5 Magnificent Odonata

We certainly hope that you greatly enjoy this article about 5 Magnificent Odonata. Sadly, creatures such as these are often overlooked or misunderstood in the areas in which they appear. In fact, quite the opposite should be the case where these insects are concerned.

For, wholly apart from the beauty most of them possess, these 5 Magnificent Odonata play vital roles in within their individuals ecosystems. As such, the balance of Nature in those areas relies upon them, just as it does with all other species that evolved in the region.

Socotra Bluet

Socotra Bluet Facts

• Leading off this article about 5 Magnificent Odonata is the fabulous species appropriately known as the Socotra Bluet.
• The informative term represents one of the common names for a remarkable variety of damselfly. The marvelous insect also remains known to some people by another term. In some parts of its range the invertebrate is known as the Grant’s bluet.
• Entomologists, though, know this small wonder of Nature better by the scientific name of Azuragrion granti. Regardless of the name one uses for it though, this creature stands out from its many related species, though not always for enviable reasons.
• Unfortunately, researchers currently do not know a great deal about the life of this beautiful arthropod. This lamentable lack of information occurs mainly due to the relative remoteness and extremely inhospitable nature of its habitat.
• Although it appears to be locally abundant, the IUCN currently lists the invertebrate as Near-Threatened, due to a combination of factors. This status appears on the organizations Red List of Threatened Species, which it continually updates.
• Given the nature and scarcity of its native habitat and range, the species also faces several threats to its continued existence as a species. Habitat loss obviously constitutes a great danger, but its greatest threat consists of climate change.
• Considering the various difficulties involved, very few photos of this insect understandably exist at all, let alone ones of good quality. As a result, only the first image used in this article is of the Socotra Bluet. The rest are of related creatures.

Socotra Bluet Physical Description

Much like the related species shown above, the Socotra Bluet typically achieves a comparatively moderate size for those of its Family. This particular species, however, unlike some others, does not display any noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.

Adults of both genders typically attain a highly respectable size, especially compared to other members of its Family. An average mature adult commonly attains a body length of about 3 in (7.6 cm), and also possesses a wingspan averaging around 5 in (12.7 cm).

The body of the Socotra Bluet also evolved as extremely elongated, and primarily displays a light blue color, with scattered black markings in various locations. Interestingly, the narrow and virtually transparent wings remain held vertically when the insect sits at rest.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Euarthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Family: Coenagrionidae
• Genus: Azuragrion
• Species: A. granti

Socotra Bluet Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The known native range of the remarkable Socotra Bluet remains extremely limited. The marvelous damselfly appears to only live in one location in the entire world, which severely limits its chances to survive at all, let alone to expand its range.

Incredibly, this tiny yet remarkable marvel of Nature seems to only live on the eastern portion of one island. That location’s the tiny island of Socotra, legally a part of Yemen, though geographically the location remains considered as a part of Africa.

Even within this extraordinarily limited zone of habitation, the delicate-winged wonder does not make just any area its home. This amazing creature seems to only inhabit lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers, since it appears to breed in moving water.

Returning to the lack of detailed information, researchers have no confirmed information pertaining to the diet of the Socotra Bluet. However, it remains assumed that its food source consists of various tiny local insects, in keeping with the pattern of others of its kind.

Red Veined Darter

Red Veined Darter Facts

• Next up in this listing of 5 Magnificent Odonata comes the remarkable insect understandably known as the Red Veined Darter.
• The highly descriptive, as well as accurate, term for the insect serves as one of the common names for a striking variety of dragonfly. Some people also know this wonder of nature by yet another common name, choosing to call it simply the nomad.
• The name by which most professional researchers know it, however, remains the somewhat tongue-twisting term of Sympetrum fonscolombii. By either of these names, though, it represents a truly fascinating species of arthropod.
• Its first scientific recognition as a separate, distinct species occurred in the year 1840. At that time, the renowned Belgian entomologist, Edmond de Selys Longchamps named it in honor of another entomologist, Étienne of Fonscolombe.
• For the moment, the population numbers of the amazing Red Veined Darter appear to be both sufficient and stable. As a result, the IUCN currently lists the fabulous species as Least Concern, on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
• This member of these 5 Magnificent Odonata must be considered to be facing potential threats to its continued existence. While habitat loss does not appear to pose a danger at this time, the very real threat of climate change could potentially endanger  it.

