Dragonflies are remarkable aerial predators that are a common sight near bodies of water throughout much of the United States. With outstanding aerial acrobatics and iridescent colors, dragonflies represent the pinnacle of evolutionary success among insects. From tiny damselflies to massive darners with wingspans over 4 inches, the diversity of these ancient fliers is amazing. This guide profiles 20 of the most frequently encountered dragonfly species that call North America home. Learn about each species distinctive traits, vibrant markings, impressive hunting skills and the diverse aquatic habitats they inhabit. Come explore the incredible world of these fascinating insects that have dominated skies for over 300 million years.
| Dragonfly | Description | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Pondhawk | Male has bright blue abdomen, females green/brown; wingspan 2 inches. | Ponds, lakes, streams in North America east of Rockies. |
| Twelve-Spotted Skimmer | Males have 12 yellow spots on black abdomen, females yellow/brown; wingspan 2-2.5 inches. | Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams in eastern North America. |
| Widow Skimmer | Males have black abdomen with small blue wings; females yellow/brown; wingspan up to 2.5 inches. | Ponds, lakes, marshes in eastern US and parts of Canada. |
| Common Green Darner | Large with bright green color, wingspan over 4 inches. | Ponds, lakes, marshes across North America. |
| Blue Dasher | Powder blue body, wingspan 2-2.5 inches. | Ponds, lakes, marshes, wet meadows in eastern/central North America. |
| Ruby Meadowhawk | Males bright red with black markings, females dull brown; wingspan 1.5 inches. | Eastern North America wetlands and nearby fields/forests. |
| Halloween Pennant | Males orange with black stripes, females dull yellow/brown; wingspan 2-2.5 inches. | Marshes, swamps, pond/lake edges in eastern North America. |
| Twilight Darner | Black body with blue/yellow markings for males, females pale grayish brown; wingspan 2-2.5 inches. | Open wetlands in northern/eastern North America. |
| Common Whitetail | Males have white tail, females brown/yellow brown; wingspan 2-2.5 inches. | Freshwater habitats across North America. |
| Band-Winged Meadowhawk | Males reddish with black bands, females dull yellow/brown. | Marshes, ponds, lakes, wet meadows in North America. |
| Chalk-Fronted Corporal | Metallic green wings, males with white thorax stripe. | Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams in eastern/central US. |
| Carolina Saddlebags | Large with metallic green thorax, rust-brown abdomen; wingspan up to 3 inches. | Freshwater habitats in eastern North America. |
| Lancet Clubtail | Green/yellow eyes, males yellow/ochre, females duller. | Rocky streams/springs in wooded eastern US areas. |
| Eight-Spotted Skimmer | Males with 8 abdomen spots, females yellow/brown. | Ponds, marshes in eastern/central North America. |
| Spangled Skimmer | Metallic wings with glittering white spots on abdomen. | Ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs in eastern/central North America. |
| Musketeer | Emerald thorax, black abdomen with yellow markings. | Ponds, lakes, slow streams in eastern North America. |
1. Eastern Pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicolis) is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies found throughout much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. As its name suggests, it is commonly seen around ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. The male eastern pondhawk has a bright blue abdomen with black markings. Its thorax is dark olive green to brown colored. Females have a greenish thorax and yellowish to brown abdomen. Eastern pondhawks are often seen perched on emergent vegetation at the edge of water waiting to seize flying insects as prey. They are able to change direction quickly in flight which helps them capture fast moving prey like mosquitoes and flies. Their wingspan averages around 2 inches. The eastern pondhawk is considered beneficial due to its predatory feeding habits in helping control populations of pest insect species.
2. Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
The twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is another very common dragonfly found throughout eastern North America. As its common name suggests, the male twelve-spotted skimmer has twelve distinct yellow to white spots aligned down each side of its black abdomen. Females have a yellowish brown abdomen without distinct spotting. The thorax is blue green to rusty brown colored in both sexes. Twelve-spotted skimmers are often seen patrolling back and forth rapidly along the edges of ponds, lakes, marshes and slow moving streams looking for flying insects to catch. Their speed and agility in flight makes them successful predators. They have a wingspan reaching around 2 to 2.5 inches. Males establish territories that females enter to mate. Like many dragonflies, twelve-spotted skimmers undergo complete metamorphosis from egg to aquatic nymph to terrestrial adult.
