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Monday, November 11, 2024

29 Forms of Dragonflies Present in america (2023)


What sorts of dragonflies can you discover in america?

Dragonflies are simple to acknowledge by their lengthy, slender our bodies and distinctively slender wings. They usually dwell round water, however these adaptable creatures additionally inhabit different areas.

There are at the very least 5,000 species of dragonflies on the earth! Since it could be inconceivable to checklist the entire ones in america on this article, I selected the commonest and thrilling species to share with you immediately. 🙂

Additionally, you will discover an identical sort of insect, the damselfly, included on this checklist. Though it may be onerous to inform these two aside, there are some key variations to search for.

  • First, dragonflies are normally bigger and thicker in physique, whereas damselflies are skinny and twiglike.
  • Second, dragonflies maintain their wings out from their our bodies whereas resting. Conversely, damselflies fold them again towards their our bodies.

#1. Japanese Pondhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.4-1.9 in lengthy.
  • Males are powdery blue with yellow-tipped abdomens and inexperienced faces.
  • Females are shiny inexperienced with darkish brown or black spots on their stomach and inexperienced faces.

These aptly named dragonflies in america spend their time round ponds and different nonetheless our bodies of water. They’re extremely agile, ferocious aerial predators, which is the place the “hawk” moniker comes from. This species feeds on numerous bugs and take down prey its personal measurement.

Japanese Pondhawks usually relaxation on vegetation between hunts and take to their air when prey passes them. They often take bigger bugs again to their perch. They twist their lengthy legs right into a basket form to hold their prey to carry it securely.

Dragonflies are recognized for his or her thrilling flight conduct, and Japanese Pondhawks aren’t any exception. Chances are you’ll spot a pair flying throughout the water’s floor collectively simply an inch or two aside. Sometimes, the chief will fall again, and the opposite will transfer into the lead in a cartwheel-like movement.

Whereas they aren’t venomous or harmful to people, Japanese Pondhawks can ship a painful pinch in the event you seize them. They’re fascinating creatures, nevertheless it’s greatest to depart them alone and observe from a distance.


#2. Blue Dasher

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1-1.5 in lengthy.
  • Males are vibrant blue with yellow-striped thoraces and metallic inexperienced eyes.
  • Females are much less colourful and have related striped thoraces, brown and yellow striped abdomens, and pink eyes.

Blue Dashers are one of the crucial frequent dragonflies in america.

You’re most definitely to seek out them round calm or slow-moving our bodies of water, together with lakes, ponds, marshes, ditches, and gradual rivers and streams.

Blue Dashers are voracious predators able to consuming a whole lot of bugs every day! They’ve quick reflexes and unbelievable eyesight. Their bulging, spherical eyes are composed of 30,000 aspects, every seeing in a special route. Mixed, the aspects permit these dragonflies to see in almost each route. Their two unbiased units of wings allow them to vary route rapidly and to hover in place when crucial.

As adults, they predominately feed on small flying bugs like mosquitoes, moths, flies, and mayflies. They catch as much as 95% of the prey they pursue, making them considered one of Earth’s most effective predators. Each women and men are aggressive towards different dragonflies.

The larval dragonflies, referred to as naiads or nymphs, stay within the water for as much as two years. Whereas on this stage, they feed on aquatic bugs, tadpoles, and even tiny fish. They’re effectively camouflaged and sometimes conceal in aquatic vegetation till they spot prey. Adults have a a lot shorter lifespan than naiads and die after only some weeks.


#3. Widow Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.7-2 in lengthy.
  • They’ve cumbersome our bodies and huge, distinguished black bands on the bottom of their wings.
  • Males are steel-blue and develop broad white spots on their wings.
  • Females are yellow and black.

The Widow Skimmer is an easy-to-identify dragonfly in america. 

The distinctive darkish markings on their clear wings are onerous to overlook. The black patches resemble a widow’s black scarf, which explains their frequent identify.

