Dragonflies are ancient, predatory insects known for their stunning colors and incredible aerial abilities. These creatures belong to the order Odonata, a group whose fossil record stretches back over 300 million years, predating the dinosaurs. Characterized by large, multifaceted eyes and two pairs of intricately veined wings, they are considered some of the most skilled fliers in the insect world. The various “types” are classified by distinct physical traits, habitats, and behaviors that separate them into major scientific groups.
The Two Suborders of Odonata
The order Odonata is broadly split into two main extant groups: Anisoptera (true dragonflies) and Zygoptera (damselflies). Both groups share an aquatic larval stage and a predatory adult life, but their adult forms possess noticeable differences. These physical distinctions are the most reliable way to classify these insects in the field.
True dragonflies (Anisoptera) have robust bodies and large compound eyes that typically meet or touch at the top of the head. Their hind wings are distinctly broader at the base than the forewings, providing greater lift. When resting, their two pairs of wings are held spread out horizontally and flat to the side of the body. This structure supports their powerful, agile flight style.
Damselflies (Zygoptera), by contrast, have more slender bodies and their large eyes are always separated. Their four wings are nearly identical in shape, narrowing to a stalk-like base where they attach to the body. Most damselflies hold their wings together vertically over their abdomen when perched. A third, much smaller suborder, Anisozygoptera, contains only a few primitive species that share characteristics of both major groups, but are often classified within Anisoptera.
Current Estimates of Species Worldwide
The number of dragonfly types is determined by counting the species within the entire Odonata order. Current estimates suggest there are over 6,350 living species of Odonata described globally. This number is not static, as ongoing field research continues to discover and reclassify species, especially in remote tropical regions.
True dragonflies (Anisoptera) account for roughly half of the total global count, with approximately 3,000 extant species known. Damselflies (Zygoptera) make up the remaining species, often having a similar number of species as Anisoptera. This diversity is not evenly distributed across the planet; the vast majority of species are concentrated in the tropics.
Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia exhibit the highest levels of odonate biodiversity, with hundreds of species found within their borders. This high concentration near the equator is characteristic of many insect groups, where stable temperatures and abundant water sources allow for greater specialization. Scientists are still working to catalogue the full extent of this ancient insect order.
Understanding the Major Dragonfly Families
Within the roughly 3,000 species of true dragonflies (Anisoptera), classification is organized into distinct families that share evolutionary relationships and structural characteristics. Recognizing the major families provides a tangible way to understand the variety of types encountered in the wild. Three of the most common and widespread families are the Aeshnidae, the Libellulidae, and the Gomphidae.
The Aeshnidae family, commonly known as Darners, includes some of the largest and fastest dragonflies. They are recognized by their large size and brilliant coloration, frequently featuring bright blue or green markings on a dark body. Darners are strong, tireless fliers that patrol wide areas, and they are one of the few groups that hang vertically from vegetation when resting. Their close-fitting eyes, which meet well above the head, contribute to their formidable visual acuity as aerial predators.
The Libellulidae family, known as Skimmers, is the largest and most widely distributed family of true dragonflies, containing nearly a thousand species worldwide. Skimmers are often smaller and more stout-bodied than Darners, and many species possess distinct markings, such as dark spots or bands, on their wings. They are frequently observed perched on the tips of vegetation, from which the territorial males dart out to intercept rivals or potential mates. The global ubiquity and high species count of the Skimmers make them the most likely dragonfly family to be encountered in a variety of freshwater habitats.
Clubtails, belonging to the Gomphidae family, exhibit a unique physical characteristic that gives them their common name. In many species, the terminal segments of the abdomen are noticeably enlarged or swollen, creating a club-like appearance. These dragonflies tend to be camouflaged with earth-tone colors like yellow, black, and brown, reflecting their preference for perching on the ground or low vegetation near running water. Clubtails are often wary and less inclined to patrol than Darners, relying on their cryptic coloration to remain unseen.