Dragonflies are not only beautiful to watch—they’re also skilled hunters and important members of freshwater ecosystems. From the bold Common Green Darner to the dazzling Scarlet Darter, each species has unique colors, habits, and habitats. In this guide, you’ll find 20 common types of dragonflies, complete with names, identification tips, behavior, and diet to help you recognize and understand them better.
1. Common Green Darner
The Common Green Darner (Anax junius) is one of the most recognizable dragonflies in North America. It gets its name from its bright green thorax and resemblance to a darning needle. Known for its strong flight and long-distance migration, it’s often seen patrolling ponds and wetlands.
Identification
- Color: Bright green thorax with a blue abdomen (males), brownish (females)
- Size: 2.5 to 3 inches (63–75 mm)
- Eyes: Large and touch at the top of the head
- Wings: Clear, long, and slightly veined
Habitat
Found near ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams across North and Central America. It often hunts in open fields and meadows near water.
2. Blue Dasher
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a small, fast-flying dragonfly commonly seen hovering around garden ponds and shallow wetlands. It’s admired for its bright coloring and darting flight pattern.
Identification
- Color: Blue abdomen with a green face and striped thorax (males); brownish with yellow stripes (females)
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches (25–38 mm)
- Wings: Transparent with a dark patch near the tips
- Eyes: Large and compound, typically blue or green
Habitat
Prefers warm, still waters like ponds, marshes, and ditches. It’s widespread across the United States and often seen perched on reeds or flying low over water.
3. Twelve-spotted Skimmer
The Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a striking dragonfly known for the distinctive black and white spots on its wings. It is a strong flier and often found around calm water sources during warm months.
Identification
- Color: Brown body with white spots between black ones on each wing (males); females lack white spots
- Size: 1.8 to 2 inches (45–50 mm)
- Wings: Each wing has 3 black spots (12 total), and males also have 8 white spots
- Eyes: Reddish-brown and widely spaced
Habitat
Found near ponds, lakes, and marshes throughout North America. Prefers still or slow-moving waters with ample vegetation for perching.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on small flying insects like gnats, mosquitoes, moths, and flies
- Nymphs: Hunt aquatic insects, tadpoles, and tiny fish under water
Behavior
Often seen perching on sticks or reeds near water. Males are territorial and will defend their flight zones aggressively. They fly in short, quick bursts and often return to the same perch. Nymphs live in the water for months before emerging as adults.
4. Halloween Pennant
The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is a beautifully colored dragonfly with orange wings and dark bands, resembling Halloween decorations. It is gentle in nature and known for its fluttery, graceful flight.
Identification
- Color: Orange to yellow wings with dark brown to black bands; orange body
- Size: 1.5 to 1.7 inches (38–43 mm)
- Wings: Broad and colorful with a pennant-like fluttering flight
- Eyes: Red to orange
Habitat
Found in open wetlands, meadows, and near calm lakes and ponds, mainly in eastern and central North America. Likes tall grasses and flowers near water.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on mosquitoes, midges, small moths, and other soft-bodied insects
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic larvae, worms, and tiny crustaceans
Behavior
Unlike many dragonflies, it prefers to perch at the top of tall grasses, often swaying in the wind. It has a fluttery, butterfly-like flight and is less territorial than other species. Active during the day, especially in warm, sunny weather.
5. Widow Skimmer
The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is a beautifully patterned dragonfly known for its bold wing markings and widespread presence across North America. Males and females have distinct wing and body coloration, making them easy to tell apart.
Identification
- Color: Males have a powdery blue abdomen and broad black wing bands with white patches; females are brown with just the black bands
- Size: 1.7 to 2 inches (43–50 mm)
- Wings: Broad, with dark base bands and (in males) white patches in the middle
- Eyes: Large and brown
Habitat
Inhabits ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow streams, especially those with lots of shoreline vegetation. Frequently seen perched on reeds or grasses.
Diet
- Adults: Hunt and eat mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other small flying insects
- Nymphs: Live in muddy bottoms and feed on aquatic insects and small aquatic animals
Behavior
Males are territorial and spend a lot of time patrolling their area, often returning to the same perch. Females visit only for mating and egg-laying. This species is commonly seen sunning itself on twigs and fence posts near water.
6. Eastern Pondhawk
The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a fierce predator with vibrant coloring. Females are bright green, while mature males are powdery blue. It is one of the few dragonflies where males and females look quite different.