You’re prone to discover Widow Skimmers round open our bodies of water equivalent to ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams in the course of the summer season. They usually choose areas with muddy banks.

Male Widow Skimmers are extremely territorial and can patrol their territory and thrust back rival males. You may additionally spot Widow Skimmers mating when a pair kinds a “wheel” place in flight.


#4. Fragile Forktail

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 0.8-1.1 in lengthy.
  • Males are yellow, yellow-green, or inexperienced.
  • Females are mild blue, maturing to darkish blue with a frosted or powdered look.
  • Each sexes function pale shoulder stripes that resemble exclamation marks.

Fragile Forktails are damselflies, that are much like dragonflies in america.

Search for them from spring via summer season and into early fall. You’re prone to discover these bugs round ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving streams. They usually perch or forage within the shade close to these areas.

Regardless of their small, delicate body, Fragile Forktails are environment friendly predators. They predominantly feed on small flying bugs and typically different damselflies, together with these of their very own species.

Fragile Forktails might have a number of generations per yr. The males don’t guard the females, however the females excel at avoiding undesirable consideration. They flex their stomach and beat their wings quickly in a menace show.


#5. Frequent Whitetail

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.7 to 1.9 in lengthy.
  • Males are chalky blue with a single, broad, darkish band on every wing.
  • Females have brown our bodies with a row of yellowish, triangular marks on all sides of their stomach and three evenly spaced darkish blotches on every wing.

Frequent Whitetails are simple dragonflies to seek out in america.

In case you spend time close to ponds, marshes, and different slow-moving our bodies of water, you’ll doubtless spot one. They zoom above the water feeding on mosquitoes and different small flying bugs. Frequent Whitetails additionally spend quite a lot of time perching, and you could spot them resting on vegetation or often even on the bottom close to the water’s edge.

Males are surprisingly feisty and extremely territorial! They guard and patrol a bit of the water’s edge and warn off different males utilizing their white stomach in menace shows. These territories are important as a result of they’re the place a feminine mate will lay her eggs.

The naiads or nymphs that hatch from the eggs obtain no parental care or guarding. Sadly, they’re an ample and favourite meals supply for fish, frogs, birds, and different aquatic bugs and have as much as a 99% mortality charge.


#6. Japanese Amberwing

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults develop as much as 1 inch lengthy.
  • Their wings are pure gold, orange, or amber, and females have brown spots.
  • Each sexes have giant pink eyes, pink pterostigmata (specialised thicker cells on the outer wing), and brown and yellow stripes on their stomach.

This species is the one dragonfly in america recognized to imitate wasps!

Japanese Amberwings have brown and yellow stripes on their stomach that assist them seem wasp-like to warn away predators. Additionally they copy the conduct of wasps, flexing and wiggling their abdomens just like the extra harmful bugs.

You’ll most definitely spot Japanese Amberwings on heat, sunny days close to wetlands and small our bodies of water. They perch close to the water’s edge, often darting out to feed on small flying bugs that occur by.

Males shield and patrol a shoreline territory about 20 toes huge. The males search for high-quality egg-laying websites with loads of aquatic vegetation as they want their territory to attraction to females.


#7. Ebony Jewelwing

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.5-2.2 in lengthy.
  • Males have metallic blue-green our bodies with black wings.
  • Females have boring brown our bodies, smoky wings, and white spots close to the ideas.

These gorgeous damselflies dwell close to wooded streams and rivers. Search for Ebony Jewelwings resting on leaves and branches in sunny spots of close by forests. They’re agile fliers, utilizing their spiny legs to grab prey on the wing. These bugs are nice to have round as a result of they feed on mosquitoes, gnats, and crane flies. And in the event you look carefully, you could discover them turning their heads to trace you with their giant eyes!

Ebony Jewelwings are adventurous damselflies. You would possibly often spot males removed from water trying to find new territory. In cool climates, you’ll see them via the spring, summer season, and early fall, however they’re usually current year-round in hotter southern climates.