Red Veined Darter Physical Description

The beautiful form of dragonfly known as the Red Veined Darter evolved a remarkably distinctive physical appearance. That appearance varies between individuals, however, given the fact that the fascinating species displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism.

In the case of this particular arthropod, that characteristic manifests itself in the coloring, specifically of the abdomen. In the case of the female, this part of the body presents as yellow in color, while in the male, the predominant color remains a bright, vivid red.

Otherwise, the two genders appear virtually indistinguishable from each other. The majority of the rest of the body has a mostly black color, although occasional spots of yellow. The wings also show yellow veins for females, and red for the males.

The legs of most specimens of the amazing Red Veined Darter also have their own unique brand of beauty, setting them apart from similar insects. These generally present as mainly black in color, with some random areas of yellow, much like the body. 

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Family: Libellulidae
• Genus: Sympetrum
• Species: S. fonscolombii

Red Veined Darter Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The breathtaking Red Veined Darter actually inhabits a comparatively broad swathe of the world for such a creature. Surprisingly, this includes much of central and southern Europe. This zone of habitation also extends through most of the Mediterranean islands.

Yet this somewhat astonishingly successful invertebrate doesn’t stop there. The distinctive insect also appears in reasonable numbers in Africa, the Middle East and south-western Asia, including the countries of India, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia, just to name a few.

It also displays an ability to adapt to different habitats, or to choose to migrate distances. In Europe, it appears in the southern areas, but in some years migrates northward and reaches as far north as Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Poland and northern England.

This versatility arises from the innate ability of the Red Veined Darter to thrive in a comparatively wide range of habitat types. These include such regions as around various lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers. It also commonly reappears in dry areas after it rains.

Like others of its kind, this wonder of evolution feeds as an aggressive carnivore, and consumes a wide variety of small insects. It’s also quite territorial by nature, with males frequently observed sitting on an exposed perch, watching over its area.

Hines Emerald Dragonfly

Hines Emerald Dragonfly Facts

• Placing third in this compilation of 5 Magnificent Odonata is the visually stunning Hines Emerald Dragonfly.
• The highly descriptive term for this invertebrate serves as the common name for a particularly lovely variety of arthropod. Though somewhat lengthy, this nevertheless remains easier to pronounce than its scientific name.
• This statement holds true since that term remains that of the relatively tongue-twisting Somatochlora hineana. Which name one uses to speak of it has no bearing on one’s ability to appreciate the beauty and grace of this insect species, though.
• Somewhat uniquely, opinions about its status vary between organizations. As a result, the country in which the majority of its population exists lists it as Endangered. Yet, the IUCN currently lists the arthropod as Least Concern.
• Quite unfortunately, the beautiful Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly faces several threats to its continued survival. Regardless of its official status, the invertebrate faces great danger from both habitat loss and the ongoing effects of climate change.
• In a pleasant change of pace, active efforts to maintain the species remain underway. These include protecting areas of its specific habitat and attempts to encourage expansion of its range. Efforts to clean such habitats of pollutants remain ongoing.

Hines Emerald Dragonfly Physical Description

The Hines Emerald Dragonfly distinguishes itself from its peers in two ways. This magnificent work of Nature distinguishes itself from similar creatures due to a matter of size. That’s due to the fact that it evolved as an above-average sized variety of dragonfly.

Yet, this truly remarkable arthropod also developed the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this characteristic manifests itself in terms of differences in body length. More precisely, the females attain a slightly greater length than the males. 

Overall, however, the difference remains comparatively minor. With the genders taken together, adults reach a typical body length measuring roughly 2.5 in (6.35 cm). Wingspans for this visually impressive insect species further average about 3.3 in (8.4 cm).

Yet, its size alone isn’t all that makes the Hines Emerald Dragonfly amazing. The name itself derives from the distinctive bright emerald green color of eyes. The body also presents a metallic green. Plus, most specimens display one or more yellow stripes on the sides.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Family: Corduliidae
• Genus: Somatochlora
• Species: S. hineana

Hines Emerald Dragonfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The breathtaking Hines Emerald Dragonfly only inhabits a relatively small section of the globe. That’s due to the fact that it only appears on select portions of the continent of North America. More precisely, most of its range appears in the continental United States.

