What Types of Dragonflies Are There?

Types of Dragonflies

Dragonflies are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world. In fact, they have been around for 300 million years and can be found almost everywhere. But did you know there are over 5,000 different species of dragonflies? It’s true! Each type of dragonfly is unique and has different characteristics that make them special. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of dragonflies.

Green Darners

Green darners are some of the most common dragonflies and are found all around the world. They have a distinctive green color and can grow up to two inches in length. They have a narrow body and long wings that can help them reach high speeds while they’re flying. Green darners are predators and feed on other flying insects like mosquitoes and moths.

Emperor Dragonflies

Emperor dragonflies are the largest species of dragonfly and can grow up to four inches long. They have a vibrant yellow-orange color and have long, slender wings. They live mainly in wetlands and swamps and feed on other insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and small fish. They are known to be very aggressive predators and will chase down their prey at high speeds.

Blue Dashers

Blue dashers are a type of dragonfly that can be found in North America and Europe. They are known for their bright blue color and their small size, usually growing to about one inch in length. Blue dashers are mainly found near bodies of water, like lakes and ponds, and feed mainly on mosquitoes and other small insects.

Common Whitetails

Common whitetails are a type of dragonfly that is found all over the world. They have a white and black coloration and grow to about one inch in length. Common whitetails prefer to live in shallow streams and ponds and feed mainly on small insects like mosquitoes and midges. They are known to be quite aggressive and will chase their prey at high speeds.

Damselflies

Damselflies are a type of dragonfly that are closely related to dragonflies. They are usually smaller, growing up to one inch in length, and have a slender body and long wings. Damselflies are usually found near bodies of water and feed mainly on small insects. They are also known for their bright colors and are often used in the pet trade.

Gossamer-Winged Dragonflies

Gossamer-winged dragonflies are a type of dragonfly that are found mainly in the United States. They are known for their metallic, iridescent color and their large size, usually growing to about two inches in length. They can be found near bodies of water, like ponds and lakes, and feed mainly on other insects, like mosquitoes and moths.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different types of dragonflies, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. From the small, brightly colored damselflies to the large, aggressive emperor dragonflies, these amazing creatures are a true wonder of nature. So the next time you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for one of these amazing creatures!