What sorts of dragonflies can you discover in america?
Dragonflies are straightforward to acknowledge by their lengthy, slender our bodies and distinctively slender wings. They usually dwell round water, however these adaptable creatures additionally inhabit different areas.
There are a minimum of 5,000 species of dragonflies on this planet! Since it might be unimaginable to checklist all the ones in america on this article, I selected the commonest and thrilling species to share with you at present. 🙂
Additionally, you will discover an identical sort of insect, the damselfly, included on this checklist. Though it may be onerous to inform these two aside, there are some key variations to search for.
- First, dragonflies are normally 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 towards 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 america 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 dimension.
Jap Pondhawks usually 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 aren’t 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, but it surely’s greatest 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 related striped thoraces, brown and yellow striped abdomens, and crimson eyes.
Blue Dashers are one of the widespread dragonflies in america.
You’re most certainly to seek out them round calm or slow-moving our bodies of water, together with lakes, ponds, marshes, ditches, and sluggish rivers and streams.
Blue Dashers are voracious predators able to consuming a whole bunch 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 unique route. Mixed, the aspects enable these dragonflies to see in practically each route. Their two impartial units of wings allow them to vary route rapidly and to hover in place when vital.
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 one in all Earth’s most effective predators. Each men and women are aggressive towards different dragonflies.
The larval dragonflies, known 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 disguise in aquatic vegetation till they spot prey. Adults have a a lot shorter lifespan than naiads and die after just a few weeks.
#3. Widow Skimmer
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.7-2 in lengthy.
- They’ve cumbersome our bodies and huge, outstanding 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 america.
The distinctive darkish markings on their clear wings are onerous to overlook. The black patches resemble a widow’s black scarf, which explains their widespread title.
You’re more likely to discover Widow Skimmers round open our bodies of water equivalent to ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams through the summer season. They usually 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 types 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 function pale shoulder stripes that resemble exclamation marks.
Fragile Forktails are damselflies, that are much like dragonflies in america.
Search for them from spring by summer season and into early fall. You’re more likely to discover these bugs round ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving streams. They usually 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 heading off undesirable consideration. They flex their stomach and beat their wings quickly in a risk show.
#5. Widespread 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.
Widespread Whitetails are straightforward dragonflies to seek out in america.
In the event you spend time close to ponds, marshes, and different slow-moving our bodies of water, you’ll possible spot one. They zoom above the water feeding on mosquitoes and different small flying bugs. Widespread Whitetails additionally spend quite a lot of time perching, and you might spot them resting on vegetation or often 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 risk 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 america identified to imitate wasps!
Jap Amberwings have brown and yellow stripes on their stomach that assist them seem wasp-like to warn away predators. In addition they copy the habits of wasps, flexing and wiggling their abdomens just like the extra harmful bugs.
You’ll most certainly spot Jap Amberwings on heat, sunny days close to wetlands and small our bodies of water. They perch close to the water’s edge, often darting out to feed on small flying bugs that occur by.
Males defend and patrol a shoreline territory about 20 ft huge. 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 boring brown our bodies, smoky wings, and white spots close to the ideas.
These gorgeous damselflies dwell 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 carefully, you might discover them turning their heads to trace you with their giant eyes!
Ebony Jewelwings are adventurous damselflies. You may often spot males removed from water looking for new territory. In cool climates, you’ll see them by the spring, summer season, and early fall, however they’re usually 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 generally known as a “cross” show. They face the feminine after which flip their hindwings downward, conserving them perpendicular to the physique. Then they increase 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 america emerge later than many others.
Autumn Meadowhawks normally turn out to be lively in early summer season, and so they’re commonest through the summer season and fall. You could possibly spot adults into November or till there’s a onerous 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 imagine that they catch 97% of the bugs they pursue!
They’re a singular dragonfly species as a result of the males aren’t territorial and are normally very tolerant of different males. This obvious friendliness is undoubtedly as a result 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 suggestions.
- Females differ in coloration and could also be blue, brown, turquoise, or grayish-black.
These damselflies in america are named for his or her elegant flight.
They’re charming to look at as they flit, flutter, and bounce by the air round ponds, streams, creeks, and rivers. You might even see their enticing blue coloring higher as they relaxation on close by shrubs, grass, logs, and branches.
