Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Greater Southwest
- Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah

Sketch of a dragonfly body showing the body parts

DRAGONFLIES - Anisoptera: Large, heavy-bodied; ordinarily larger than damselflies. Wings are held open & flat or down & forward when perched. Large eyes are spaced very close together and in most families actually touch, creating a seam down the center. Strong fliers; a few are even migratory. Males have three terminal abdominal appendages and a bump (genitalia) under their second abdominal segment. All females have only two terminal abdominal appendages and in many families they also have an ovipositor. Most dragonflies lay their eggs directly into the water. As of 2010, the southwest has at least 132 species of Anisoptera in 45 genera, representing all seven American dragonfly families.

Sketch of a damselfly body showing the body parts

DAMSELFLIES - Zygoptera Slender-bodied, generally smaller and more frail than dragonflies. Most have an eyespot in back of each eye. When perched, all four wings are usually held together alongside or sail- like over the abdomen. Eyes set far apart on head, appear hammer headed. Weak fliers, usually found not too far from water. Males have a bump (genitalia) under their 2nd abdominal segment and four terminal abdominal appendages. Females have a wide ovipositor on the lower end of their abdomen and only two terminal abdominal appendages. Damselflies lay their eggs directly into vegetation. As of 2016, the southwest has at least 82 damselfly species in 17 SW genera, representing all 4 American families. Note that the family Protoneuridae is gone; it has been lumped into the Coenagrionidae. http://www.odonatacentral.org/docs/NA_Odonata_Checklist.pdf

Click here to see the life cycle of a dragonfly in a photo story with text!

Click on a map or text below to be taken to a website that features only the dragonflies of that particular state.
There is also a Western Odonata Facebook page that covers all these states and several more

and CalOdes discussion group

and an Arizona Facebook group

I'm glad you enjoy the dragonflies and damselflies too! THANK-YOU for visiting!!

Kathy Biggs, Azalea Creek Publishing

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Kathy Biggs