Wisconsin offers a rich habitat for many species of skeeter hawk , reach it an idealistic position to observe these bewitching insects in their natural surroundings . Dragonflies in Wisconsincan be seen near ponds , lakes , and wetlands throughout the warm months , showcasing a change of colors and behaviors that attract both casual percipient and serious naturalists likewise .
The multifariousness ofdragonflies in Wisconsinreflects the state ’s tidy aquatic ecosystems , as these insects depend on clean pee for gentility and ontogenesis . Studyingdragonflies in Wisconsinnot only provides brainstorm into their alone life cycle but also help monitor the overall wellness of local environments , since skeeter hawk are sore to befoulment and habitat modification .
In this clause , you will notice detailed information and photographs of 16 commontypes of dragonflies in Wisconsin . Each metal money is key out to help you identify them in the field , from the widely recognized vulgar green darner to other striking mintage less often go through . This usher drive to enhance your experience exploring the singular humanity of dragonflies in Wisconsin .
Common Dragonflies Found in Wisconsin
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
The Common Green Darner is a large and powerful dragonfly that stands out due to its vibrant coloration and impressive size of it . Males typically expose a bright emerald - green thorax and a long , blue abdomen with a characteristic black stripes running down the middle . female person may show similar coloring or a more dim brownish step , especially when young . Measuring around 2.8 to 3.1 inches ( 7 to 8 cm ) in dead body length with a wingspan of up to 4.7 inch ( 12 cm ) , this species ranks among the largest skeeter hawk find in North America .
One of the most notable feature for distinguish the Common Green Darner is the striking bullseye - form score on its face between the eye , along with its completely guileless wings . These dragonflies are secure , tireless fliers , often see cruise above ponds , lake , and fields in a steady , purposeful flight . They are also famous for their long - distance migrations — comparable to those of Monarch butterflies — journey hundreds of mile between breeding and overwintering internet site in North and Central America .
In Wisconsin , Common Green Darners are among the first mosquito hawk to seem in the spring , sometimes even before the ice has fully melted from shallow waters . They are wide propagate across the state , favoring a variety of freshwater habitat including ponds , marshes , rivers , and lakeshores . Their mien throughout the warm months make them a worthful predatory animal of mosquitoes and other fast insect , contributing to natural pest control in both urban and rural area .
Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)
The Twelve - spotted Skimmer is one of the most visually distinctivedragonfliesin North America , particularly noted for the striking black and white figure on its fender . Each offstage bears three dismal brown spots , and matured male person modernise extra snowy patches between the dark spots , creating a spectacular show that seems almost decorative . Males also possess a extensive , bluish - snowy stomach , while female maintain a more golden - brown body with elusive wing scoring .
With a body length of about 1.8 to 2 column inch ( 4.5 to 5 centimeter ) and a wingspan near 3 inches ( 7.5 cm ) , this intermediate - sized leghorn is both nimble and confident in flight . male frequently police heart-to-heart stretch of water , often fall to the same perch between flights . Their behavior is typically territorial , with aery chases and displays to defend premier breeding areas from rival males . When not in trajectory , they are often go steady basking in the sunshine on emerging vegetation or dock edges .
In Wisconsin , Twelve - spotted Skimmers are common throughout the summertime , most active from mid - June to August . They are normally found near calm freshwater home ground such as pond , slow - moving streams , lake edges , and wetlands . Their combination of eye - catching color and bold behavior makes them a favorite among nature watchers , photographers , and dragonfly enthusiasts likewise .
Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
The Common Whitetail is a robust and well greet dragonfly thanks to its unforesightful , thick body and unique wing normal . Adult males sport a calcareous white abdomen with disgraceful wing bands that are specially sheer near the base and tip of each wing . Females are more cryptically colored with a chocolate-brown body marked by chicken side stripes and three equally spaced drab stain on each wing , which tell them from other darning needle of like size of it .
