Rusty Snaketail

The Rusty Snaketail gets its name from the reddish-brown coloration on its thorax and the distinctive snake-like patterns on its abdomen. This coloring makes them uniquely recognizable compared to other dragonfly species.

The Rusty Snaketail is native to the central and eastern United States, frequently found near rivers and streams. They prefer fast-moving, clean water environments for their larval development.

The species was first described by the entomologist Benjamin Dann Walsh in 1862. Walsh was a prominent figure in 19th-century American entomology.

Like most dragonflies, the Rusty Snaketail is a predatory insect that feeds on smaller insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. They hunt primarily on the wing, utilizing their excellent vision and agile flight over river systems.