There, individual populations presently only appear in a total of 4 states. Those consist of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. Nevertheless, a significantly smaller population also exists in Canada. There, the insect makes its home in the province of Ontario.

Within this already limited range, it remains extremely selective of its choice of habitat, however. It appears almost exclusively in regions of wetlands, wet meadows, forests, and marshes. Even there, though, it generally lives around slow moving streams.

The species actually spends the majority of its life as a nymph. In point of fact, it spends between 2-4 years in that state, living in the water. When it finally emerges from the water as adults, it is only to breed. After leaving the water, it only lives for 4-5 weeks.

Both the larval and adult stages of the gorgeous Hines Emerald Dragonfly evolved as carnivorous in nature. The adults most commonly feed on a variety of small flying insects. Species such as gnats and mosquitoes comprise the great majority of its diet.

In turn, it itself falls prey to a wide variety of predators. This holds true for both the adults and the nymphs. Turtles, amphibians, and crayfish frequently prey on the nymphs. The adults, meanwhile, often fall victim to birds, frogs, spiders, and even other dragonflies.

Globe Skimmer

Globe Skimmer Facts

• Our next selection for inclusion in this compendium of 5 Magnificent Odonata is the truly awesome Globe Skimmer.
• The attention-grabbing term of the insect serves as one of several common names for a remarkable species of dragonfly. The other names by which the invertebrate’s known include the wandering glider and the globe wanderer.
• Among scientists, including entomologists, however, it goes by an altogether different name. That’s the somewhat difficult to pronounce Pantala flavescense. By either name, though, this specific form of dragonfly has some memorable qualities.
• The first official recognition of this creature as an entirely separate and distinct species occurred in the year 1798. That acknowledgement of its status took place at the hands of the highly respected Danish zoologist, Pantheinae Fabricius.
• The Globe Skimmer also has advantages that many similar species do not, including a enormous range. For that reason, along with its current numbers, the IUCN presently lists the arthropod on its Red List of Threatened Species as Least Concern.
• Despite both of these factors, though, many experts still consider it to be at some risk. Give its extreme area of habitation, habitat loss does no pose a danger at present. But, the ongoing effects of climate change nevertheless pose a threat to it.

Globe Skimmer Physical Description

As an example of its kind, the beautiful Globe Skimmer, despite its other attributes, constitutes only an average-sized species of dragonfly. This wonder of Nature also displays a slight degree  of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism.

Among this arthropod, however, that trait manifests itself in other ways than in sheer size. Mature adults of both genders attain a maximum measured body length of 1.77 in (4.5 cm). Wingspans measure up to a known maximum of 3.3 in (9.4 cm).

Overall, both sexes display a yellowish-red on the front of the head, and a golden-yellow thorax, with a single dark line, and a covering of fine hair. Individuals possessing either a brown or olive colored thorax occasionally appear, however, due to random variations.

Its strongly chestnut-red colored eyes actually cover a significant portion of its head, which remains a common trait among dragonflies. Its abdomen also usually displays a similar color as the thorax, while the wings typically develop as clear and broad at the base.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Family: Libellulidae
• Genus: Pantala
• Species: P. flavescens

Globe Skimmer Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The very name of the Globe Skimmer provides one with a fair image of the incredible range it inhabits. This represents the majority of the continents of the world, in fact, only excluding Antarctica. It doesn’t inhabit the entire area of the continents, though.

This marvel of Nature lives in the areas where the annual average temperature remains around 68 F (20 C). In Europe, only occasional sightings of the species occur, with serious evidence to date mainly from the Aegean Sea and the adjacent mainland.

A potential explanation for the scarcity in Europe of this otherwise common species is the barrier effect of the Sahara Desert, which generates strong winds. These include what’s known as the Sirocco, whose dryness makes dragonfly passage almost impossible.

More evidence of the preference of the Globe Skimmer for moist winds is that the dragonfly migrates to Southeast India’s Tamil Nadu only after the second monsoon which brings the rain to that region. In the rest of India, however, it arrives with the first monsoon.

