Best Libellulidae

The Roseate Skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea) is a dragonfly distributed from the United States to South America, highly notable for the mature male's vibrant, deep magenta or purple abdomen.

The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is a colorful dragonfly of North and Central America, recognized by its distinct orange and brown wing patterns resembling autumn colors.

The Graphic Flutterer, Rhyothemis graphiptera, is an Australian dragonfly distinguished by its broad, darkly patterned wings and distinctive hovering flight resembling a butterfly.

The Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata) is a brightly colored dragonfly native to the western United States, notable for the male's entirely brick-red body and vivid orange wing veins.

The Crimson Dropwing, Trithemis aurora, is a dragonfly widespread across tropical Asia, distinguished by the vibrant purple and crimson coloration of the mature male.

The Broad-bodied Chaser is a distinctive European dragonfly recognized by its extremely flattened, widened abdomen and territorial behavior near ponds.

The Pied Parasol, Neurothemis tullia, is a small dragonfly native to tropical Asia, notable for the extensive dark brown markings on the wings of the mature male.

The Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is a ubiquitous North American dragonfly, noted for the mature male's distinctive, broad, chalky white abdomen and dark wing bands.

The Seaside Dragonlet is a New World dragonfly notable as the only species in North America capable of breeding in highly saline coastal saltwater habitats.

The Violet Dropwing, Trithemis annulata, is an African dragonfly known for its striking violet-blue coloration and rapid expansion into Mediterranean Europe.

The Scarlet Dwarf, Nannophya pygmaea, is a dragonfly found in Southeast Asia and Australia, notable for being one of the smallest dragonfly species in the entire world.

The Fulvous Forest Skimmer, Neurothemis fulvia, is an Asian dragonfly species notable for the deep orange-brown coloration that covers the wings of the adult male.

The Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a conspicuous North American dragonfly named for the twelve black spots evenly distributed across its pale, broad wings.

The Broad Scarlet, Crocothemis erythraea, is a common dragonfly distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia, notable for the broad, flattened abdomen of the bright red male.

The Banded Groundling, Brachythemis leucosticta, is an African dragonfly notable for its habit of following large mammals, including elephants, to catch disturbed insects.

The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is an aggressive, highly predaceous dragonfly native to the eastern United States, recognized by the male's striking powdery blue hue.

The Elfin Skimmer is a diminutive dragonfly notable for holding the distinction of being the smallest dragonfly species native to the continent of North America.

The Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) is a large dragonfly species distributed across North America, identifiable by the wide, dark, saddle-like patches on its hind wings.

The Neon Skimmer (Libellula croceipennis) is a large dragonfly indigenous to the southwestern United States, distinguished by the brilliant, fluorescent orange-red coloration of the male.

The Carolina Saddlebags is a striking dragonfly species easily identified by the large, irregularly shaped red patches on its hindwings, prevalent in the eastern United States.

The Cardinal Meadowhawk is a New World dragonfly found from British Columbia to Mexico, noted for its vivid red body and amber wing patches.

The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is a North American dragonfly noted for the striking dark basal patches on its wings, a feature unique among its regional skimmer peers.

The sapphire flutterer (Rhyothemis triangularis) is a dragonfly species found in Asia, particularly marshy areas. It’s recognized by its vibrant blue or purple wing coloration, an iridescent effect produced by specialized scales. This striking appearance is common among Libellulidae dragonflies. The...

The Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) is a very small dragonfly species widespread in eastern North America, recognized by the distinct, dark amber and orange patterns on its wings.

The Filigree skimmer (*Pseudoleon superbus*) is a distinctive Libellulidae dragonfly found in desert regions of the southwestern United States. Its most notable feature is the complex, patterned brown markings resembling filigree on its transparent wings. These patterns provide camouflage within sun...

The Evening Skimmer is a tropical dragonfly species highly notable for its crepuscular behavior, meaning it is predominantly active and hunts during the twilight hours.

The Violet Dropwing (*Trithemis annulata*) is a dragonfly species within the Libellulidae family. It’s recognized for its distinctive violet-purple coloration found primarily in adult males inhabiting wetland environments across Africa and Europe. This vibrant hue is a key characteristic of this ins...

The Four-spotted Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a common Holarctic dragonfly distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, designated as the official state insect of Alaska.

The White-faced Darter is a small, threatened European species that inhabits peat bogs, uniquely identified by its striking pale, white-colored frons.