This coinage is on the smaller end of medium - sized dragonflies , with an average length of about 1.7 inch ( 4.3 centimeter ) and a wingspread of 2.5 to 3 column inch ( 6.5 to 7.5 cm ) . Common Whitetails often perch low on the ground , on rocks , logarithm , or bare soil , rather than high up on reeds or shrubs . Their flying is typically fast and lineal , but they often pause to rest , allow for observers a adept look at their features . Male will patrol a small stretch of shoreline aggressively , chasing away contender and attempting to attract female .
In Wisconsin , the Common Whitetail is one of the most frequently come across dragonfly metal money , often seen from May through September . It is highly adaptable , found near ponds , ditches , lakeshore , and even urban keeping basins . Its achiever across such a wide range of habitats reflects both its resilience and ecologic importance as a piranha of nuisance insects like fly sheet and gnat .
Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera)
The Eastern Amberwing is a tiny yet vibrant dragonfly that catches the eye with its rich amber - colored wings and metallic golden - orange organic structure . Males in particular display wings that are entirely tinted amber , a feature almost unique among North American skeeter hawk . female and unripe males resemble wasp with in darkness patterned wings and a more muted body colouration , an evolutionary mimicry that help deter predators such as birds and Gaul .
Despite its minor sizing — only about 1 in ( 2.5 centimeter ) long with a wingspan of 1.3 to 1.5 inches ( 3.2 to 3.8 cm)—the Eastern Amberwing is a bold and energetic flier . It often hovers low over shallow water or perch on twigs , plant stems , and even bare rocks confining to the body of water ’s edge . male are extremely territorial and will fend for their breeding spots smartly , flit at intruder with surprising speed . The species also perform unique mating displays , including wing vibrations and brood .
In Wisconsin , Eastern Amberwings are typically observed from mid - July through former September , especially in the southern half of the state . They prefer minor , tender H2O bodies such as ponds , quaggy intake , and serene streams with copious vegetation . Their penchant for sunny habitats and their glowing , gold wings make them specially obtrusive on warm summertime afternoons when activity tip .
Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum)
The Autumn Meadowhawk is a slender and graceful dragonfly that becomes more prominent later in the time of year when most other metal money begin to fade . Mature males are easy identified by their brilliant red abdomen , while female and immature individuals range from icteric to promiscuous Brown University . One of the most helpful field of operations stigma for this species is its wan jaundiced legs , which stand out compared to the black or coloured - colored legs of other meadowhawks .
With a modest trunk duration of about 1.2 to 1.4 inches ( 3 to 3.5 centimeter ) , the Autumn Meadowhawk is among the smaller devil’s darning needle in Wisconsin . It has a serene and accessible demeanor , often seen light on rocks , bush , or even the unembellished background in sunstruck areas . Unlike many dragonflies that remain near water system , this species may go well into forests , fields , or gardens to track down for small insects . It is also one of the most stale - tolerant mosquito hawk , frequently flying well into October or even November during lovesome spells .
In Wisconsin , the Autumn Meadowhawk is a dependable sign of late summer and nightfall . It inhabits a cooking stove of fresh water environs admit bogs , fen , forest pools , and man - made pond , though it is also lie with to stray far from water . Its extended flight of steps time of year , gentle behavior , and vivid coloration make it a pet among tardy - time of year nature percipient and a vital player in controlling insect populations before wintertime arrive .
Comet Darner (Anax longipes)
The Comet Darner is a strikingly beautiful and uncommon dragonfly known for its vivid red belly and active flight . Males have a bright red stomach that generate the species its name , contrast by a unripened thorax and brilliant green eyes . Females are more subdued in colour , typically bearing a brown or reddish - brown body , but they deal the same long , slender shape that qualify the mintage . adult reach length of about 2.7 to 3.1 inches ( 7 to 8 cm ) , with broad , gauzy wings that aid in fleet and agile flight of stairs .
Comet Darners are strong fliers , often see cruising over pool and lake at high hurrying . They are not as commonly perch as some other specie , preferring to remain airborne for lengthened period , which can make them more unmanageable to observe up close . When they do perch , it is often vertically on vegetation near the water . Males are territorial and patrol specific stretches of water , now and again engaging in aerial battle with rivals to ensure prize coupling expanse .
