THE INSECTLIBRARY FIELD GUIDES
DragonflyIdentification, facts & practical guidance
Dragonflies are the Anisoptera group within Odonata. Damselflies share the order but are a different group.
Compiled by the InsectLibrary Team · Updated · Editorial policy
Identification and lookalikes
Dragonflies have a robust thorax and hindwings broader at the base than the forewings. Many hold their wings out when resting. Damselflies are usually more slender; wing posture alone has exceptions.
Life begins in water
The immature stage is an aquatic predator. Adults catch flying insects and may travel away from water. Color can change with maturity and differ between sexes, so it is not always a fixed species trait.
What to do next
Photograph wing patterns and the side of the thorax, with the location and date. Protect pond and stream habitat, and avoid disturbing an insect emerging from its larval skin.
Dragonfly: species profiles
Explore 345 species profiles covered by this guide, with recorded names and available photos.
Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax longipennis
(c) Anna Hess, some rights reserved (CC BY)Eastern Pondhawk
Erythemis simplicicollis
Common Whitetail
Plathemis lydia
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa
Common Green Darner
Anax junius
Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera
Autumn Meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum
Common Darter
Sympetrum striolatum
Black-tailed Skimmer
Orthetrum cancellatum
Ruddy Darter
Sympetrum sanguineum
Halloween Pennant
Celithemis eponina
Slaty Skimmer
Libellula incesta
Sources and further reading
- mdc.mo.gov - dragonflieshttps://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dragonflies
References support the subject discussed here; they do not certify every imported directory record. Regional sources describe their own locations. Read our source and correction policy.