Male Blue-footed Dancers spend far 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 an alternative spend their time flying over grassy areas or in forests.
Larval Blue-fronted Dancers, known 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 identical sample however are usually gentle brown slightly than blue.
Acquainted Bluets are much less choosy about habitat than different damselflies and dragonflies in america. The males of this species are usually straightforward 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 rapidly reap the benefits of any new moist habitat that they discover.
Regardless of their charming and nearly delicate look, Acquainted Bluets are formidable predators. They’ll 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 possible 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 suggestions.
- Females have an identical sample however are normally brown as an alternative of violet.
As their title suggests, this species is variable in seems to be, and there are at present 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 simply present in Florida and options black wings.
The second a part of their title, “dancer,” refers to their bouncy, fluttering flight, which makes them seem to bounce throughout the sky. This flight sample is an effective way to distinguish “dancers” and “bluets,” two several types of damselflies in america.
You’ll possible discover Variable Dancers round closely vegetated ponds, lakes, and streams. Nevertheless, they will often 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 operating down their backs.
- Each sexes have a darkish spot on the tip and the vanguard of their 4 wings.
These shy dragonflies could be onerous to identify in america.
Slaty Skimmers choose 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 go. 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, then again, are harder 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 dwell within the muck on the backside of ponds or streams. They dwell 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 america!
With their brightly coloured, banded wings, it’s straightforward to see how they received their festive title. They’re predominantly discovered round vegetated our bodies of water equivalent to ponds, marshes, and lakes. You may usually spot them perched on the ideas of aquatic vegetation.
Halloween Pennants are highly effective fliers that hunt through the day, chasing different bugs by 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 often take bigger prey, together with different dragonflies.
In contrast to most dragonflies in america, Halloween Pennants should not 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 belly segments close to their rear.
- Females could seem much like males, or orange-red or olive inexperienced.
Rambur’s Forktails are damselflies in america 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 dwell in saltwater, they’ve been noticed round brackish and sulfurous waters.
Most forktails choose to perch amongst vegetation, however Rambur’s Forktails usually fly alongside open shorelines and perch on naked floor. They feed on soft-bodied flying bugs like mosquitoes and small moths.
#15. Widespread 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 turn out to be amber-tinted with age.
- Males have bluish-purple abdomens with a black stripe down the center.
- Females could seem like males or have reddish-brown abdomens.
Inexperienced Darners are widespread dragonflies to seek out in america.
Named for his or her resemblance to darning needles, these dragonflies are practically unimaginable to overlook! They’re additionally one of many largest dragonfly species alive at present.
In contrast to many dragonflies, some populations of Widespread 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 infrequently, 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 have been blown off beam throughout storms.
Widespread Inexperienced Darner migration is advanced and difficult to review. Researchers now suspect a full migration takes place over a minimum of 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 season 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 following era.
When researchers outfitted Widespread Inexperienced Darners with micro radio transmitters, they discovered that these massive 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 related in look however duller in coloration; grey and yellow usually change the males’ crimson, and so they have brownish and lavender eyes.
Variegated Meadowhawks are a number of the flashiest dragonflies in america!
You’ll possible 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 a couple of generations. They journey into the northern US and Canada and migrate as far south as Honduras and Belize. They normally seem in northern areas within the spring, and the following era departs southward in late summer season.
Variegated Meadowhawks fly low throughout migration and navigate visually by the solar. Researchers imagine this distinctive strategy 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 infrequently perch whereas anticipating intruders. They’ll 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 function clear wings with brown pterostigmata (thickened cells) on the vanguard.
It’s unimaginable to overlook this dragonfly in america!
These giant skimmers are robust, showy fliers, and the males have a definite, lovely look. Their rosy pink coloration is uncommon amongst bugs and even birds, making them straightforward to determine.
You’re most certainly 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 usually perch on close by twigs and vegetation and fly out to patrol the realm and ward off intruders. They’ll 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 solely crimson or darkish orange, together with their eyes, legs, and wing veins.
- Females are medium or darker brown with some skinny yellow markings.
Apparently, the Flame Skimmer’s fiery coloration matches its habitat desire. These dragonflies are usually discovered round scorching springs or heat ponds in america.
