Blue Corporal
Ladona deplanata
This record describes Ladona deplanata (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Mature males deep blue, dark marks at the base of wings. Females and teneral males are brown with corporal stripes on thorax.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Ladona (Corporals)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland edges near ponds, also slow-moving streams
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States, north to the coastal plain of Massachusetts
Seasonal Activity
March-May (early spring only)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on flying insects
Life History
A "spring ephemeral" dragonfly.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Corporal" comes from the stripes on the female and teneral, presumably.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ladona deplanata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blue Corporal (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by cotinis , Vox Sciurorum , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Corporal
What is Blue Corporal?
Blue Corporal (Ladona deplanata) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Blue Corporal?
Length 31-35 mm
How do you identify Blue Corporal?
Mature males deep blue, dark marks at the base of wings. Females and teneral males are brown with corporal stripes on thorax.
Where is Blue Corporal found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodland edges near ponds, also slow-moving streams |
| Range | Southeastern United States, north to the coastal plain of Massachusetts |
What does Blue Corporal eat?
The diet of the Blue Corporal includes Predatory on flying insects.
When is Blue Corporal active?
Blue Corporal: seasonal activity - March-May (early spring only).
What is the life cycle of a Blue Corporal?
A spring ephemeral dragonfly.