29 Dragonflies That Reside in the US (2023)
What sorts of dragonflies can you discover in the US?
Dragonflies are simple to acknowledge by their lengthy, slender our bodies and distinctively slender wings. They typically dwell round water, however these adaptable creatures additionally inhabit different areas.
There are at the least 5,000 species of dragonflies on this planet! Since it could be inconceivable to checklist the entire ones in the US on this article, I selected the commonest and thrilling species to share with you right now. 🙂
#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 vibrant inexperienced with darkish brown or black spots on their stomach and inexperienced faces.
These aptly named dragonflies in the US spend their time round ponds and different nonetheless our bodies of water. Right here, there are fewer predators to feed on their eggs and younger. 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 typically relaxation on vegetation between hunts and take to their air when prey passes them. They generally 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 identified for his or her thrilling flight conduct, and Japanese Pondhawks are not any exception. You could spot a pair flying throughout the water’s floor collectively simply an inch or two aside. Often, 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 for those who seize them. They’re fascinating creatures, but it surely’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 comparable striped thoraces, brown and yellow striped abdomens, and pink eyes.
Blue Dashers are the commonest dragonflies in the US.
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. They’re lively in the course of the day all through the summer time. At evening, the adults relaxation in timber.
Blue Dashers are voracious predators able to consuming a whole bunch of bugs every day! They’ve quick reflexes and unbelievable eyesight. Their bulging, spherical eyes are composed of 30,000 sides, every seeing in a distinct course. Mixed, they permit these dragonflies to see in almost each course. Their two unbiased units of wings allow them to alter course rapidly and to hover in place when crucial.
As adults, they predominately feed on small flying bugs like mosquitoes, moths, flies, and mayflies. They will catch as much as 95% of the prey they pursue, making them one among Earth’s best predators. Each men and women 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 infrequently 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, outstanding 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 the US.Â
The distinctive darkish markings on their clear wings are onerous to overlook. The black patches resemble a widow’s black scarf, which explains their widespread identify.
You’re more likely to discover Widow Skimmers round open our bodies of water comparable to ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams in the course of the summer time. They typically choose areas with muddy banks.
Male Widow Skimmers are extremely territorial and can patrol their territory and away rival males. They might additionally perch close by, awaiting intruders. You might also spot Widow Skimmer pairs mating when a pair varieties 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 gentle 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 the US.
Search for them from spring by summer time and into early fall. You’re more likely to discover these bugs round ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving streams. They typically 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 could have a number of generations per yr. The males don’t guard the females, however the females excel at heading off 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 both sides of their stomach and three evenly spaced darkish blotches on every wing.
Frequent Whitetails are simple dragonflies to seek out in the US.
When you spend time close to ponds, marshes, and different slow-moving our bodies of water, you’ll seemingly spot one. They zoom above the water feeding on mosquitoes and different small flying bugs. Frequent Whitetails additionally spend a variety of time perching, and it’s possible you’ll spot them resting on vegetation or often even on the bottom close to the water’s edge.
Male Frequent Whitetails 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 good meals supply for fish, frogs, birds, and different aquatic bugs and have as much as a 99% mortality price.
#6. Japanese Amberwing
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults develop as much as 1 in lengthy.
- Their wings are pure gold, orange, or amber, and females have brown spots.
- Each sexes have massive pink eyes, pink pterostigmata (specialised thicker cells on the outer wing), and brown and yellow stripes on their stomach.
These are the one dragonflies in the US identified to imitate wasps!
Japanese Amberwings have brown and yellow stripes on their stomach that assist them seem wasp-like to warn away predators. In addition 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 defend and patrol a shoreline territory about 20 ft extensive. The males search for high-quality egg-laying websites with loads of aquatic vegetation as they want their territory to enchantment to females.
Males actively courtroom females by approaching them and swaying backwards and forwards with their abdomens raised. If the feminine likes the male, she’s going to observe him and consider his territory. Then he exhibits her splendid egg-laying websites throughout the territory by hovering above them along with his wings whirring and stomach raised. If she’s pleased along with his territory, they’ll mate.Â
#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 uninteresting brown our bodies, smoky wings, and white spots close to the information.