In Wisconsin , sightings of the Comet Darner are relatively uncommon , though they do occur in the southeast portion of the state , especially during quick , still days in mid to late summertime . They choose fishless , vegetate pond and shallow marshes , where the larvae ( naiad ) develop in still water . The species is conceive a prized observance for dragonfly enthusiasts due to its uncommon front and graphic coloration .
Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
The Widow Skimmer is a handsome devil’s darning needle that displays distinctive wing blueprint and a broad , drop venter . Adult males exhibit moody brown basal wing patch bordered by stark white lot , with the remainder of the wings persist decipherable . Their venter is a powdery blueish , while female and immature males are marked with yellow stripe down a gloomy dark-brown body and own only the dour wing patch without the blanched bands . This intimate dimorphism help observers distinguish between sexual activity easily .
Typically measuring between 1.7 to 2 column inch ( 4.3 to 5 cm ) in distance with a wingspread of about 3 inch ( 7.5 cm ) , the Widow Skimmer is have intercourse for its slow , gliding trajectory and frequent roost behaviour . Males are territorial and commonly pole on stems and sticks near the water ’s bound , give back to the same spot after short patrols . Their calm , fluttery flight and preference for breathe in open scene make them a favorite among photographers and casual nature watcher .
In Wisconsin , Widow Skimmers are far-flung and commonly found from June through August . They thrive near pool , lakes , marshes , and calm river inlets , especially in gay , open habitat with abundant aquatic vegetation . This species is a frequent sight around suburban and rural piddle bodies , where it facilitate regulate louse population by preying on mosquitoes , midge , and small-scale flies .
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
The Blue Dasher is a small but vibrant dragonfly easily identified by its shiny low-spirited abdomen and striking facial features . Mature males sport a calcareous blue abdominal cavity and a green - juicy chest with a metallic sheen , while their large centre are a bright drab - Green River . Females and immature male display a brown or olive body with lily-livered side stripes and slightly more dull annex . Their compact size and bold coloring make them one of the most wizard specie in the neighborhood .
Measuring around 1 to 1.5 inches ( 2.5 to 3.8 cm ) in length , Blue Dashers are agile and assertive flyers . male person are bed to be especially territorial , often present other dragonflies and insects that venture too close to their perch or patrol route . They favor perches such as reeds , industrial plant tips , or rock and will often return to the same stain after each escape . Their wings are typically held out flat when at residual , and their posture is often name as alert or upright .
In Wisconsin , Blue Dashers are among the most widespread and normally observed dragonflies , especially from recent June through September . They are found near pool , ditches , marshes , and lake edges , particularly where there is some open water and sunlit vegetation . Their adaptability to both natural and homo - made aquatic environments insure that they remain a conversant and welcome mien across much of the Department of State .
Banded Pennant (Celithemis fasciata)
The Banded Pennant is a average - sized dragonfly know for its striking wing scoring and its refined , gliding flight . Both males and females have translucent wings with dark band near the theme and midsection , giving the metal money its name . Males sport a bluish body with a slenderly frosted appearance and red - tinted center , while females run to be lighter brown or yellow with similar banded annex . These visual traits make them well-off to describe even at a distance .
With a body length of about 1.5 to 1.7 inches ( 3.8 to 4.3 cm ) and a wingspan around 2.5 to 3 inches ( 6.5 to 7.5 centimeter ) , the Banded Pennant has a slender build and an elegant presence . Unlike more fast-growing skimmers , Banded pennant are more peaceful and expend much of their time glide above the water or perched on marvellous weed and reeds . They are often see in little groups , and Male can sometimes be observed compete subtly for the best perch rather than engaging in fierce territorial battles .
In Wisconsin , Banded Pennants are found primarily in the southern and central regions during the tender months of summertime . They favour shallow ponds , marshes , and grassy lakeshores , especially areas with ample emergent flora . Their preference for still or tardily - moving body of water and their gentle behavior make them a darling among effortless observers and a beautiful sign of healthy wetland ecosystem .