3. Widow Skimmer
The widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is a medium to large sized dragonfly found across much of the eastern United States and into parts of Canada. As its name implies, the male widow skimmer has a nearly all black body with the exception of small blue markings at the base of each wing. Females are yellowish brown with dark patches. Both sexes have yellowish or rusty colored eyes. Widow skimmers are often seen perched upright on bare branches, twigs or stems at the edges of ponds, lakes and marshes. Their preferred prey includes flying insects like flies, flying ants and mosquitoes which they capture by rapidly flying or gliding erratically to seize prey in mid-air with their spiny legs. Males aggressively patrol and defend territories from other males. Widow skimmers have a wingspan reaching up to 2.5 inches and like to bask in the sun when not flying in search of prey.
4. Common Green Darner
The common green darner (Anax junius) is a large dragonfly found across much of North America and one of the most common darting dragonflies seen near ponds, lakes and marshes. As its name implies, the common green darner has a bright green colored body with some males developing a bluish tint to their wings later in life. Its eyes are brownish green and its wingspan can reach over 4 inches, making it one of the largest dragonflies in North America. Common green darners are strong fliers known for their rapid erratic flight up and down waterbodies chasing flying insects. They migrate long distances in the summer and early fall. While most dragonflies grab prey mid-flight, common green darners are capable of catching insects while perched as well as hovering, darting or flying backwards if needed to catch food. Their size and aggressive hunting make them dominant predators at wetland habitats.
5. Eastern Pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicolis) is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies found throughout much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. As its name suggests, it is commonly seen around ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. The male eastern pondhawk has a bright blue abdomen with black markings. Its thorax is dark olive green to brown colored. Females have a greenish thorax and yellowish to brown abdomen. Eastern pondhawks are often seen perched on emergent vegetation at the edge of water waiting to seize flying insects as prey. They are able to change direction quickly in flight which helps them capture fast moving prey like mosquitoes and flies. Their wingspan averages around 2 inches. The eastern pondhawk is considered beneficial due to its predatory feeding habits in helping control populations of pest insect species.
6. Blue Dasher
The blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a medium sized dragonfly with powder blue colored wings and body. As its name suggests, males have a bright sky blue colored body. Females are duller blue grey in color. Both have dark eyes and a wingspan reaching 2 to 2.5 inches. Blue dashers are commonly seen in a wide variety of wetland habitats including ponds, lakes, marshes and wet meadows across much of eastern and central North America. They are often observed patrolling back and forth rapidly just above the surface of open water or perched in the surrounding vegetation. Blue dashers capture flying insects like mosquitoes, flies and flying ants by suddenly darting out from a perch to seize prey mid-air. While some dragonflies set up territories, blue dashers tend to wander more freely over large wetland areas in search of food and mates.
7. Ruby Meadowhawk
The ruby meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum) is a medium sized dragonfly with red wings and abdomen. Its common name refers to the bright red colored body of the male which features black markings and red eyes. Females are dull brown or yellowish brown with reddish brown eyes. Both sexes have a wingspan averaging around 1.5 inches. Ruby meadowhawks are found across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast and inland as far as the Great Plains. They inhabit a variety of open wetland habitats like ponds, lakes, marshes and wet meadows but can also be seen in nearby fields and forests. Ruby meadowhawks are commonly observed perched prominently on vegetation waiting to ambush flying insects with an impressive burst of speed across short distances.
8. Eastern Pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicolis) is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies found throughout much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. As its name suggests, it is commonly seen around ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. The male eastern pondhawk has a bright blue abdomen with black markings. Its thorax is dark olive green to brown colored. Females have a greenish thorax and yellowish to brown abdomen. Eastern pondhawks are often seen perched on emergent vegetation at the edge of water waiting to seize flying insects as prey. They are able to change direction quickly in flight which helps them capture fast moving prey like mosquitoes and flies. Their wingspan averages around 2 inches. The eastern pondhawk is considered beneficial due to its predatory feeding habits in helping control populations of pest insect species.