Flame Skimmers usually hunt from perches on twigs or rocks. After they spot prey, they fly out after it. Their food regimen is made up of soft-bodied bugs, together with mosquitoes, mayflies, butterflies, flies, moths, and termites.
Larval-stage Flame Skimmers, known 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 dwell in varied habitats in america.
They’ve an intensive vary as a result of their uncommon means to thermoregulate. They do that by shifting to totally different websites all through the day. At evening, they settle into sheltered timber 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 usually select areas with close by woods, sedge vegetation, and rocks.
Though they’re identified for his or her vibrant blue coloration, Vivid Dancers aren’t all the time 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 sensible blue on the perimeters, 4 blue dots on high, and a blue band close to the tip of their stomach.
- Females are practically all brown or black, however some resemble males.
The Pacific Forktail is usually the primary damselfly in america to emerge in spring and the final you’ll spot within the fall. You’re most certainly to seek out them round lowland, calm-water habitats equivalent to ponds, marshes, wetlands, and sluggish streams. They’re additionally usually plentiful round alkaline and saline ponds.
Regardless of their small dimension 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 may also seize aphids and different small bugs from vegetation.
Whereas females usually spend a lot of their time away from the water, males stick carefully 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 those 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 identical sample however have a brown base coloration and inexperienced markings.
Blue-eyed Darners are widespread dragonflies in america throughout summer season.
They’re straightforward to identify round lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, canals, and marshes. These bugs are inclined to choose water our bodies which are surrounded by open areas slightly than woodlands. Blue-eyed Darners are typically discovered round acid bogs and may also tolerate alkaline water circumstances.
In contrast to many dragonfly species, Blue-eyed Darners usually 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 solely 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 usually 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 usually spot them perched on a twig, plant, or different materials overhanging the water, ready for prey to go. 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 could look awkward, however they will 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 related in coloration however usually 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 lovely dragonflies in america make them straightforward to see within the air. Among 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 choose our bodies of water with weedy vegetation and muddy substrates. Nevertheless, you might not have to go to these locations to seek out them. In addition 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 repeatedly by appropriate shoreline habitats and are aggressive in direction of different male dragonflies, together with these of different species. In addition they spend time perched close to the shore on branches, twigs, or crops, providing nice picture alternatives for naturalists!
#24. Striped Meadowhawk
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are 1.34-1.5 in lengthy.
- Males are largely 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 one of the plentiful dragonflies in america.
You may spot these bugs round sluggish 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. After 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 abruptly.
#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 america are sometimes straightforward 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 back and forth, hover, and fly straight up and down. Males perch excessive above the water and fly out on quick patrols. After 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 dwell below 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. After 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 suggestions.
- Females are bluish-gray.
Jap Forktails are widespread damselflies in america.
You’ll discover them round nearly any wetland, marsh, pond, or slow-moving stream inside their vary. They’re notably keen on water our bodies with grassy or weedy edges.
Regardless of their small dimension, Jap Forktails are aggressive predators that feed on different flying bugs. They’ll chase opponents away and infrequently 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 hundreds 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. After they’re not mating, they fly in sunny patches of close by forests.
These dragonflies in america usually 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. In the event 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 just’ve attracted.
Larval dragonflies, known as nymphs or naiads, dwell in decaying vegetation on the backside of the water. They feed on insect larvae and freshwater shrimp. After 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 america, Twelve-spotted Skimmers like weedy, slow-moving water.
You may spot them round lakes with marshy shorelines and slow-moving streams. People normally have a favourite perch. If one flies from a perch close to you, you must transfer nearer to the situation and stay nonetheless. Odds are they’ll return to land once more in a couple of minutes, and you may get a better 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 usually get into territorial disputes, making vertical loops within the air. Fortunately these disputes don’t lead to 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 suggestions, blue eyespots, and amber-tinted wings.
- Females are brownish and weakly marked.
As their title suggests, their bouncy, dance-like flight patterns may also help you distinguish these damselflies from different sorts. They’re fairly widespread, and also you’ll usually spot them round vegetated slow-moving rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes.
Like different damselflies in america, 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 seen that the male’s thorax darkens in coloration whereas the pair are flying in tandem.
The females deposit the eggs onto aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch into nymphs or naiads, which dwell 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 america?
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