The swamp darner is one of the largest dragonflies in North America. Scientifically named Epiaeschna heros, it has a long dark-brown abdomen, narrow green rings, green thoracic stripes, and striking blue eyes in mature males. This powerful predator inhabits shaded ponds, wooded swamps, temporary wetlands, and slow streams across eastern North America. Adults may also … Read more
The blue-eyed darner is a large, fast-flying dragonfly recognized by its vivid blue eyes and colorful body markings. Scientifically named Rhionaeschna multicolor, it occurs mainly across western North America, although sightings extend eastward into parts of the Midwest. This powerful aerial predator patrols ponds, lakes, marshes, fields, and shorelines while hunting smaller insects. Females may … Read more
The banded pennant is a small but striking dragonfly known for the bold black markings across its transparent wings. Scientifically named Celithemis fasciata, it usually lives around warm, vegetated ponds and lakes in eastern and south-central North America. Adults often perch at the tips of grass stems or branches, where their wings catch the sunlight … Read more
The southern hawker dragonfly is a large, fast-flying species recognized by its green markings, broad shoulder stripes, and inquisitive behavior. It frequently patrols ponds, canals, woodland paths, and gardens, sometimes hovering close to people as though inspecting them. Scientifically known as Aeshna cyanea, this powerful aerial predator catches insects in flight and spends its immature … Read more
The wandering glider is an extraordinary dragonfly known for spending long periods in flight and migrating across continents and oceans. Its broad wings, lightweight body, and ability to use favorable winds allow it to travel farther than most insects. Also called the globe skimmer or globe wanderer, this golden-yellow dragonfly breeds rapidly in temporary rain … Read more
The Black Saddlebags dragonfly is a strong-flying species recognized by the large, dark patches at the bases of its hindwings. These markings look like a pair of saddlebags hanging across the insect’s body, explaining its unusual common name. Also called the Black Saddlebags skimmer, this dragonfly spends much of its time gliding above ponds, fields, … Read more
The emperor dragonfly is one of Europe’s largest and most powerful dragonflies. Recognized by its apple-green thorax and long blue or green abdomen, it spends summer patrolling ponds, lakes, canals, and slow rivers. Its scientific name is Anax imperator, and it is also called the blue emperor. Despite its intimidating size and fast flight, this … Read more
The scarlet darter is a striking dragonfly best known for the brilliant red coloration of mature males. Scientifically named Crocothemis erythraea, it is also called the broad scarlet or scarlet dragonfly. The species is widespread across Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of western Asia. It favors warm, sunny wetlands and is gradually … Read more
The four-spotted chaser dragonfly is a medium-sized, brown dragonfly recognized by the distinctive dark marking near the middle of each wing. Its scientific name is Libellula quadrimaculata. It is widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere and is commonly seen around shallow ponds, lakes, bog pools, and wetlands. Both males and females look remarkably similar, … Read more
The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a large North American dragonfly recognized by the dark patches arranged across its transparent wings. Mature males are especially striking because white patches appear between the dark markings, while females retain a simpler brown-and-clear wing pattern. This active predator is commonly found around ponds, lakes, marshes, fields, and slow-moving … Read more