These beautiful 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.
Ebony Jewelwings are adventurous damselflies. You would possibly often spot males removed from water looking for new territory. In cool climates, you’ll see them by the spring, summer time, and early fall, however they’re typically current year-round in hotter southern climates.
Search for fascinating mating conduct in territorial male Ebony Jewelwings. They try to draw females by performing what’s often known as a “cross” show. They face the feminine after which flip their hindwings downward, retaining them perpendicular to the physique. Then they elevate their forewings and stomach, displaying their pale underside.
#8. Autumn Meadowhawk
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.2-1.4 in lengthy.
- Males are vibrant cherry pink.
- Females are yellow as younger however mature to pink and tan.
These dragonflies in the US emerge later than many others.
Autumn Meadowhawks often grow to be lively in early summer time, and so they’re commonest in the course of the summer time 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 often 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 in that the males aren’t territorial. They’re often very tolerant of different males. This obvious friendliness is undoubtedly as a consequence 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 gentle blue eyes, blue thoraces, and brown abdomens with blue sides and ideas.
- Females range in coloration and could also be blue, brown, turquoise, or grayish-black.
These damselflies in the US are named for his or her elegant flight.
They’re charming to observe as they flit, flutter, and bounce by 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 a substitute 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. Ultimately, they are going to crawl out of the water, metamorphose into their grownup part, and repeat the replica cycle.
#10. Acquainted Bluet
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.1-1.5 in lengthy.
- Males are vibrant 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 analogous sample however are typically gentle brown moderately than blue.
Acquainted Bluets are much less choosy about habitat than different damselflies and dragonflies in the US. The males of this species are typically 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 make the most of any new moist habitat that they discover.
Regardless of their charming and nearly delicate look, Acquainted Bluets are formidable predators. They’ll feed on nearly any soft-bodied insect that crosses their path. These embrace small moths, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, flying ants, and termites.
You’ll seemingly 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 analogous sample however are often brown as a substitute of violet.
As their identify suggests, this species is variable in seems, and there are at the moment 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 simply 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 a good way to distinguish “dancers” and “bluets,” two several types of damselflies in the US.
You’ll seemingly discover Variable Dancers round closely vegetated ponds, lakes, and streams. Nonetheless, they will 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 nearly black with black heads and eyes.
- Females have brown abdomens and darkish stripes working down their backs.
- Each sexes have had a darkish spot on the tip and the vanguard of their 4 wings.
These shy dragonflies might be onerous to identify in the US.
Slaty Skimmers desire ponds and different still-water habitats which are 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 move. Then they fly out and seize bugs from midair.
Male Slaty Skimmers are aggressively territorial. They spend a lot of their time zooming round and chasing different males out of their part of shoreline. You could spot them looping and charging at different males. The females, however, are harder 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 light-weight 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 the US!
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 comparable to ponds, marshes, and lakes. You’ll be able to typically spot them perched on the information of aquatic vegetation.
Halloween Pennants are highly effective fliers that hunt in the course of the day, chasing different bugs by the air. They’re even in a position to 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.
Not like most dragonflies in the US, Halloween Pennants are usually not 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 could seem much like males, or orange-red or olive inexperienced.
Rambur’s Forktails are damselflies that like habitats with slow-moving or nonetheless water, vegetation, and daylight in the US. They’re extremely widespread, and yow will discover 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 typically fly alongside open shorelines and perch on naked floor. They feed on soft-bodied flying bugs like mosquitoes and small moths.
Not like their grownup counterparts, the larval forktails, referred to as naiads, don’t spend time within the open. They like dense vegetation alongside shorelines. They feed on a variety of aquatic bugs and small crustaceans. When mature, the naiads crawl out of the water and shed their skins, metamorphosing into adults.
#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 always grow to be amber-tinted with age.
- Males have bluish-purple abdomens with a black stripe down them.
- Females could appear as if males or have reddish-brown abdomens.