Identification
- Color: Females bright green with black markings; males pale blue with green face
- Size: 1.5 to 1.8 inches (38–46 mm)
- Wings: Clear with slight amber tint near the base
- Eyes: Green in females, blue-green in males
Habitat
Common in ponds, lakes, ditches, and garden water features. It prefers open water with nearby vegetation for perching and hunting.
Diet
- Adults: Eat a variety of insects including wasps, beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and other dragonflies
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic larvae, tadpoles, and even small fish
Behavior
Eastern Pondhawks are aggressive hunters, often seen chasing prey in mid-air. Males are territorial and patrol open water, while females stay closer to vegetation. Unlike many dragonflies, they frequently rest flat on the ground or low perches.
7. Flame Skimmer
The Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata) is one of the most striking dragonflies in North America, known for its intense orange-red coloration. It is common in the western U.S., especially in warm, arid climates.
Identification
- Color: Bright flame-red or orange body and wings (males); females are duller, with amber-brown tones
- Size: 2 to 2.5 inches (50–63 mm)
- Wings: Broad and often fully orange, including veins
- Eyes: Red or reddish-brown
Habitat
Found around warm ponds, hot springs, slow creeks, and desert oases, especially in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Prefers sunny, open water bodies with exposed rocks or sticks for perching.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on flying insects such as moths, bees, flies, and mosquitoes
- Nymphs: Eat aquatic insects, larvae, and small aquatic creatures
Behavior
Flame Skimmers are active and bold hunters, often perching on rocks or bare twigs. Males patrol their territories aggressively. They prefer hot, sunny days and often hover over shallow water before returning to their perch.
8. Black Saddlebags
The Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) is easily recognized by the large, dark blotches on its hindwings that resemble saddlebags. It’s a strong, gliding flier often seen soaring far from water.
Identification
- Color: Black or dark brown body with distinctive black patches on each hindwing
- Size: 2 to 2.5 inches (50–63 mm)
- Wings: Transparent with dark “saddlebag” markings on hindwings
- Eyes: Dark red to brown
Habitat
Inhabits ponds, lakes, marshes, and even open fields. Found across most of North America. Unlike many species, it often forages far from water.
Diet
- Adults: Catch and eat mosquitoes, small moths, and other flying insects mid-air
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic larvae, tadpoles, and small crustaceans
Behavior
Known for long gliding flights, Black Saddlebags often form migrating swarms. Males are territorial near water but also fly high and wide, often seen soaring over roads and fields. They rarely perch but may hang from vegetation during rest.
9. Wandering Glider
The Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) is the most widespread dragonfly in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. It’s known for its long-distance migratory behavior and constant gliding flight, even far from water.
Identification
- Color: Yellow to golden-brown body
- Size: 2 to 2.2 inches (50–56 mm)
- Wings: Clear, long, and broad with a reddish tint at the base
- Eyes: Large and reddish
Habitat
Highly adaptable, it breeds in temporary pools, rain-filled ditches, and rice fields. Found in both rural and urban settings, it can even appear miles away from water.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on tiny flying insects such as midges, mosquitoes, and fruit flies
- Nymphs: Eat small aquatic invertebrates in temporary or shallow water bodies
Behavior
Wandering Gliders are strong, continuous flyers that spend most of their time on the wing. Known for cross-ocean migrations, they are rarely seen perching. They are one of the few species that can breed in ephemeral water sources like puddles and rain pools.
10. Slaty Skimmer
The Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is a sleek, bluish-black dragonfly common in eastern North America. Its smooth, slate-colored body and habit of perching on bare branches make it easy to spot near calm freshwater.
Identification
- Color: Males are solid slate-blue to black; females are brown with pale stripes
- Size: 1.9 to 2.2 inches (48–56 mm)
- Wings: Clear with dark veins and no spots
- Eyes: Dark reddish-brown
Habitat
Favors still or slow-moving water bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshes. Often found in areas with open sun and sparse vegetation for easy perching and hunting.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on soft-bodied flying insects, including flies, bees, and moths
- Nymphs: Live in muddy bottoms, feeding on aquatic insects, tadpoles, and tiny fish
Behavior
The Slaty Skimmer is often seen perching on twigs or plant stems, making quick flights to catch prey and returning to the same spot. Males are territorial, defending areas around shallow water for mating and egg-laying.
11. Four-spotted Chaser
The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a medium-sized dragonfly known for the distinctive four dark spots on its wings. It’s found across Europe, Asia, and North America and is especially active during spring and early summer.