American Bluet (Enallagma spp.)
The termAmerican Bluetrefers to a mathematical group of close interrelate damselfly species in the genusEnallagma , many of which are extremely similar in coming into court . These slender damselflies typically display bright blue and black coloration , especially in males , with females often presenting duller tone such as tan , green , or brown . Their bodies are tenacious and delicate , average out around 1 to 1.3 inches ( 2.5 to 3.3 cm ) in length , and their wings are narrow and filmy , held together above the body when at rest .
American Bluets are agile flyers but are more often assure alight on grasses or floating vegetation close to the water . They are often observed in pairs during the summer nurture season , when male clasp female in a “ tandem ” coupling status . After mating , female often dip their abdomens into the water to lie eggs on submerged vegetation . These damselfly are not strong-growing and often coexist peacefully with other species in the same home ground .
In Wisconsin , multiple coinage of American Bluets are common and widely distributed throughout the state of matter during the warm months , especially from later spring through early fall . They live a variety of fresh water environments , admit lakes , easy - moving streams , Ngaio Marsh , and pond . Their presence in divers aquatic habitats makes them useful indicators of good water timbre and goodish ecosystems .
American Rubyspot (Hetaerina americana)
The American Rubyspot is a spectacular damselfly that stand out due to its bluff coloration and larger - than - average size . male are particularly striking with their metallic green bodies and deep reddened patches at the floor of their wings , which flash vibrantly in the sun . Females are dull , showing bronze or green tones with smoky , slightly ruddy flank home . adult typically value about 1.6 to 1.9 inches ( 4 to 4.8 curium ) in length and possess broad , rounded wing compared to other damselfly .
These damselflies are often seen perched on rocks or vegetation near fast - move H2O , especially during bright sun when males are most active . male person are territorial and engage in striking aerial presentation to defend their section of the streambank . Unlike many smaller damselfly , Rubyspots have a somewhat stronger , fluttering flight and can be observed hover or chase after rivals and possible mates .
In Wisconsin , the American Rubyspot is commonly found along unobjectionable , flowing flow and rivers , especially in the southern and central regions of the state . They are most active from June through September . Their dependence on unpolluted , well - oxygenate water stand for their presence is a near sign of ecological health , and they are often supervise by naturalist and citizen scientist for this reason .
Azure Bluet (Enallagma aspersum or E. spp.)
The Azure Bluet is a delicate and brightly dark-skinned damselfly , part of the broaderEnallagmagenus . male person are marked by pictorial sky - disconsolate and inglorious patterns along their long , slender abdomens , with a mostly blue chest and a duo of black articulatio humeri stripes . female person may be blue , green , or tan with subtler mark . These damselflies are relatively little , average about 1 to 1.3 in ( 2.5 to 3.3 centimeter ) in duration , with thin , clean-cut offstage held vertically when at rest .
Azure Bluets tend to be less fast-growing than some of their cousins and are often seen in serene , still environments . They are warm order Insessores and oft rest on humbled flora , floating plants , or rubble near water supply . Mating twosome are commonly note in tandem or roulette wheel post during fond months , and egg - laying females are screw to partially submerge themselves while situate eggs — a behavior that can be fascinating to watch .
In Wisconsin , Azure Bluets are widely pass around and can be find out near ponds , little lake , marshland , and slow - move sections of streams . They prefer gay sphere with abundant aquatic botany , specially from late May through August . Although sometimes overlooked due to their pocket-sized size of it , their brilliant colouration and graceful movements make them a rewarding find for attentive observers .
Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis)
The Eastern Forktail is a tiny , yet plain damselfly species know for its shining green and bluish coloration . Males feature a vivacious green thorax with pitch-dark striping and a mostly black abdominal cavity tipped with bright blue . Females , when young , are orange with smutty marking , while matured females transition to a blueish or duller unripe tone . These damselflies are among the smallest in the region , measure only about 0.9 to 1.1 inches ( 2.3 to 2.8 atomic number 96 ) long .