Search for attention-grabbing mating conduct in territorial male Ebony Jewelwings. They try to draw females by performing what’s generally known as a “cross” show. They face the feminine after which flip their hindwings downward, maintaining them perpendicular to the physique. Then they increase their forewings and stomach, displaying their pale underside.


#8. Autumn Meadowhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.2-1.4 in lengthy.
  • Males are shiny cherry pink.
  • Females are yellow as younger however mature to pink and tan.

These dragonflies in america emerge later than many others.

Autumn Meadowhawks normally turn out to be lively in early summer season, and so they’re most typical in the course of the summer season and fall. You could possibly spot adults into November or till there’s a onerous freeze.

Search for these dragonflies close to marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They’ve a voracious urge for food and are succesful predators, feeding on pests like moths, mosquitoes, mayflies, flies, flying ants, and termites. They typically perch after which fly out after prey that comes shut. Researchers consider that they catch 97% of the bugs they pursue!

They’re a singular dragonfly species as a result of the males aren’t territorial and are normally very tolerant of different males. This obvious friendliness is undoubtedly because of their uncommon mating system. Autumn Meadowhawks pair up away from the water within the forest. Due to the forest’s privateness, there isn’t as a lot want for particular person territories.


#9. Blue-fronted Dancer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.3-1.6 in lengthy.
  • Males have mild blue eyes, blue thoraces, and brown abdomens with blue sides and ideas.
  • Females differ in coloration and could also be blue, brown, turquoise, or grayish-black.

These damselflies in america are named for his or her elegant flight.

They’re charming to observe as they flit, flutter, and bounce via the air round ponds, streams, creeks, and rivers. You may even see their engaging blue coloring higher as they relaxation on close by shrubs, grass, logs, and branches.

Male Blue-footed Dancers spend way more time over the water as they guard and patrol small territories. Females will solely go to their territory once they’re able to mate and as an alternative spend their time flying over grassy areas or in forests.

Larval Blue-fronted Dancers, referred to as naiads or nymphs, are unbelievable aquatic predators. They feed on worms, bugs, and even small fish. Finally, they’ll crawl out of the water, metamorphose into their grownup section, and repeat the copy cycle.


#10. Acquainted Bluet

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.1-1.5 in lengthy.
  • Males are shiny blue with a darkish head that includes two blue tear-shaped spots on the highest and black patches alongside the highest of their our bodies.
  • Females have an identical sample however are usually mild brown slightly than blue.

Acquainted Bluets are much less choosy about habitat than different damselflies and dragonflies in america. The males of this species are usually simple to identify and are the brightest of the blue damselflies! They want water to finish their lifecycle however use any water supply, together with muddy puddles, lakes, bogs, marshes, salt marshes, streams, creeks, rivers, and ponds. They rapidly reap the benefits of any new moist habitat that they discover.

Regardless of their charming and virtually delicate look, Acquainted Bluets are formidable predators. They may feed on just about any soft-bodied insect that crosses their path. These embody small moths, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, flying ants, and termites.

You’ll doubtless spot male Acquainted Bluets over the water, the place they spend a lot of their time on prolonged patrols to protect their territory. Females will go to them when they’re able to mate however spend a lot of their time in close by woodlands.


#11. Variable Dancer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.1-1.3 in lengthy.
  • Males are violet with black markings, pale sides, and blue ideas.
  • Females have an identical sample however are normally brown as an alternative of violet.

As their identify suggests, this species is variable in seems, and there are at present three acknowledged subspecies. The Violet Dancer is a northern subspecies with clear wings, the Smoky Dancer is discovered within the southeast and has brownish wings, and the Black Dancer is just present in Florida and options black wings.

The second a part of their identify, “dancer,” refers to their bouncy, fluttering flight, which makes them seem to bounce throughout the sky. This flight sample is an effective way to distinguish “dancers” and “bluets,” two various kinds of damselflies in america.