Inexperienced Darners are the commonest dragonflies in the US.
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 right now.
Not like many dragonflies, some populations of Frequent Inexperienced Darners migrate. Significantly in winter, they journey as far south as Panama. They’re widespread summertime residents of the northern US and southern Canada, and infrequently, vagrant people are noticed effectively outdoors their regular vary. They’ve been identified to point out up as far-off as Japan, Russia, Bermuda, France, and the UK! Researchers suspect these are people who had 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 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 time 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 subsequent 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 vibrant pink, pink, or golden brown abdomens.
- Females are comparable in look however duller in coloration; grey and yellow typically change the males’ pink, and so they have brownish and lavender eyes.
Variegated Meadowhawks are a few of the flashiest dragonflies in the US!
You’ll seemingly 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 couple of generations. They journey into the northern US and Canada and migrate as far south as Honduras and Belize. They often seem in northern areas within the spring, and the subsequent technology departs southward in late summer time.
Variegated Meadowhawks fly low throughout migration and navigate visually by the solar. Researchers consider this distinctive method could 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 infrequently perch whereas awaiting intruders. They’ll 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 the US!
These massive skimmers are sturdy, showy fliers, and the males have a definite, lovely 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 typically perch on close by twigs and vegetation and fly out to patrol the world and thrust back intruders. They’ll 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 fully 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 choice. These dragonflies are typically discovered round scorching springs or heat ponds in the US.
Flame Skimmers typically hunt from perches on twigs or rocks. After they spot prey, they fly out after it. Their weight-reduction plan 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 vibrant 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 beautiful damselflies dwell in numerous habitats in the US.
They’ve an in depth vary as a consequence of their uncommon potential to thermoregulate. They do that by shifting to completely different websites all through the day. At evening, 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 typically select areas with close by woods, sedge vegetation, and rocks.
Though they’re identified for his or her vibrant blue coloration, Vivid Dancers aren’t at all times blue. They might seem pink, brown, or gray relying on the intercourse, sort of morph, and temperature. In some populations, Vivid Dancers could seem noticeably brighter or lighter coloured as temperatures rise above 25°C (77°F) in the course of the day.
#20. Pacific Forktail
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 0.91-1.18 in lengthy.
- Males are black with good blue on the edges, 4 blue dots on prime, and a blue band close to the top of their stomach.
- Females are almost all brown or black, however some resemble males.
The Pacific Forktail is usually the primary damselfly in the US 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 comparable to ponds, marshes, wetlands, and gradual streams. They’re additionally typically 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 typically 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 one of the best territories are people 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 prime, diagonal blue stripes on the edges, and huge and small blue spots on their abdomens.
- Females even have blue eyes and an analogous sample however have a brown base coloration and inexperienced markings.
Blue-eyed Darners are widespread dragonflies in the US throughout summer time.
They’re simple to identify round lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, canals, and marshes. These bugs are likely to desire water our bodies which are surrounded by open areas moderately than woodlands. Blue-eyed Darners are typically discovered round acid bogs and can even tolerate alkaline water situations.
Not like many dragonfly species, Blue-eyed Darners typically vary removed from aquatic habitats once they’re not breeding. You could even spot them in metropolis parks, yards, parking tons, and different city areas. Blue-eyed Darners could also be migratory in some areas, together with California.
Blue-eyed Darners are comparatively massive and well-suited to looking 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. You could spot them feeding in massive 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 nearly fully vibrant 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 vibrant pink coloring that’s thought to resemble a catholic cardinal’s robes. They inhabit areas round ponds and lakes. You’ll typically 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 typically spot them perched on a twig, plant, or different materials overhanging the water, ready for prey to move. When an insect flies by them, a Cardinal Meadowhawk will zoom out to catch it with higher than a 95% success price.
This species’ flying abilities aren’t restricted to looking. When the feminine returns to the water to mate, she’ll pair up with a male, and so they’ll assume the “wheel” place, flying with the tip of the male’s stomach related with the feminine’s head and the feminine’s reproductive organ on the male’s stomach. It could look awkward, however they will fly this manner surprisingly effectively!
