Widespread-family
Guides
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.