You’ll doubtless discover Variable Dancers round closely vegetated ponds, lakes, and streams. Nonetheless, they’ll often be noticed in different aquatic habitats like sandy lakes and rivers. They feed on tiny, flying bugs, together with flies, small moths, mayflies, mosquitoes, termites, and flying ants.


#12. Slaty Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.8-2.2 in lengthy.
  • Males are slaty blue to virtually black with black heads and eyes.
  • Females have brown abdomens and darkish stripes operating down their backs.
  • Each sexes have a darkish spot on the tip and the vanguard of their 4 wings.

These shy dragonflies could be onerous to identify in america.

Slaty Skimmers desire ponds and different still-water habitats which might be surrounded by woodlands. They spend a lot of their time perched in sunny spots on close by vegetation or the woodland edge, ready for prey to go. Then they fly out and seize bugs from midair.

Males are aggressively territorial. They spend a lot of their time zooming round and chasing different males out of their part of shoreline. Chances are you’ll spot them looping and charging at different males. The females, alternatively, are more durable to identify and don’t spend a lot time on the shoreline till they’re able to mate.

When the eggs hatch into naiads or nymphs (child dragonflies), they dwell within the muck on the backside of ponds or streams. They dwell underwater, feeding on different aquatic bugs till they attain maturity, crawl out of the water, and metamorphose into adults.


#13. Halloween Pennant

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults vary from 1.5 to 1.65 inches in size.
  • They’ve orange-yellow wings with darkish brown bands and darkish our bodies with a lightweight yellow or orange stripe down their backs.
  • Adults typically have pale pink markings on their faces.

Halloween Pennants are an easy-to-recognize dragonfly in america!

With their brightly coloured, banded wings, it’s simple to see how they acquired their festive identify. They’re predominantly discovered round vegetated our bodies of water equivalent to ponds, marshes, and lakes. You’ll be able to usually spot them perched on the ideas of aquatic vegetation.

Halloween Pennants are highly effective fliers that hunt in the course of the day, chasing different bugs via the air. They’re even capable of fly throughout rain and robust winds. They feed totally on smaller bugs like gnats, mosquitoes, and flies however often take bigger prey, together with different dragonflies.

In contrast to most dragonflies in america, Halloween Pennants will not be territorial. Males relaxation on vegetation close to the water’s edge whereas ready for females. They primarily mate in flight, forming a wheel form with their our bodies.


#14. Rambur’s Forktail

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.1-1.44 in lengthy.
  • Males are inexperienced with blue stomach segments close to their rear.
  • Females might seem much like males, or orange-red or olive inexperienced.

Rambur’s Forktails are damselflies in america that like habitats with slow-moving or nonetheless water, vegetation, and daylight. They’re extremely widespread, and you’ll find them flying round ponds, lakes, and marshes. Whereas they by no means dwell in saltwater, they’ve been noticed round brackish and sulfurous waters.

Most forktails desire to perch amongst vegetation, however Rambur’s Forktails usually fly alongside open shorelines and perch on naked floor. They feed on soft-bodied flying bugs like mosquitoes and small moths.


#15. Frequent Inexperienced Darner

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults develop as much as 3 in lengthy.
  • Each sexes have unmarked inexperienced thoraces, bull’s eye marks on their faces, and clear wings that usually turn out to be amber-tinted with age.
  • Males have bluish-purple abdomens with a black stripe down the center.
  • Females might seem like males or have reddish-brown abdomens.

Inexperienced Darners are frequent dragonflies to seek out in america.

Named for his or her resemblance to darning needles, these dragonflies are almost inconceivable to overlook! They’re additionally one of many largest dragonfly species alive immediately.

