, and blue, while females are more subdued. The genus exhibits distinctive reproductive behavior including tandem oviposition with post-copulatory guarding.
Neoneura aaroni
Coral-fronted Threadtail
Neoneura aaroni, known as the coral-fronted threadtail, is a damselfly species in the family Protoneuridae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population. Like other threadtails, it belongs to a group of slender, small damselflies.
Neoneura amelia
Amelia's Threadtail
Neoneura amelia, commonly known as Amelia's threadtail, is a small damselfly species distributed from southern Texas through Central America to Panama. Males display striking scarlet and reddish-orange coloration, while females are drab tan with dark markings. The species inhabits backwaters of large rivers, stream edges, and pond margins, including muddy locations. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and stable population.
Neurocordulia alabamensis
Alabama Shadowdragon
Neurocordulia alabamensis, the Alabama Shadowdragon, is a dragonfly species in the family Corduliidae described in 1955. It belongs to a genus of shadowdragons known for crepuscular flight activity. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, with documented populations in Alabama and adjacent regions. Like other Neurocordulia species, it is associated with riverine habitats and exhibits distinctive flight behavior during low-light conditions.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Orthemis
Tropical King Skimmers
Orthemis is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as Tropical King Skimmers. The genus is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with approximately 28 described species. Males are typically red in coloration while females are brown. The genus exhibits notable chromosomal diversity, including the highest chromosome number recorded in Odonata (2n=41 in O. nodiplaga) and a neo-XY sex-determination system in O. ambinigra. The complete life cycle has been described for O. ferruginea, which includes 17 larval instars.
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.
Palaemnema domina
Desert Shadowdamsel
Palaemnema domina, commonly known as the desert shadowdamsel, is a damselfly species in the family Platystictidae. Adults range from 35 to 44 mm in length with a wingspan of 38 to 48 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males showing brighter blue markings on abdominal segments 8 and 9 compared to females. It is active from July to September in riparian habitats.
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.
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.
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 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 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
leaftails
Phyllogomphoides is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as leaftails. It is the second most diverse genus within neotropical Gomphidae, comprising 46 species. The genus was established by Belle in 1970. Mexican species are distinguished primarily by male accessory genitalia, cerci, and epiproct morphology, as color patterns are often similar across species.
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
sanddragons
Progomphus is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as sanddragons. The genus is distinguished among Gomphidae by its colored wings, a relatively rare trait in this family. Species are found primarily in tropical regions of the Americas, with adults typically observed near freshwater sandy beaches and pools.
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.
Protoneura cara
orange-striped threadtail
Protoneura cara is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the orange-striped threadtail. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Oaxaca and broader regions of Middle America. The IUCN assessed the species as Least Concern in 2017, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
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 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 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 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 filosa
Fine-lined Emerald, cordulie tricoteuse (French)
Somatochlora filosa, known as the fine-lined emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America, with its first Canadian record documented in Quebec in 2016. The species is classified as rheophilic, inhabiting river and stream environments. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population.
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 hineana
Hine's Emerald, Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
Somatochlora hineana is a rare dragonfly species endemic to North America, listed as endangered in Canada since 2011 and of conservation concern in the United States. The species is highly specialized, requiring groundwater discharge areas in wetland habitats to complete its life cycle. It exhibits habitat segregation between sexes and has been documented with biased sex ratios, factors that complicate conservation efforts. The Canadian population is restricted to the Minesing Wetlands in Ontario, while U.S. populations occur in Michigan and other states with suitable calcareous wetland habitats.
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 linearis
Mocha Emerald
Somatochlora linearis, the Mocha Emerald, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Québec, Canada. The species has been described as rhéophilic (adapted to flowing water habitats). The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population.
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.