Observational evidence suggest that it migrates from India or beyond to Africa across the Arabian Sea. As a result of this range, it’s the most widespread of all known dragonflies. It’s also the highest flying, having been seen as high as 20,341 ft (6,200 m).

Although the lifespan of the aptly-named Globe Skimmer isn’t known, its dietary activities are. The larvae consume mainly tiny aquatic invertebrates, such as insect larvae. Adults, however, prey on such creatures as mosquitoes, ants, and termites.

Black Darter

Black Darter Facts

• The fifth and final entry into this article about 5 Magnificent Odonata is the perfectly named Black Darter.
• The appealing term for the insect serves as one of the common names for a darkly beautiful variety of arthropod. This small marvel of Nature also goes by the alternate common name of the black meadowhawk, in some parts of its range.
• Professional researchers, however, such as entomologists, know it better by the somewhat hard to pronounce term of the Sympetrum danae. Which of these one uses to refer to it, though, it’s still one of our choices of 5 Magnificent Odonata.
• The first known official scientific recognition of this insect as a separate and distinct species occurred in the year 1776. This fortunate recognition took place as a result of the work of the renowned Swiss entomologist Johann Heinrich Sulzer.
• This marvelous Odonata does currently appear on the Red List of Threatened Species, published by the IUCN. Fortunately, though, it holds the status of a Species of Least Concern, at least for the moment, unlike many related species.
• Sadly, however, the Black Darter must nevertheless be considered to facing at least some risks to its continued existence as a species. Although it doubtless faces some danger from habitat loss, its greatest threat most likely consists of climate change.

Black Darter Physical Description

Although the amazing Black Darter does have a remarkable memorable appearance, it also has some visual differences. Not unlike many related creatures, this work of evolution evolved the physiological characteristic known as sexual dimorphism.

In its particular case, this gender-based trait manifests itself in terms of coloring, not physical size. Some parts of the body displays the same appearance for each sex, while others possess markedly different patterns of color distinguishing it from the other.

Males of this impressive species possess a primarily black thorax and abdomen. These also most commonly display comparatively small yellow marks on the side, that typically darken significantly with age. Its wings also tend to remain quite clear.

Because of the gender-based variations, females of the stunning Black Darter possess a somewhat different appearance. For one, she has black legs and brown eyes. Her abdomen appears mainly yellow, and also tends to become a brown shade with age.

Both genders attain roughly the same dimensions in terms of body length and wingspan. Mature adult specimens reach an average length for the body equaling roughly 1.2 in (3 cm). The wings, while powerful, nonetheless remain relatively delicate in nature.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Family: Libellulidae
• Genus: Sympetrum
• Species: S. danae

Black Darter Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The extraordinary species appropriately known as the Black Darter possesses a truly significant zone of habitation for such a creature. Quite amazingly, this member of its Order appears across portions of the continents of Europe, Asia, and North America.

The fact that it’s also known across certain portions of its native range as the Black Meadowhawk serves to provide some insight into its preferred types of habitat. However, meadows do not comprise the entirety of its choices of regions to inhabit.

This versatile representative of its kind also appears frequently in such areas as heathland and moors. It also seems to enjoy living in bogs. In all of these areas, though especially so in the bogs, this insect appears most active in the later portions of the local summer.

Just as related creature, the beautiful Black Darter feeds voraciously as an active carnivore. In keeping with the general pattern of dragonflies, it mainly feeds on much smaller insects. It in turn falls prey to a variety of predators, including birds and frogs.

After mating, the female lays her eggs in a most incredible manner. To the amazement of those fortunate enough to observe the process, she lays her eggs in flight, by dipping the tip of her abdomen into the water, depositing them carefully, to hatch in the spring.

5 Magnificent Odonata

We sincerely hope that you thoroughly enjoyed this article about 5 Magnificent Odonata. These beautiful creatures, frequently brilliantly colored, have captivated mankind for thousands of years. Many have marveled at their movements.

Now, however, many of these wonders of Nature find themselves in great peril. It remains up to each and every one of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them. After all, don’t we want our children to be able to enjoy their presence, as we have?

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