In contrast to many dragonflies, some populations of Frequent Inexperienced Darners migrate. Significantly in winter, they journey as far south as Panama. They’re frequent summertime residents of the northern US and southern Canada, and sometimes, vagrant people are noticed effectively outdoors their regular vary. They’ve been recognized to point out up as distant as Japan, Russia, Bermuda, France, and the UK! Researchers suspect these are people who have been blown off target throughout storms.

Frequent Inexperienced Darner migration is advanced and difficult to review. Researchers now suspect a full migration takes place over at the very least three generations. The primary technology emerges in spring within the southern a part of the vary and travels north in the summertime. The second technology emerges within the northern a part of their vary in summer season and migrates south in the course of the fall. The third technology emerges within the southern a part of the vary in the course of the winter and doesn’t migrate. Then the cycle begins once more with the following technology.

When researchers geared up Frequent Inexperienced Darners with micro radio transmitters, they discovered that these huge dragonflies traveled about 10 miles per hour and as much as 87 miles in a single day!


#16. Variegated Meadowhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.63-1.92 in lengthy.
  • Males are darkish brown or black with pink faces and eyes and shiny pink, pink, or golden brown abdomens.
  • Females are related in look however duller in coloration; grey and yellow usually substitute the males’ pink, and so they have brownish and lavender eyes.

Variegated Meadowhawks are a number of the flashiest dragonflies in america!

You’ll doubtless spot this ornate species round nonetheless or slow-moving waters, together with ponds, swamps, lakes, and streams. They’re agile predators that feed on soft-bodied flying bugs, together with mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, and flying ants or termites.

These bugs are savvy vacationers and navigators. They’re a migratory species of dragonfly that completes their migration over a number of generations. They journey into the northern US and Canada and migrate as far south as Honduras and Belize. They normally seem in northern areas within the spring, and the following technology departs southward in late summer season.

Variegated Meadowhawks fly low throughout migration and navigate visually by the solar. Researchers consider this distinctive method might give them a bonus over different migratory species as local weather change continues to have an effect on climate patterns.

Regardless of their migratory nature, male Variegated Meadowhawks are extraordinarily territorial. They fly low, patrolling sections of open water and sometimes perch whereas anticipating intruders. They may chase out different male Variegated Meadowhawks and different species.


#17. Roseate Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.8-2.2 in lengthy.
  • Males are lavender to rosy-purple with metallic purple faces.
  • Females are yellow to golden brown.
  • Each sexes function clear wings with brown pterostigmata (thickened cells) on the vanguard.

It’s inconceivable to overlook this dragonfly in america!

These giant skimmers are robust, showy fliers, and the males have a definite, stunning look. Their rosy pink coloration is uncommon amongst bugs and even birds, making them simple to establish.

You’re most definitely to identify Roseate Skimmers round water sources like ponds, marshes, ditches, and small swimming pools of water. Right here, they spend time feeding on small flying bugs. They keep away from water sources with ample Neon Skimmers, one other species that extra aggressively defends its territory.

Male Roseate Skimmers stake out territories over water sources. They usually perch on close by twigs and vegetation and fly out to patrol the realm and thrust back intruders. They may aggressively defend their territory from different male Roseate Skimmers.


#18. Flame Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.93-2.4 in lengthy.
  • Males are completely pink or darkish orange, together with their eyes, legs, and wing veins.
  • Females are medium or darker brown with some skinny yellow markings.

Curiously, the Flame Skimmer’s fiery coloration matches its habitat desire. These dragonflies are usually discovered round sizzling springs or heat ponds in america.

Flame Skimmers usually hunt from perches on twigs or rocks. Once they spot prey, they fly out after it. Their food regimen is made up of soft-bodied bugs, together with mosquitoes, mayflies, butterflies, flies, moths, and termites.

Larval-stage Flame Skimmers, referred to as naiads, hunt equally to adults. To keep away from predators, they lurk within the mud on the backside of the water, ready to seize prey that passes by. The naiads are extremely profitable hunters and eat insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, small fish, and tadpoles.


