Characteristics
- Robust and stocky body
- Compound eyes broadly joined at the top of the head
- Hindwings broader than forewings
- Wings held horizontally at rest
- Fast, powerful flight, often capable of hovering
Habitat
Anisoptera are commonly found in:
- Ponds, small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, ditches, bogs
- Wetlands with riparian vegetation
- Open meadows near water sources
- Occasionally far from water for hunting or resting
Biology
- Predatory adults, hunting flying insects (mosquitoes, flies, butterflies…)
- Aquatic larvae, also predatory (worms, tadpoles, fish fry…)
- Eggs laid in water or on submerged vegetation
- Long larval development (several months to years)
- Emergence in spring or summer; adult lifespan generally short (a few weeks)
Representative Families
- Libellulidae – The largest family, highly diverse in color and behavior
- Aeshnidae – Large, fast, and agile dragonflies (e.g., Aeshna, Anax)
- Gomphidae – Dragonflies with separated eyes, often seen perched on the ground
- Corduliidae – Often metallic species, fast and discreet flyers
Special Features
- Territorial, often perched on vantage points
- Distinct reproductive behavior (tandem pairs, oviposition flight)
- Highly sensitive to water quality (bioindicators)
- Excellent vision, with fast and precise movements
A naturalistic illustration of an Anax imperator in flight or a perched Libellula depressa will be added soon.