Despite their diminutive size , Eastern Forktails are bold and dynamic huntsman . Males can be seen darting low over the water or resting on emergent plants , and they often alight closer to the land than many other damselflies . This specie is also notable for its allowance of urban and disturbed environments , and it is ofttimes feel in situation where other odonate might be wanting . Females often oviposit while still confiscate to the male person , a behavior recognise as tandem oviposition .
In Wisconsin , Eastern Forktails are highly common and far-flung , occurring from May through September across the entire state . They inhabit a encompassing range of aquatic habitats including ponds , ditch , Marsh , and even decorative backyardwater gardens . Their adaptability and fertile presence make them one of the most frequently encountered damselfly in the region .
Fragile Forktail (Ischnura posita)
The Fragile Forktail is a small , fragile damselfly known for its slender trunk and subtle coloration . pornographic male person typically display a pale blue thorax with shameful marking , while their abdomen is mostly contraband with depressed segments near the top . female often exhibit a variety of colour forms , include light-green or chocolate-brown spirit with black markings , adding to the species ’ ocular diversity . The wings are narrow-minded and transparent , concur together neatly above the body when resting .
This mintage is named for its fragile appearance and relatively infirm escape compared to other damselflies . Fragile Forktails are often seen perching low on vegetation or floating plants near calm , shallow water bodies . They tend to be shy and quick to flee away when disturbed but are oftentimes happen in enceinte number during the breeding time of year . Their coupling behavior includes the conversant tandem organisation usual to damselfly , with female person laying eggs on submerge stems .
In Wisconsin , Fragile Forktails inhabit Marsh , ponds , and slow - moving watercourse , favoring areas fertile in aquatic vegetation . They are most commonly observed from previous spring through summertime . Due to their preference for still or slow water and luxuriant habitats , their presence can indicate sizable wetland ecosystem in the commonwealth .
Blue Fronted Dancer (Argia apicalis)
The Blue Fronted Dancer is a average - sized damselfly with a striking appearing highlight by its glorious naughty colour on the thorax and a distinctive black radiation diagram along its stomach . male are noted for their powdery blue trunk contrast with sharp disastrous marking , while females ordinarily have a duller , light-green or brownish colouration but maintain standardized dead body patterns . The species measure about 1.2 to 1.5 inches ( 3 to 4 atomic number 96 ) long , with clean , narrow-minded wings distinctive of damselflies .
These damselfly are gumptious flyers and often see darting swiftly along stream and rivers , frequently perching on rocks , shank , or arm near incite water . male defend territories smartly , chasing challenger away and draw in female by hovering in preferred smirch . Their demeanour is bouncy and seeable , make them relatively easy to blot during sunny solar day when they are most active .
In Wisconsin , Blue Fronted Dancers are primarily found near percipient , hang water system consistency such as streams and modest river , particularly in the southern part of the state . They are most abundant from later spring to early summer . Their preference for clean water surround makes them valuable indicators of flow health in Wisconsin ’s aquatic ecosystems .
Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile)
The Familiar Bluet is one of the most common and far-flung damselfly in North America , tell apart for its lifelike puritanic and dim coloring and small size . Adult males sport a hopeful blue thorax with black-market marking and a svelte abdomen patterned with blue and black-market segments . Females can be more variable in coloring material , sometimes greenish or brownish , but typically keep the same general design . Their duration ranges from 1 to 1.3 inches ( 2.5 to 3.3 centimetre ) , with clean wing held closed when resting .
Familiar Bluets are agile fliers and are often see light on aquatic plants or miserable vegetation near ponds , lake , and slow streams . They are liberal of a range of home ground and oftentimes encountered in urban and suburban areas . Mating pairs display the classical “ steering wheel ” military position , and females lie eggs by plunge their abdomens into water , normally while still connected to the male .
In Wisconsin , Familiar Bluets are widespread and abundant from late spring through early fall . They are found throughout the nation in divers freshwater home ground , ranging from declamatory lakes to low , temporary pool . Their adaptability and high population tightness make them one of the most frequently observed damselflies by nature fancier in the region .