#19. Vivid Dancer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.16-1.38 in lengthy.
  • Males are shiny blue or violet-blue and have black markings.
  • Females could also be a blue morph resembling males or a pink morph with subdued pink or orange coloration.

These gorgeous damselflies dwell in numerous habitats in america.

They’ve an in depth vary because of their uncommon capacity to thermoregulate. They do that by transferring to completely different websites all through the day. At night time, they settle into sheltered timber to keep away from warmth loss, however in the course of the day, they transfer into open or skinny forest areas to bask within the solar.

Vivid Dancers use our bodies of water for mating, egg-laying, and their larval stage. They usually select areas with close by woods, sedge vegetation, and rocks.

Though they’re recognized for his or her shiny blue coloration, Vivid Dancers aren’t all the time blue. They might seem pink, brown, or gray relying on the intercourse, sort of morph, and temperature. In some populations, Vivid Dancers might seem noticeably brighter or lighter coloured as temperatures rise above 77°F (25°C) in the course of the day.


#20. Pacific Forktail

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 0.91-1.18 inches lengthy.
  • Males are black with good blue on the perimeters, 4 blue dots on high, and a blue band close to the tip of their stomach.
  • Females are almost all brown or black, however some resemble males.

The Pacific Forktail is usually the primary damselfly in america to emerge in spring and the final you’ll spot within the fall. You’re most definitely to seek out them round lowland, calm-water habitats equivalent to ponds, marshes, wetlands, and gradual streams. They’re additionally usually ample round alkaline and saline ponds.

Regardless of their small measurement and delicate look, Pacific Forktails are fierce predators. Adults feed on numerous soft-bodied flying bugs, together with mosquitoes, mayflies, flies, and moths, by grabbing them out of the air. These intelligent damselflies can even seize aphids and different small bugs from vegetation.

Whereas females usually spend a lot of their time away from the water, males stick carefully to the shorelines. The males arrange and fiercely guard territories in prime mating and egg-laying habitat. The males that maintain the most effective territories are those who get the females.


#21. Blue-eyed Darner

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 2.6-2.8 in lengthy.
  • Males are darkish brown with blue eyes, two blue stripes on high, diagonal blue stripes on the perimeters, and huge and small blue spots on their abdomens.
  • Females even have blue eyes and an identical sample however have a brown base coloration and inexperienced markings.

Blue-eyed Darners are frequent dragonflies in america throughout summer season.

They’re simple to identify round lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, canals, and marshes. These bugs are inclined to desire water our bodies which might be surrounded by open areas slightly than woodlands. Blue-eyed Darners are typically discovered round acid bogs and may tolerate alkaline water situations.

In contrast to many dragonfly species, Blue-eyed Darners usually vary removed from aquatic habitats once they’re not breeding. Chances are you’ll even spot them in metropolis parks, yards, parking heaps, and different city areas. Blue-eyed Darners could also be migratory in some areas, together with California, the place giant numbers present up within the fall.

Blue-eyed Darners are comparatively giant and well-suited to searching prey in midair. They’ve 360-degree imaginative and prescient, can fly ahead or backward, and might attain speeds as much as 50 miles per hour. Chances are you’ll spot them feeding in giant swarms over the water, taking flying bugs like moths, mosquitoes, flies, termites, and mayflies from the air.


#22. Cardinal Meadowhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.5-1.57 in lengthy.
  • Males are virtually completely shiny pink with a pair of yellow spots on the higher physique. They’ve brownish wings with pink veins.
  • Females are brownish-red with translucent golden-brown wings.

Cardinal Meadowhawks are named for the males’ flashy shiny pink coloring that’s thought to resemble a Catholic cardinal’s robes. They inhabit areas round ponds and lakes. You’ll usually spot the males across the shore or over the open water. In distinction, females journey farther from the water, visiting when it’s time to mate and lay eggs.

