The common whitetail dragonfly is a striking North American species recognized by the mature male’s chalky-white abdomen and broad dark wing bands. Females look remarkably different, displaying brown bodies, pale abdominal markings, and three dark spots on each wing. Its scientific name is Plathemis lydia, and it belongs to the skimmer family, Libellulidae. Common whitetails … Read more
A black and white dragonfly is not one specific species. The description can refer to several dragonflies with dark bodies, pale abdominal markings, or bold black-and-white patches across their wings. Some of the best-known examples include the twelve-spotted skimmer, pied paddy skimmer, common whitetail, widow skimmer, and chalk-fronted corporal. These striking insects are usually found … Read more
A yellow dragonfly is not one particular species. The name may describe any dragonfly with a yellow abdomen, yellow stripes, golden wings, or bright yellow markings. Many female and newly emerged dragonflies appear yellow before their colors darken as they mature. Examples include the yellow-sided skimmer, yellow-winged darter, female ruddy darter, and several clubtails, meadowhawks, … Read more
The red-veined darter is a colorful, highly mobile dragonfly recognized by its bright abdomen, tinted wing bases, distinctive eyes, and colored wing veins. Its scientific name is Sympetrum fonscolombii, and it is also sometimes called the nomad because individuals can travel considerable distances between suitable wetlands. The species is widespread across warmer regions of Europe, … Read more
The Great Blue Skimmer is one of the largest and most impressive skimmer dragonflies in North America. Mature males are recognized by their powdery blue bodies, pale faces, and blue-green eyes. Females and immature males look different, displaying brown or yellowish bodies with dark markings. This dragonfly prefers shaded ponds, wooded swamps, and slow-moving streams … Read more
The Slaty Skimmer is a medium-to-large dragonfly known for the dark slate-blue appearance of mature males. It is commonly seen around wooded ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams in eastern North America. Although mature males are easy to recognize, females and young males look noticeably different, with brown bodies and dark abdominal stripes. Like other … Read more
The Widow Skimmer is a large, striking dragonfly recognized by the dark patches covering the bases of its wings. Mature males develop contrasting white wing bands and a powdery blue-white abdomen, while females remain brown and yellow. This useful insect is commonly observed near ponds, lakes, marshes, and other slow-moving waters across much of North … Read more
The neon skimmer dragonfly is a brilliantly colored insect commonly found around ponds, streams, canals, and other warm freshwater habitats. Mature males display a vivid red or reddish-pink body, while females usually have yellowish-brown coloration and dark markings. Scientifically known as Libellula croceipennis, this active aerial predator helps control mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects. … Read more
Flame skimmers are among the most colorful dragonflies seen around ponds, streams, wetlands, and warm springs. Mature males often display brilliant orange, scarlet, crimson, or red bodies that appear to glow in sunlight. Their strong flight and habit of returning to exposed perches also make them relatively easy to observe. Scientifically, the name Flame Skimmer … Read more
The Widow Skimmer is a striking dragonfly known for its bold black wing bands, pale patches, and graceful flight around ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving water. Its scientific name is Libellula luctuosa, and it is one of the most recognizable skimmers in North America. Both male and female Widow Skimmers have eye-catching wings, but their … Read more
