What sorts of dragonflies can you discover in the US?
Dragonflies are simple to acknowledge by their lengthy, slender our bodies and distinctively slim wings. They typically stay round water, however these adaptable creatures additionally inhabit different areas.
There are no less than 5,000 species of dragonflies on the earth! Since it will be unattainable to listing all the ones in the US on this article, I selected the most typical and thrilling species to share with you in the present day. ????
Additionally, you will discover an analogous sort of insect, the damselfly, included on this listing. Though it may be arduous to inform these two aside, there are some key variations to search for.
- First, dragonflies are often bigger and thicker in physique, whereas damselflies are skinny and twiglike.
- Second, dragonflies maintain their wings out from their our bodies whereas resting. Conversely, damselflies fold them again in opposition to their our bodies.
#1. Jap 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. They’re extremely agile, ferocious aerial predators, which is the place the “hawk” moniker comes from. This species feeds on varied bugs and take down prey its personal measurement.
Jap Pondhawks typically relaxation on vegetation between hunts and take to their air when prey passes them. They often 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 habits, and Jap 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, Jap Pondhawks can ship a painful pinch for those who seize them. They’re fascinating creatures, however it’s finest to go away 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 crimson eyes.
Blue Dashers are some of the widespread 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.
Blue Dashers are voracious predators able to consuming lots of of bugs every day! They’ve quick reflexes and unimaginable eyesight. Their bulging, spherical eyes are composed of 30,000 aspects, every seeing in a special route. Mixed, the aspects permit these dragonflies to see in practically each route. Their two unbiased units of wings allow them to vary route shortly and to hover in place when obligatory.
As adults, they predominately feed on small flying bugs like mosquitoes, moths, flies, and mayflies. They catch as much as 95% of the prey they pursue, making them considered one of Earth’s most effective predators. Each women and men 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 nicely 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, distinguished 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.
The distinctive darkish markings on their clear wings are arduous to overlook. The black patches resemble a widow’s black scarf, which explains their widespread identify.
You’re prone to discover Widow Skimmers round open our bodies of water comparable to ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams through the summer time. They typically choose areas with muddy banks.
Male Widow Skimmers are extremely territorial and can patrol their territory and ward off rival males. You may additionally spot Widow Skimmers mating when a pair kinds 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 characteristic pale shoulder stripes that resemble exclamation marks.
Fragile Forktails are damselflies, that are much like dragonflies in the US.
Search for them from spring via summer time and into early fall. You’re prone 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 12 months. The males don’t guard the females, however the females excel at keeping 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 all 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 probably spot one. They zoom above the water feeding on mosquitoes and different small flying bugs. Frequent Whitetails additionally spend numerous time perching, and it’s possible you’ll spot them resting on vegetation or sometimes even on the bottom close to the water’s edge.
Males 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 plentiful and favourite meals supply for fish, frogs, birds, and different aquatic bugs and have as much as a 99% mortality fee.
#6. Jap Amberwing
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults develop as much as 1 inch lengthy.
- Their wings are pure gold, orange, or amber, and females have brown spots.
- Each sexes have giant crimson eyes, crimson pterostigmata (specialised thicker cells on the outer wing), and brown and yellow stripes on their stomach.
This species is the one dragonfly in the US identified to imitate wasps!
Jap Amberwings have brown and yellow stripes on their stomach that assist them seem wasp-like to warn away predators. Additionally they copy the habits of wasps, flexing and wiggling their abdomens just like the extra harmful bugs.
You’ll most definitely spot Jap Amberwings on heat, sunny days close to wetlands and small our bodies of water. They perch close to the water’s edge, sometimes darting out to feed on small flying bugs that occur by.
Males shield and patrol a shoreline territory about 20 toes broad. The males search for high-quality egg-laying websites with loads of aquatic vegetation as they want their territory to enchantment to females.
#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 gorgeous damselflies stay 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. And for those who look intently, it’s possible you’ll discover them turning their heads to trace you with their giant eyes!
Ebony Jewelwings are adventurous damselflies. You may sometimes spot males removed from water trying to find new territory. In cool climates, you’ll see them via the spring, summer time, and early fall, however they’re typically current year-round in hotter southern climates.
Search for fascinating mating habits in territorial male Ebony Jewelwings. They try to draw females by performing what’s often called a “cross” show. They face the feminine after which flip their hindwings downward, preserving 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 crimson.
- Females are yellow as younger however mature to crimson and tan.
These dragonflies in the US emerge later than many others.