#23. Eight-spotted Skimmer
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.73-2.01 in lengthy.
- Males are brownish-black with a powder blue or white coating and two massive darkish spots paired with two massive white spots on every of their wings, one close to the bottom and one close to the center.
- Females are comparable in coloration however typically have yellow or orange markings alongside the edges of their our bodies and typically lack white markings on the wings.
The noticed wings of those lovely dragonflies in the US make them simple to see within the air. Among 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, it’s possible you’ll not have to go to these locations to seek out them. In addition they go to habitats away from the water, together with uplands, clearings, backyards, and parks.
Not like many dragonflies, male Eight-spotted Skimmers don’t guard particular territories. As an alternative, they fly constantly by appropriate shoreline habitats and are aggressive in the direction of different male dragonflies, together with these of different species. In addition 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 largely pink.
- Females are greenish-yellow to olive inexperienced.
- Each sexes have a pair of diagonal yellow stripes on both sides of their our bodies and clear wings that will typically be clouded yellow the place they connect to their our bodies.
Striped Meadowhawks are some of the ample dragonflies in the US.
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. After 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 vibrant pink abdomens with black markings on the edges, darkish pink faces, and pink eyes.
- Females are greenish-yellow or orange with pink and inexperienced eyes and blackish markings on their abdomens.
These vibrant dragonflies in the US are sometimes simple to identify perched close to ponds, marshes, bogs, and fens. They like water sources with a delicate movement, loads of weedy development, and tall grasses.
Band-winged Meadowhawks are extremely skillful fliers that may transfer from side to side, hover, and fly straight up and down. Males perch excessive above the water and fly out on brief patrols. After 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 below 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 part can last as long as two years. After they’re mature, the naiads go away 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 vibrant blue ideas.
- Females are bluish-gray.
Japanese Forktails are a few of the commonest damselflies in the US.
You’ll discover them round nearly any wetland, marsh, pond, or slow-moving stream inside their vary. They’re notably 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’ll chase rivals away and infrequently even prey on different damselflies as massive as themselves! Surprisingly, this aggressive conduct is extra widespread in females.
Male Japanese Forktails spend most of their time round splendid breeding websites, perching in and patrolling areas with dense vegetation. Females are additionally widespread 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 gentle 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. After they’re not mating, they fly in sunny patches of close by forests.
These dragonflies in the US typically 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. When 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.
Male Chalk-fronted Corporals are aggressive and territorial. They spend lengthy durations patrolling low and quick over sections of water, with temporary durations of hovering earlier than perching.
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. After they mature, they emerge from the water at evening, shed their pores and skin and metamorphose into adults.Â
#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 the US, Twelve-spotted Skimmers like weedy, slow-moving water.
You’ll be able to spot them round lakes with marshy shorelines and slow-moving streams. Particular person Twelve-spotted Skimmers often have a favourite perch. If one flies from a perch close to you, it is best to transfer nearer to the situation and stay nonetheless. Odds are they’ll return to land once more in a couple of minutes, and you may 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 sturdy fliers that feed on nearly any soft-bodied flying insect, together with mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, flying ants, or termites.
Male Twelve-spotted Skimmers make prolonged flights patrolling shoreline and open water areas, although these territories change each day. These flashy males will aggressively attempt to fend off different males, together with these of different species. Male Twelve-spotted Skimmers typically get into territorial disputes, making vertical loops within the air. Fortunately these disputes don’t end in bodily hurt. The male that may circle the opposite wins the territory.
#29. Blue-ringed Dancer
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Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.1-1.3 in lengthy.
- Males have blue thoraces with black shoulder and aspect 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 sorts. They’re fairly widespread, and also you’ll typically spot them round vegetated slow-moving rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes.
Like different dragonflies and damselflies in the US, pairs kind a “wheel” place to mate. This place connects the tip of the male’s stomach with the feminine’s head and the feminine’s reproductive organ on her stomach, with sperm on the male has positioned on his stomach.
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 dragonflies have you ever seen in the US?
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