These brilliantly coloured dragonflies are “perchers.” You’ll usually spot them perched on a twig, plant, or different materials overhanging the water, ready for prey to go. When an insect flies by them, a Cardinal Meadowhawk will zoom out to catch it with higher than a 95% success charge.

This species’ flying expertise aren’t restricted to searching. When the feminine returns to the water to mate, she and the male will assume the “wheel place.” Flying in tandem, the male grasps the top of the feminine, and their our bodies then curl and pair at their abdomens, the place the male deposits his sperm. It could look awkward, however they’ll fly this manner surprisingly effectively!


#23. Eight-spotted Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.73-2.01 inches lengthy.
  • Males are brownish-black with a powder blue or white coating and two giant darkish spots paired with two giant white spots on every of their wings, one close to the bottom and one close to the center.
  • Females are related in coloration however usually have yellow or orange markings alongside the perimeters of their our bodies and typically lack white markings on the wings.

The noticed wings of those stunning dragonflies in america make them simple to see within the air. A few of the females of this species have white wing spots just like the males and are the one feminine dragonflies in North America to have them!

Eight-spotted Skimmers desire our bodies of water with weedy vegetation and muddy substrates. Nonetheless, you could not have to go to these locations to seek out them. Additionally they go to habitats away from the water, together with uplands, clearings, backyards, and parks.

In contrast to many dragonflies, male Eight-spotted Skimmers don’t guard particular territories. As a substitute, they fly repeatedly via appropriate shoreline habitats and are aggressive in direction of different male dragonflies, together with these of different species. Additionally they spend time perched close to the shore on branches, twigs, or vegetation, providing nice picture alternatives for naturalists!


#24. Striped Meadowhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.34-1.5 in lengthy.
  • Males are principally pink.
  • Females are greenish-yellow to olive inexperienced.
  • Each sexes have a pair of diagonal yellow stripes on all sides of their our bodies and clear wings which will typically be clouded yellow the place they connect to their our bodies.

Striped Meadowhawks are one of the crucial ample dragonflies in america.

You’ll be able to spot these bugs round gradual and stagnant streams, ponds, ditches, and marshy areas. They spend a lot of their time perched close to the shoreline on naked rocks and branches the place they bask to soak up warmth in the course of the day. Striped Meadowhawks additionally hunt from these perches, flying out and capturing soft-bodied bugs, together with flying ants, flies, small moths, mayflies, and mosquitoes.

Like many dragonflies, male Striped Meadowhawks are territorial. They guard grassy areas close to the water. When it’s time to mate, a feminine will go to a male’s territory and pair up. Once they’re completed mating, the pair will stay flying in tandem as the feminine deposits eggs. Spreading out the eggs helps improve their odds of survival, so a single predator can’t take them .


#25. Band-winged Meadowhawk

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.1-1.4 in lengthy.
  • Males have shiny pink abdomens with black markings on the perimeters, darkish pink faces, and pink eyes.
  • Females are greenish-yellow or orange with pink and inexperienced eyes and blackish markings on their abdomens.

These shiny dragonflies in america are sometimes simple to identify perched close to ponds, marshes, bogs, and fens. They like water sources with a delicate circulation, loads of weedy development, and tall grasses.

Band-winged Meadowhawks are extremely skillful fliers that may transfer , hover, and fly straight up and down. Males perch excessive above the water and fly out on quick patrols. Once they’re able to mate, females go to these areas and pair up with a male.

The eggs hatch into the larval stage, and these naiads dwell beneath the water in areas with dense aquatic vegetation. From their hiding locations within the vegetation, the naiads seize passing prey, together with mosquito larvae, mayfly larvae, different fly larvae, small fish, and tadpoles. The larval section can last as long as two years. Once they’re mature, the naiads depart the water, crawling out to shed their pores and skin and metamorphosing into adults.


#26. Japanese Forktail

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 0.87-1.18 in lengthy.
  • Males are inexperienced with black-striped our bodies which have shiny blue ideas.
  • Females are bluish-gray.

Japanese Forktails are frequent damselflies in america.