Autumn Meadowhawks often grow to be energetic in early summer time, they usually’re commonest through the summer time and fall. You could possibly spot adults into November or till there’s a arduous 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 novel dragonfly species as a result of the males aren’t territorial and are often very tolerant of different males. This obvious friendliness is undoubtedly because 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 shade 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 look at as they flit, flutter, and bounce via the air round ponds, streams, creeks, and rivers. You might 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 after 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 unimaginable 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 section, and repeat the copy 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 quite 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 shortly 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 are going to feed on just about any soft-bodied insect that crosses their path. These embrace small moths, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, flying ants, and termites.
You’ll probably 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 appears, 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 just 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 bop throughout the sky. This flight sample is an effective way to distinguish “dancers” and “bluets,” two various kinds of damselflies in the US.
You’ll probably discover Variable Dancers round closely vegetated ponds, lakes, and streams. Nonetheless, they’ll sometimes 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 a darkish spot on the tip and the vanguard of their 4 wings.
These shy dragonflies will be arduous to identify in the US.
Slaty Skimmers favor 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.
Males 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 more durable 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 stay within the muck on the backside of ponds or streams. They stay 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 crimson 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 through the day, chasing different bugs via the air. They’re even capable of fly throughout rain and robust winds. They feed totally on smaller bugs like gnats, mosquitoes, and flies however sometimes take bigger prey, together with different dragonflies.
In contrast to most dragonflies in the US, Halloween Pennants will not be 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 in the US that like habitats with slow-moving or nonetheless water, vegetation, and daylight. They’re extremely widespread, and you’ll find them flying round ponds, lakes, and marshes. Whereas they by no means stay in saltwater, they’ve been noticed round brackish and sulfurous waters.
Most forktails favor 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.
#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 usually grow to be amber-tinted with age.
- Males have bluish-purple abdomens with a black stripe down the center.
- Females could appear as if males or have reddish-brown abdomens.
Inexperienced Darners are widespread dragonflies to seek out in the US.
Named for his or her resemblance to darning needles, these dragonflies are practically unattainable to overlook! They’re additionally one of many largest dragonfly species alive in the present day.
In contrast to 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 sometimes, vagrant people are noticed nicely exterior their regular vary. They’ve been identified to indicate up as distant as Japan, Russia, Bermuda, France, and the UK! Researchers suspect these are people who had been blown off track throughout storms.
Frequent Inexperienced Darner migration is advanced and difficult to review. Researchers now suspect a full migration takes place over no less than three generations. The primary era emerges in spring within the southern a part of the vary and travels north in the summertime. The second era emerges within the northern a part of their vary in summer time and migrates south through the fall. The third era emerges within the southern a part of the vary through the winter and doesn’t migrate. Then the cycle begins once more with the subsequent era.
When researchers geared up Frequent Inexperienced Darners with micro radio transmitters, they discovered that these large 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 crimson faces and eyes and vibrant crimson, pink, or golden brown abdomens.
- Females are comparable in look however duller in shade; grey and yellow typically exchange the males’ crimson, they usually have brownish and lavender eyes.
Variegated Meadowhawks are among the flashiest dragonflies in the US!
You’ll probably 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 just a few 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 era 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 sometimes perch whereas anticipating intruders. They are going to 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 characteristic clear wings with brown pterostigmata (thickened cells) on the vanguard.
It’s unattainable to overlook this dragonfly in the US!
These giant skimmers are robust, showy fliers, and the males have a definite, stunning look. Their rosy pink shade 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 plentiful 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 ward off intruders. They are going to 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 completely crimson 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 shade 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. Once 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 crimson morph with subdued crimson or orange coloration.
These gorgeous damselflies stay in varied habitats in the US.
They’ve an intensive vary because of their uncommon means to thermoregulate. They do that by transferring to totally different websites all through the day. At evening, they settle into sheltered bushes to keep away from warmth loss, however through 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 shade, Vivid Dancers aren’t at all times blue. They could seem crimson, 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 77°F (25°C) through the day.
#20. Pacific Forktail
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 0.91-1.18 inches lengthy.
- Males are black with good blue on the perimeters, 4 blue dots on high, and a blue band close to the top of their stomach.
- Females are practically all brown or black, however some resemble males.
The Pacific Forktail is commonly 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 plentiful round alkaline and saline ponds.
Regardless of their small measurement and delicate look, Pacific Forktails are fierce predators. Adults feed on varied 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 intently 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 high, diagonal blue stripes on the perimeters, and huge and small blue spots on their abdomens.
- Females even have blue eyes and an analogous sample however have a brown base shade 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 inclined to favor water our bodies which are surrounded by open areas quite than woodlands. Blue-eyed Darners are typically discovered round acid bogs and may tolerate alkaline water situations.