Identification
- Color: Brown body with yellow side spots and black-tipped abdomen
- Size: 1.6 to 1.8 inches (40–45 mm)
- Wings: Four dark spots—one on each wing node and additional dark patches near the tips
- Eyes: Reddish-brown and close-set
Habitat
Prefers marshes, ponds, bogs, and slow streams with plenty of surrounding vegetation. It often rests on reed stems or low twigs near the water’s edge.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on mosquitoes, gnats, and small flying insects
- Nymphs: Hunt aquatic insects, small fish fry, and tadpoles
Behavior
A strong, fast flier, the Four-spotted Chaser is highly territorial, often hovering and darting from perch to perch. It patrols short distances over water and returns to favored lookout points. Active on sunny days, especially in cooler climates.
12. Golden-ringed Dragonfly
The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is the longest dragonfly species in the UK and easily recognized by its striking black and yellow striped body. It is typically found in upland and moorland areas.
Identification
- Color: Black body with bold yellow rings
- Size: 2.5 to 3.3 inches (65–85 mm)
- Wings: Clear with dark veins and strong build
- Eyes: Large and green
Habitat
Prefers clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers in hilly or forested regions. Often seen flying along paths, woodland edges, and small moorland watercourses.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on bees, butterflies, midges, and other flying insects
- Nymphs: Live in streambeds and eat aquatic insects and larvae
Behavior
Golden-ringed Dragonflies are powerful, tireless fliers, often patrolling long stretches of stream. Males are territorial, while females are more elusive. They can be seen hunting along trails and sometimes rest vertically on vegetation.
13. Southern Hawker
The Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) is a large, inquisitive dragonfly commonly found in gardens, parks, and wooded ponds across Europe. It’s known for flying close to people and hovering in place while inspecting its surroundings.
Identification
- Color: Black body with bright green (and blue in males) markings
- Size: 2.8 to 3 inches (70–76 mm)
- Wings: Clear with brown-tinted bases and strong veins
- Eyes: Large, blue or green depending on sex
Habitat
Prefers woodland ponds, garden water features, canals, and small lakes with shaded banks. It adapts well to man-made environments and breeds in still water with vegetation.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on midges, flies, butterflies, and other insects
- Nymphs: Eat aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and small fish
Behavior
The Southern Hawker is a curious and bold flier, often flying very close to observers. Males patrol in long, looping paths and chase off intruders. They are active from mid-summer to early autumn and can hover skillfully for long moments.
14. Common Hawker
The Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) is a strong, fast-flying dragonfly native to northern Europe and parts of North America. It thrives in cooler, boggy areas and is a common sight during summer in upland habitats.
Identification
- Color: Males have blue spots on a black body; females are brown with yellow spots
- Size: 2.7 to 3 inches (68–75 mm)
- Wings: Clear with long, narrow build
- Eyes: Touching and typically blue or green
Habitat
Found in peat bogs, moorland pools, lakes, and forest ponds, especially in cooler northern climates. Prefers clean, acidic water with surrounding vegetation.
Diet
- Adults: Catch and eat flies, moths, and other insects in mid-air
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic insects, worms, and small aquatic animals
Behavior
Common Hawkers are restless, high-speed hunters. Males patrol wide territories, while females are more secretive, often seen laying eggs in floating vegetation. They can fly in cooler weather and are often active later in the season than other species.
15. Red-veined Darter
The Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a medium-sized dragonfly known for its bright red body and distinct red veins on the wings. It is widespread in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and occasionally migrates to northern regions.
Identification
- Color: Males are bright red with red wing veins; females and juveniles are yellow-brown
- Size: 1.6 to 1.8 inches (40–45 mm)
- Wings: Clear with red veins and a small amber patch at the base
- Eyes: Reddish or brown
Habitat
Prefers warm, open wetlands including temporary ponds, ditches, and rice fields. It adapts to disturbed or shallow water and is often seen in sunny, dry regions.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on small flying insects such as gnats, mosquitoes, and tiny flies
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic larvae, worms, and tiny crustaceans
Behavior
The Red-veined Darter is a fast and agile flyer, often seen darting and hovering over warm, shallow water. Males are territorial and frequently perch on the ground or low plants. It is one of the few dragonflies known for long-distance migration.
16. Banded Pennant
The Banded Pennant (Celithemis fasciata) is a graceful dragonfly easily recognized by its banded wings and fluttery flight. It is native to eastern and central North America and is common in calm, weedy waters.
