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
The Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia) is a medium-sized dragonfly known for the brilliant red coloring of mature males. Females and immature males look very different, displaying yellowish-brown or light brown bodies instead of scarlet. Native across warm parts of Asia, the species is common in India and Singapore and has also become established in southern … Read more
The Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata) is a large orange-red dragonfly native to western North America. Mature males appear almost entirely fiery orange, including their bodies, legs, wing veins, and much of their wings. Females are usually paler, ranging from golden orange to tan. Flame Skimmers are commonly seen around sunny ponds, warm streams, springs, canals, … Read more
A bright red dragonfly is usually an adult male belonging to one of several colorful skimmer species. It is not the name of a single species. In California, the insect may be a Flame Skimmer; in Texas, it may be a Neon Skimmer; in Florida, it could be an introduced Scarlet Skimmer; and in Spain, … Read more
Dragonflies can bite or pinch when they are caught and held, but they do not normally bite people. They cannot sting because they have no stinger, and they do not feed on blood. Most species are too small to break human skin, although a large dragonfly may produce a noticeable pinch if it is handled … Read more
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
