Lucifer Swampdamsel
Leptobasis lucifer
This record describes Leptobasis lucifer (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males with bright orange tip of the abdomen Odonata Central records
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Leptobasis (Swamp damsels)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
South Florida, southern Mexico, south to Costa Rica Odonata Central map
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Leptobasis lucifer. 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 Lucifer Swampdamsel (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by William Edwards; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucifer Swampdamsel
What is Lucifer Swampdamsel?
Lucifer Swampdamsel (Leptobasis lucifer) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Lucifer Swampdamsel?
Males with bright orange tip of the abdomen Odonata Central records
Where is Lucifer Swampdamsel found?
Range: South Florida, southern Mexico, south to Costa Rica Odonata Central map