Wisconsin's Endangered & Threatened Dragonflies

Dragonflies are a group or Order of insects called the Odonata. These are often the most conspicuous insects near any body of fresh water. They are distinguished from other insects by the combination of 4 equal length cellophane like wings and tiny bristle-like antennae. The immature forms or larvae are aquatic. The Order Odonata includes the Anisoptera or true dragonflies and the Zygoptera or damselflies. All of the species discussed below are true dragonflies. These are large strong flying insects with large eyes and hindwings wider at the base than are the forewings. They perch with the wings straight out to the side. Wisconsin currently has six species of threatened or endangered dragonflies.

Species information from the book The Endangered and Threatened Invertebrates of Wisconsin:

Ophiogomphus (Snaketails)

The content for this page was originally presented in the Endangered and Threatened Invertebrates of Wisconsin, a free publication available by contacting the Endangered Resources Program.