9. Halloween Pennant
The Halloween pennant (Celithemis eponina) is an elegant medium sized dragonfly with colorful markings. Males have an orange abdomen with black stripes and a yellow and black thorax. Females are dull yellow to brown. Both have a wingspan reaching 2 to 2.5 inches. Halloween pennants inhabit marshes, swamps, pond and lake edges across eastern North America from southern Canada down to Florida and west to Texas. They are often seen perched prominently on bare twigs and branches holding their wings open at an angle to expose their colors. Halloween pennants capture flying insects by rapidly gliding or darting out to seize prey in mid-air. They tend to perch in open areas allowing their colors to attract mates and mark their territory from other males. Like some other pond damsels, Halloween pennants migrate south in late summer and early fall.
10. Twilight Darner
The twilight darner (Gynacantha nervosa) is a medium sized dragonfly that earns its name from its tendency to be most active in early morning and evening twilight hours. Males have a black body with blue and yellow markings while females are pale dull grayish brown with darker bands. Both have dark gray or brown eyes and a wingspan reaching 2 to 2.5 inches. Twilight darners inhabit open wetland habitats ranging from ponds and marshes to fens and bogs across northern and eastern North America as far south as the Gulf Coast states. They perch prominently on twigs and stems or patrol their territories chasing flying insects. Twilight darners prey voraciously on mosquitoes and flies making them beneficial predators near human habitation.
11. Common Whitetail
The common whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is one of the most abundant and widespread dragonflies in North America. As its name implies, the male has a distinctive white tail on its abdomen. Females are brown or yellow brown. Both sexes have smoky gray wings with a wingspan around 2 to 2 1⁄2 inches. Common whitetails inhabit a diversity of freshwater habitats from ponds and lakes to marshes, ditches and slow streams. They are often seen perched prominently on bare branches, twigs and vegetation or patrolling rapidly just above open water. Common whitetails capture flying insects mid-air by suddenly darting or gliding out from a perch to grab prey with spiny legs. Their abundance and success as predators help control pest insects near human areas.
12. Eastern Pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicolis) is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies found throughout much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. As its name suggests, it is commonly seen around ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. The male eastern pondhawk has a bright blue abdomen with black markings. Its thorax is dark olive green to brown colored. Females have a greenish thorax and yellowish to brown abdomen. Eastern pondhawks are often seen perched on emergent vegetation at the edge of water waiting to seize flying insects as prey. They are able to change direction quickly in flight which helps them capture fast moving prey like mosquitoes and flies. Their wingspan averages around 2 inches. The eastern pondhawk is considered beneficial due to its predatory feeding habits in helping control populations of pest insect species.
13. Band-Winged Meadowhawk
The band-winged meadowhawk (Sympetrum semicinctum) is a medium sized dragonfly averaging 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches in length. Males have a bright reddish abdomen with black bands and reddish brown eyes. Females are dull yellow to brown. Both sexes have rusty brown wings that are distinctly banded at the base. Band-winged meadowhawks inhabit marshes, ponds, lakes and wet meadows across much of North America. They are commonly seen perching on bare stems or twigs holding their wings open at an angle to expose markings. From these perches they ambush flying insects. Band-winged meadowhawks can also be seen patrolling wetlands or congregating in large mating swarms later in summer near water. Their ravenous appetite helps control mosquito and fly populations near human activity.
14. Chalk-Fronted Corporal
The chalk-fronted corporal (Ladona julia) is a medium sized narrow bodied dragonfly with metallic green to blue colored wings. As its name implies, the male has a distinctive chalky white stripe across its green thorax. Females are yellowish brown with greenish eyes. Both sexes have a wingspan reaching 2 to 2 1⁄2 inches. Chalk-fronted corporals inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes and slow streams across southern Canada and much of the eastern and central US. They are often seen patrolling quickly back and forth just above open water or vegetation waiting to ambush flying insects. Males maintain territories they defend by chasing off other males. Chalk-fronted corporals perch with wings held straight out from the body at a 45 degree angle and change direction rapidly in flight making them successful hunters.