In contrast to many dragonfly species, Blue-eyed Darners typically vary removed from aquatic habitats after they’re not breeding. You could even spot them in metropolis parks, yards, parking heaps, and different city areas. Blue-eyed Darners could also be migratory in some areas, together with California, the place giant numbers present up within the fall.
Blue-eyed Darners are comparatively giant 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 giant 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 completely vibrant crimson with a pair of yellow spots on the higher physique. They’ve brownish wings with crimson veins.
- Females are brownish-red with translucent golden-brown wings.
Cardinal Meadowhawks are named for the males’ flashy vibrant crimson 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 fee.
This species’ flying abilities aren’t restricted to looking. When the feminine returns to the water to mate, she and the male will assume the “wheel place.” Flying in tandem, the male grasps the pinnacle of the feminine, and their our bodies then curl and pair at their abdomens, the place the male deposits his sperm. It might look awkward, however they’ll fly this fashion surprisingly nicely!
#23. Eight-spotted Skimmer
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.73-2.01 inches lengthy.
- Males are brownish-black with a powder blue or white coating and two giant darkish spots paired with two giant white spots on every of their wings, one close to the bottom and one close to the center.
- Females are comparable in shade however typically have yellow or orange markings alongside the perimeters of their our bodies and typically lack white markings on the wings.
The noticed wings of those stunning dragonflies in the US make them simple to see within the air. A number of 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 favor 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. Additionally they go to habitats away from the water, together with uplands, clearings, backyards, and parks.
In contrast to many dragonflies, male Eight-spotted Skimmers don’t guard particular territories. As an alternative, they fly constantly via appropriate shoreline habitats and are aggressive in direction of different male dragonflies, together with these of different species. Additionally they spend time perched close to the shore on branches, twigs, or vegetation, providing nice photograph alternatives for naturalists!
#24. Striped Meadowhawk
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.34-1.5 in lengthy.
- Males are principally crimson.
- Females are greenish-yellow to olive inexperienced.
- Each sexes have a pair of diagonal yellow stripes on all 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 plentiful 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 through 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. Once they’re completed mating, the pair will stay flying in tandem as the feminine deposits eggs. Spreading out the eggs helps enhance 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 crimson abdomens with black markings on the perimeters, darkish crimson faces, and crimson eyes.
- Females are greenish-yellow or orange with crimson 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 mild stream, loads of weedy progress, and tall grasses.
Band-winged Meadowhawks are extremely skillful fliers that may transfer , hover, and fly straight up and down. Males perch excessive above the water and fly out on quick patrols. Once 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 stay underneath 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 section can last as long as two years. Once they’re mature, the naiads depart the water, crawling out to shed their pores and skin and metamorphosing into adults.
#26. Jap 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.
Jap Forktails are widespread damselflies in the US.
You’ll discover them round nearly any wetland, marsh, pond, or slow-moving stream inside their vary. They’re significantly keen on water our bodies with grassy or weedy edges.
Regardless of their small measurement, Jap Forktails are aggressive predators that feed on different flying bugs. They are going to chase opponents away and sometimes even prey on different damselflies as giant as themselves! Surprisingly, this aggressive habits is extra widespread in females.
Males spend most of their time round best 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. Once 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 varied 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 simply’ve attracted.
Larval dragonflies, referred to as nymphs or naiads, stay in decaying vegetation on the backside of the water. They feed on insect larvae and freshwater shrimp. Once they mature, they emerge from the water at evening, shed their pores and skin and metamorphose into adults.
#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. People often have a favourite perch. If one flies from a perch close to you, it’s 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 will get a more in-depth look!
Twelve-spotted Skimmers additionally go to close by fields, prairies, and clearings to hunt, and a few populations migrate. They’re robust fliers that feed on nearly any soft-bodied flying insect, together with mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, flying ants, or termites.
Males 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 facet 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 may help you distinguish these damselflies from different varieties. They’re fairly widespread, and also you’ll typically spot them round vegetated slow-moving rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes.
Like different damselflies in the US, pairs kind a “wheel” place to mate. On this place, the male grasps the pinnacle of the feminine, and their our bodies then curl and pair at their abdomens, the place the male deposits his sperm. After mating, the pair flies gracefully in tandem, with the male greedy the feminine. Researchers have observed that the male’s thorax darkens in shade whereas the pair are flying in tandem.
The females deposit the eggs onto aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch into nymphs or naiads, which stay 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 damselflies and dragonflies have you ever seen in the US?
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