Identification
- Color: Males are powdery blue with dark wing bands; females are yellow-brown with lighter banding
- Size: 1.6 to 1.8 inches (40–46 mm)
- Wings: Broad with distinct dark bands, resembling a flag or pennant
- Eyes: Large and reddish
Habitat
Inhabits ponds, lakes, and marshes, especially those with open, sunny banks and plenty of emergent vegetation. Often found resting on tall grass or reeds near the water.
Diet
- Adults: Catch mosquitoes, small moths, midges, and other flying insects
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic invertebrates in still or slow-moving water
Behavior
The Banded Pennant has a delicate, fluttering flight and frequently perches at the tips of grasses. Males often patrol and hover near their territory, while females stay closer to vegetation. They are typically active in the early morning and late afternoon.
17. Spangled Skimmer
The Spangled Skimmer (Libellula cyanea) is a beautifully marked dragonfly found in the eastern United States. Its metallic body and distinct wing spots make it a standout species near calm freshwater habitats.
Identification
- Color: Males have a bright blue abdomen with a black-and-white thorax; females are brown with yellow stripes
- Size: 1.6 to 2 inches (40–50 mm)
- Wings: Clear with dark stigmas and white “spangles” (small white patches near the tips)
- Eyes: Blue in males, brown in females
Habitat
Found around ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams with sunny, open banks and abundant aquatic vegetation. Often rests on twigs, grass tips, or lily pads.
Diet
- Adults: Hunt flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other flying insects
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small aquatic organisms
Behavior
Spangled Skimmers are active hunters, often seen darting over the water’s surface. Males are territorial, frequently returning to favorite perches. Their hovering and gliding flight patterns make them easy to spot on warm, sunny days.
18. Scarlet Darter
The Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea), also known as the Broad Scarlet, is a vivid red dragonfly found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It thrives in warm regions and is often seen basking in the sun.
Identification
- Color: Males are bright scarlet-red; females and juveniles are yellowish-brown
- Size: 1.5 to 1.7 inches (38–44 mm)
- Wings: Clear with a small amber patch at the base
- Eyes: Red in males, brown in females
Habitat
Prefers still or slow-flowing waters, such as ponds, lakes, canals, and marshes—especially in sunlit, open areas with sparse vegetation.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on small flying insects like flies, gnats, and mosquitoes
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic larvae and tiny crustaceans
Behavior
Scarlet Darters are bold and sun-loving, often seen perching low on rocks, mud, or vegetation near water. Males are highly visible due to their color and habit of defending small territories. They are most active in hot, dry conditions.
19. Emperor Dragonfly
The Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) is one of Europe’s largest and most powerful dragonflies. Known for its vibrant blue and green coloring and constant motion, it rarely sits still and is a dominant presence over large water bodies.
Identification
- Color: Bright blue abdomen with a green thorax (males); green and brown in females
- Size: 2.8 to 3.3 inches (70–85 mm)
- Wings: Long, clear, and strong with brownish bases
- Eyes: Large and green
Habitat
Prefers large ponds, lakes, canals, and slow rivers, especially with floating and emergent vegetation. It avoids heavily shaded areas and thrives in warm, sunny climates.
Diet
- Adults: Feed on butterflies, bees, other dragonflies, and flying insects
- Nymphs: Consume aquatic larvae, tadpoles, and even small fish
Behavior
The Emperor Dragonfly is a restless flier, patrolling water surfaces without pausing. Males are highly territorial and chase off intruders. They often hunt in flight and rarely perch for long, making them easier to observe while airborne.
20. Clubtail Dragonfly
Clubtail Dragonflies belong to the family Gomphidae, named for the swollen tip of the abdomen resembling a club. These dragonflies are typically found near clean rivers and streams and are less flashy than some of their relatives.
Identification
- Color: Usually green or yellow with black markings; males have a widened “clubbed” abdomen tip
- Size: 2 to 2.4 inches (50–60 mm)
- Wings: Clear, held straight out when at rest
- Eyes: Widely spaced and green or blue
Habitat
Prefer clean, flowing water like rivers, streams, and occasionally lakes. Larvae live in sandy or muddy bottoms and are well-camouflaged.
Diet
- Adults: Eat small flying insects such as flies, midges, and moths
- Nymphs: Feed on aquatic insects, larvae, and small fish fry
Behavior
Clubtail Dragonflies are low, straight fliers often seen skimming just above water or grass. They tend to be more secretive, perching low on rocks or soil rather than high on vegetation. Males patrol short stretches of water, often in straight lines.