15. Carolina Saddlebags
The Carolina saddlebags (Tramea carolina) is a large brightly colored dragonfly. Males have a metallic green thorax and an amber to rusty reddish brown abdomen marked with black patches resembling saddlebags. Females are dull yellowish brown with grayish to green eyes. Both have shining greenish wings with a wingspan reaching up to 3 inches. Carolina saddlebags inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats ranging from ponds, lakes and marshes to large rivers and streams across eastern North America. They are strong fliers known for patrolling fast and erratically just above open water chasing flying prey. Carolina saddlebags may disperse to new wetlands by migrating considerable distances. Their bright colors and large size make them prominent and easily recognized dragonflies.
16. Lancet Clubtail
The lancet clubtail (Gomphus exilis) is a medium sized dragonfly with greenish yellow or brown colored eyes. males have a yellowish green thorax and yellow to ochre colored abdomen. Females are similar but duller in color. Both have lance shaped wings held straight out from the body when at rest with a 2 to 2 1⁄2 inch wingspan. Lancet clubtails inhabit rocky riffles and springs in wooded areas from southern Canada south to Tennessee and east to New England. Their larval nymphs cling to submerged rocks where many carnivorous insect larvae feed. Adult lancet clubtails often perch prominently and defend small territories from other males. They capture flying insects by dropping down from foliage or rocks to grab prey mid-air.
17. Eight-Spotted Skimmer
The eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensis) is a common dragonfly of eastern and central North America. As its name implies, males have eight distinct spots aligned down each side of their black abdomen. Females are yellow brown without spots. Both sexes have eyes tinged red at the rear and a thorax that can be metallic green, blue or brown. Eight-spotted skimmers have a slender body and wingspan reaching 2 to 2 1/2 inches. They inhabit a wide variety of aquatic habitats from ponds to marshes where they are often seen patrolling rapidly or gliding low over open water in search of flying insect prey. Males establish and aggressively defend small territories that females enter to breed nearby. Their abundance and success at preying on mosquitoes, flies and other pest insects makes them a beneficial species.
18. Spangled Skimmer
The spangled skimmer (Libellula lydia) is a medium sized dragonfly with metallic blue, green or brown wings and a distinctive pattern of glittering white spots on its abdomen. Males have six vertical white stripes down each side while females lack stripes but have row of spots instead. Both sexes have large green eyes and a 2 to 2.5 inch wingspan. Spangled skimmers inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes and boggy wetlands throughout eastern and central North America where they are often seen patrolling shores or hovering above open water. Their aerial hunting speed and maneuverability makes them adept predators of flying insects like mosquitoes, flies and small butterflies. Spangled skimmers migrate south in fall and north in spring as their habitats shift with seasonal changes.
19. Eastern Pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicolis) is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies found throughout much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. As its name suggests, it is commonly seen around ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. The male eastern pondhawk has a bright blue abdomen with black markings. Its thorax is dark olive green to brown colored. Females have a greenish thorax and yellowish to brown abdomen. Eastern pondhawks are often seen perched on emergent vegetation at the edge of water waiting to seize flying insects as prey. They are able to change direction quickly in flight which helps them capture fast moving prey like mosquitoes and flies. Their wingspan averages around 2 inches. The eastern pondhawk is considered beneficial due to its predatory feeding habits in helping control populations of pest insect species.
20. Musketeer
The musketeer (Dromogomphus spoliatus) is a large robust dragonfly with distinct markings. Males have an emerald green thorax and black abdomen marked with yellow. Females are yellow or yellow brown. Both sexes have brown eyes and a wingspan up to 3 inches. Musketeers inhabit ponds, lakes and slow flowing streams found across eastern North America from southern Canada to Texas and Florida. They are commonly seen perched prominently on bare twigs or rocks holding their wings open at a 45 degree angle. Musketeers patrolled swiftly above open water or vegetation waiting to surprise passing aerial prey like flies or mosquitoes. Their bright colors and strong defense of territories make them a conspicuous dragonfly of many wetland habitats. Males form breeding swarms that females enter to mate.