They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilisation, and sperm competition. Around midsummer, females hover over bodies of fresh water and dip in their abdomens, laying eggs that hatch in about seven to eight days. Dragonfly, (suborder Anisoptera), any of a group of roughly 3,000 species of aerial predatory insects most commonly found near freshwater habitats throughout most of the world.
They are known for their relaxed, gliding flight and often perch prominently dragonfly candlestick on stems or reeds. Flame Skimmers often perch on exposed branches or rocks, basking in the sun before swiftly catching prey. Black Saddlebags are strong fliers, often seen soaring effortlessly in groups, especially during late summer migrations.
The slaty skimmer dragonfly Libellula incesta (pictured, an adult female) is native to eastern North America. They prefer to stay low on the ground or vegetation instead of flying above the water to avoid detection. They prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with rich vegetation; they occupy various regions across the Americas. Unlike other dragonflies, the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly has unique flying abilities, hovering in the air and darting in a straight line.
- Their arms slant upward, forming a type of basket and enabling them to scoop up prey in flight.
- The Banded Pennant (Celithemis fasciata) is a striking dragonfly with distinctively banded wings, common in the eastern United States.
- These types of dragonflies are sedentary; most of their life cycle happens in the larval stage, lasting up to two years.
- They are active hunters, often flying low over the water surface to catch prey and resting frequently on open ground or rocks.
- They have bulging eyes somewhat similar to the adults, but possess a formidable anatomical structure not present in the adult.
In the same order, there are damselflies under the suborder Zygoptera comprising 3,332 species. AllInsects shares simple, trustworthy guides to identify, understand, and appreciate insects—from backyard species to global favorites. They tend to perch on low branches or grass tips and defend their territory aggressively against intruders, often flying short distances to chase off others. They inhabit ponds, lakes, and marshes, especially where there is open space for hunting. The Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is a robust and very common dragonfly across much of North America, known for its short, thick body and distinctive markings. Four-spotted Chasers are often territorial and will chase away intruding dragonflies from their perches.
- Common Whitetails are found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, often favoring areas with open water and scattered vegetation.
- The dragonfly’s speed and agility contribute to its being one of the most effective aerial predators.
- In 2009, the first comprehensive assessment of insect species showed that 10 percent of dragonfly species were under threat of extinction.
- They undergo between six and 15 molts before emerging as fully formed adult dragonflies, a process that takes about 12 hours.
- Regarding habitat, these types of dragonflies prefer temporary water bodies and are often seen in rice fields and other agricultural areas.
Eastern Pondhawk
Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are sometimes also called dragonflies in that both are odonates (order Odonata). Extremely strong and agile fliers, dragonflies are among the fastest insects known and are voracious predators of flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies. The winged adults are diversely colored in a variety of shades ranging from metallic to pastel. Compared with other insects, they are large, with some having wingspans of up to 16 cm (about 6 inches).
Blue Dasher
Most species live in tropical areas, near ponds, rivers, marshes, and beaches; dragonfly nymphs are aquatic. However, each species has its distinct preference for the environment they inhabit. Adult dragonflies are characterized by long bodies with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings that, while generally transparent, may have colored markings.
Adults live only about a month, hunting flies, mosquitos, and midges. Their arms slant upward, forming a type of basket and enabling them to scoop up prey in flight. Dr. Clarence Hine discovered Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly, hence its name. Its appearance is striking, with green eyes, a metallic green body, and yellow stripes on its thorax and abdomen.
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
As the larva grows, it molts, its future wings first becoming apparent about halfway through the larva’s development. Eventually, the larva crawls out of the water (often at night) and molts one last time, emerging as an adult and leaving behind a cast skin (exuvia). In 2021 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the first global assessment of dragonflies as an update to their Red List of Threatened Species. They prefer still or slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, canals, and ditches, often with plenty of floating vegetation.
Whether delicately perched on a cattail or hovering over a pond, dragonflies are a sure sign of summer. As their name suggests, this type of dragonfly bags the record for the longest-distance insect flyer. The Black Saddlebags dragonfly is a type of skimmer dragonfly found in the aquatic environments of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. She prefers cooler climates, while the Common Sanddragon is home in the sand near streams and rivers. Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artefacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues, and Art Nouveau jewellery.
The Common Sanddragon is typically dark brown to black with yellow markings. Despite its name, it can be difficult to spot because of its ability to hide in sand or mud. They measure between 1.2 to 1.6 inches, which puts them in the medium-sized bracket of dragonfly species.
Dragonflies and humans
Eastern Pondhawks exhibit sexual dimorphism and have an average length of 1.5 to 2 inches. Males have bright blue bodies, while females and juveniles are green. Water can be forcibly expelled in this way, resulting in jet propulsion as a means of escape.
They are relatively large dragonflies, with a body length of up to 2.5 inches and a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches. In 2009, the first comprehensive assessment of insect species showed that 10 percent of dragonfly species were under threat of extinction. The animals are imperiled by destruction of freshwater habitats—particularly ponds, bogs, and fens—by pollution, and non-native vegetation. The Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is a sleek, dark dragonfly commonly seen across the eastern United States. It’s often mistaken for other species due to its uniform bluish-black coloring, especially among males.
Eastern Pondhawks are fierce predators, catching insects both in the air and on vegetation. They favor ponds, lakes, marshes, and quiet backwaters with lots of aquatic plants. Residing mainly in the northern parts of North America, their habitat ranges from ponds and bogs to slow-flowing streams surrounded by dense forests. Primarily found in the eastern United States, their preferred habitat is shallow, oligotrophic streams and rivers where the water flow is slow to moderate. It is named after Halloween due to its unique wing pattern and behavior.
Coloration
Dragonflies, like damselflies, exhibit a mating posture unique to the Odonata. The male and female contort themselves into the “wheel” position before sperm is transferred. Before and after mating, dragonflies often fly in tandem, with the male towing the female in flight using claspers at the tip of his abdomen to grip the back of her head. Pairs of some species may remain in tandem while the female lays her eggs. The Globe Skimmer has a pale brown body and transparent wings, with adults occasionally developing a golden shade.
Types of Dragonfly Species
Red-veined Darters are highly active fliers, often seen basking on bare ground or stones in sunny areas. They are aggressive predators, spending much of their time on the wing patrolling large territories. The Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea) is a vibrant dragonfly found across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, known for its intense red color.
Living on every continent but Antarctica, these insects are instantly recognizable by their large bodies; four long, horizontal wings; and the way they hover and zip around. Dragonflies can reach speeds of up to 35 miles an hour and fly just as gracefully backward by lifting off vertically, helicopter style. Their compound eyes are so large they nearly touch, and each one has about 28,000 single eyes, or ommatidia. Northern Emeralds are slender-bodied dragonflies with bright emerald green eyes and a bronze or dark brown body.
Regarding habitat, these types of dragonflies prefer temporary water bodies and are often seen in rice fields and other agricultural areas. Both males and females have a yellow and black striped thorax and a mainly black abdomen with yellow rings. Blue Dashers prefer calm waters or slow-moving streams with vegetation, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. The Azure Hawker (Aeshna caerulea) is a northern species with vivid blue markings, mostly found in subarctic and alpine habitats. Roseate Skimmers are territorial and often seen perched on sticks or tall grasses near the water.
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