You’ll discover them round virtually any wetland, marsh, pond, or slow-moving stream inside their vary. They’re significantly keen on water our bodies with grassy or weedy edges.

Regardless of their small measurement, Japanese Forktails are aggressive predators that feed on different flying bugs. They may chase opponents away and sometimes even prey on different damselflies as giant as themselves! Surprisingly, this aggressive conduct is extra frequent in females.

Males spend most of their time round ultimate breeding websites, perching in and patrolling areas with dense vegetation. Females are additionally frequent across the water’s edge. The females are monogamous and mate simply as soon as of their life. Regardless of this, they’re nonetheless extremely productive and might lay 1000’s of eggs!


#27. Chalk-fronted Corporal

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.6-1.8 in lengthy.
  • Males are black with pale shoulder bars and clear wings.
  • Females are darkish brown with mild grey on the entrance of their abdomens and clear wings.

Chalk-fronted Corporals like slow-moving water with loads of emergent vegetation for mating and egg laying. You’ll generally spot them round ponds, swamps, marshes, lakes, and bogs. Once they’re not mating, they fly in sunny patches of close by forests.

These dragonflies in america usually perch horizontally on the shoreline or floating objects within the water. From their perches, they hunt, flying upward to seize numerous soft-bodied flying bugs, together with mosquitoes, mayflies, flies, moths, butterflies, and flying ants. In case you’re on or close to the water, it’s not unusual to have these dragonflies swooping round you. Don’t fear! They’re simply grabbing the mosquitoes that you just’ve attracted.

Larval dragonflies, referred to as nymphs or naiads, dwell in decaying vegetation on the backside of the water. They feed on insect larvae and freshwater shrimp. Once they mature, they emerge from the water at night time, shed their pores and skin and metamorphose into adults. 


#28. Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 2-2.2 in lengthy.
  • Males are brownish with twelve black wing spots (three per wing) and eight white wing spots (two per wing).
  • Females are brown with yellow stripes down their abdomens and 12 black wing spots (three per wing).

Like most dragonflies in america, Twelve-spotted Skimmers like weedy, slow-moving water.

You’ll be able to spot them round lakes with marshy shorelines and slow-moving streams. People normally have a favourite perch. If one flies from a perch close to you, you must transfer nearer to the situation and stay nonetheless. Odds are they’ll return to land once more in a couple of minutes, and you will get a better look!

Twelve-spotted Skimmers additionally go to close by fields, prairies, and clearings to hunt, and a few populations migrate. They’re robust fliers that feed on virtually any soft-bodied flying insect, together with mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, flying ants, or termites.

Males usually get into territorial disputes, making vertical loops within the air. Fortunately these disputes don’t lead to bodily hurt. The male that may circle the opposite wins the territory.


#29. Blue-ringed Dancer

Figuring out Traits:

  • Adults are 1.1-1.3 in lengthy.
  • Males have blue thoraces with black shoulder and facet stripes, black abdomens with blue rings and ideas, blue eyespots, and amber-tinted wings.
  • Females are brownish and weakly marked.

As their identify suggests, their bouncy, dance-like flight patterns will help you distinguish these damselflies from different varieties. They’re fairly widespread, and also you’ll usually spot them round vegetated slow-moving rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes.

Like different damselflies in america, pairs type a “wheel” place to mate. On this place, the male grasps the top of the feminine, and their our bodies then curl and pair at their abdomens, the place the male deposits his sperm. After mating, the pair flies gracefully in tandem, with the male greedy the feminine. Researchers have seen that the male’s thorax darkens in coloration whereas the pair are flying in tandem.

The females deposit the eggs onto aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch into nymphs or naiads, which dwell and feed underwater, preying on aquatic bugs. When mature, they emerge from the water, shed their pores and skin, and metamorphose into grownup damselflies.


Which of those damselflies and dragonflies have you ever seen in america?

Depart a remark under!


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