Ferocious predators roam the streams and meadows of DuPage County. These stealthy hunters lurk silently, waiting for their next meal. With lightning speed, they lash out their enormous lower lips, grabbing their unsuspecting victims. Then, they take to the air, often eating their prey in mid-flight...

Illinois is home to at least 99 of the 307 known species of dragonflies in North America. At least 30 of these occur in DuPage County, some of them endangered. Certain species of dragonflies are considered "indicator species." This means that their presence or absence helps scientists determine the health of an ecosystem.

The Dragonfly Life Cycle

1. The dragonfly life cycle begins when the female lays her eggs in or near water. Some species prefer the still water of ponds, and others opt for streams.
2. Most dragonfly eggs hatch in five to 10 days. During its second stage of life, the dragonfly larva (also known as a nymph or naiad) is a voracious eater, gobbling up mosquito larvae, minnows, tadpoles and small crustaceans. Eventually, the larva climbs out of the water and begins its final metamorphosis.
3. The skin along the nymph's back dries out and splits open, and a juvenile dragonfly emerges. As the dragonfly matures, it may change color, depending on its species.

Common Dragonflies of DuPage County

White-Faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum obtrusum

These dragonflies are common in late summer and early autumn throughout ponds and marshes. The males' bodies are bright red; the females' are gold. Both have white faces and black triangles along their abdomens.

Widow Skimmer

Libellula luctuosa

To see this common Illinois species, watch for slow flyers in ponds, small streams and marshes. Keep an eye out for the dark bands near the base of the wings. On an adult male these bands will be followed by a second set of white bands.

Calico Pennant

Celithemis elisa

Look for the brilliant patches on the abdomen of the calico pennant. Red patches indicate an adult male; yellow patches are found on females and juvenile males. The distinctive pattern of wing spots adds to their beauty. These dragonflies are found in marshy ponds and lakes. They spend much of their time resting on plants at the water's edge.

Photo courtesy of Tom Biegalski

Eastern Pondhawk

Erythemis simplicicollis

Eastern pondhawks often perch near the edge of water or on floating debris. The female and juvenile male are brilliant green, while the adult male is bright blue with a yellowtipped abdomen. Watch for them in lakes, ponds and slow streams.

Eastern Amberwing

Perithemis tenera

At less than 1 inch long, these are some of the smallest dragonflies in our area. You may spot these low flyers skimming the water on sunny days. The males' wings are amber colored. The females' wings are also amber but with two dark bands. Look for them in ponds and quiet streams.

Blue Dasher

Pachydiplax longipennis

Blue dashers are speedy flyers often found at ponds and streams. The adult male has a metallic-blue abdomen with a dark tip. Thorax stripes distinguish the male blue dasher from the eastern pondhawk, a common species often mistaken for the blue dasher. The female and juvenile male have yellowstriped abdomens.

Photo from the Forest Preserve District of
DuPage County image library