Dragonflies are ancient insects that have been around for over 300 million years They are found on every continent except Antarctica and come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns While many dragonflies sport bright hues of blue, red, green, and yellow, some species feature simple yet striking black and white coloration. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common black and white dragonflies found across North America.
Why Do Some Dragonflies Have Black and White Coloration?
The black and white patterning seen on some dragonfly species serves an important purpose The high contrast makes them stand out and helps with species recognition during mating It also provides camouflage when perched on reeds near water,
Additionally, the white pruinosity (a waxy coating) that develops on mature male dragonflies acts as a status signal and is used in territorial displays towards other competing males. So while the coloration may appear simple to our eyes, it allows dragonflies to communicate vital information to each other.
Popular Black and White Species
There are a number of different dragonfly species that feature black and white patterning. Here are some of the most frequently encountered:
Common Whitetail
The common whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is aptly named for the male’s chunky white body and transparent wings with black bands. Females have brown bodies with yellow stripes and slightly different wing markings. This species is widespread across North America, living near ponds, marshes, and slow streams.
Widow Skimmer
Male widow skimmers (Libellula luctuosa) have dark bluish-white spots on their wings that fade to clear at the tips. Females have broad golden stripes on their abdomens. Widow skimmers are found throughout most of North America and are the largest of the black and white species.
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
As the name suggests, these dragonflies (Libellula pulchella) have prominent white spots on their wings, with males displaying 12 and females closer to 10. They are medium-sized dragonflies found predominantly in Canada near water sources.
Desert Whitetail
Desert whitetails (Plathemis subornata) live up to their name, residing in hot, arid habitats of the southern United States. They have dusty white wings with dark patches and light gray bodies. Despite their desert dwelling, they remain dependent on water sources.
Chalk-fronted Corporal
The chocolate-colored bodies of male Ladona julia contrast with the large white patches on their thoraxes, resembling a soldier’s uniform. Females are mostly brown. Look for these dragonflies in northern parts of the U.S. and Canada.
When and Where to See Them
The best times to observe these black and white beauties are on warm, sunny days in summer and early fall. Males will be busy defending breeding territories near water while females come periodically to mate and lay eggs.
Slow streams, ponds, marshes, and lakes are hotspots for watching their aerial antics. Many species venture further from water while hunting insect prey. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be peak activity periods.
Interesting Behaviors to Watch For
Here are some fascinating dragonfly behaviors to look for when observing black and white species:
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Territorial fights – Watch for males aggressively chasing rivals out of their domains. Aerial battles and loop-the-loop displays establish dominance.
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Mate guarding – After mating, males will closely follow females and ward off other suitors as she lays eggs.
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Ovipositing – Females rhythmically tap the water to release eggs from the tip of their abdomens.
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Basking – Dragonflies position their bodies at an angle to maximize sun exposure on cool mornings.
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Aerial hunting – Catching small flying insects like mosquitoes mid-flight shows off their adept flying skills.
The Importance of Dragonflies
Dragonflies may seem like just another colorful bug, but they play vital ecological roles. Both the larval and adult stages are voracious predators that help control mosquito and other insect populations. Dragonflies are also an important food source for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Their sensitivity to water quality and pollutants make them an indicator species. Getting to observe these ancient insects up close is a treat made possible by conserving their freshwater habitats.
So next time you are near a pond or wetland, keep an eye out for these fascinating black and white dragons of summer. Watching their graceful aerial maneuvers and complex behaviors is a joy. With a diversity of species across North America, seeing these dark and pale beauties is a wildlife encounter open to many.
Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera)
Eastern amberwings are small dragonflies that have a rich amber-orange color. Males have amber colored wings while females have clear wings with brown patches. These small odonates reside along ponds, lakes, marshes and streams. Often, you can see them flying low over the water surface or perching on aquatic plants. These tiny dragons can reach up to 1 inch in length.
Common Baskettail (Epitheca cynosura)
Common baskettails are hairy dragonflies that have yellow stripes on the sides of their abdomen. These common dragonflies tend to be 1.5-1.7 inches in length and can be found on the edges of ponds, lakes and streams.
The skimmer family is the largest dragonfly family in the world. Dragonflies in the skimmer family are highly variable in size and color patterns. Common skimmers tend to be fast flyers that can easily zip up and down stretches of streams.
WHEN YOU SEE A WHITE AND BLACK DRAGONFLY WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?
FAQ
What is the rarest Colour of dragonfly?
The Brilliant Emerald is considered to be a nationally rare species. Habitats occupied in Scotland and in southeast England are only broadly similar: sheltered, standing or slow-flowing waters usually, but not always, edged with good tree cover.
What does seeing a black dragonfly mean spiritually?
Black dragonflies are often associated with mystery and the unknown. Their presence may indicate that it’s time to explore the hidden aspects of our lives. The black dragonfly invites us to delve into the mysteries of our existence, seeking deeper understanding and self-discovery.
What is the Old Wives tale about dragonflies?
One wives’ tale says that dragonflies stitch shut the mouths of naughty children in their sleep, while Welsh folklore says they follow snakes and mend their wounds.
What’s the difference between dragonflies and damselfly?
- Dragonflies: Generally larger and more robust, with thicker, chunkier bodies.
- Damselflies: Tend to be smaller and more slender, with thin, twig-like bodies.
Why are dragonflies white and black?
White and black sections across the body also represent distinguishing physical characteristics as it’s otherwise difficult to tell many dragonfly species apart. Black and white dragonflies in North America have a size that ranges between 2 to 2.6 inches on average. Colors make them easier to distinguish as most species are about the same size.
Are there black and white dragonflies in North America?
North America is home to a few black and white dragonflies. It’s estimated over 500 species of dragonflies are native to North America and Canada from the thousands of species found around the world. A handful of these species are black and white. These black and white colors are specific to the body or the wings of dragonflies.
How big do black and white dragonflies get?
Black and white dragonflies in North America have a size that ranges between 2 to 2.6 inches on average. Colors make them easier to distinguish as most species are about the same size. Further Reading: Black and white moths. Black and white butterflies. Black and white bees.
What does a whitetail dragonfly look like?
Common Whitetails (Plathemis Lydia) get their name from their mostly white body, in the case of the males. The male dragonfly has a white body and transparent wings with just a few black sections. Females of the species have brown bodies with yellow marks along the sides. They also have transparent wings with dark brown patches.
What colors do dragonflies come in?
Dragonflies can come in different color combinations as well. Black and brown and black and yellow are the most common combinations of black dragonflies. These color combinations are mostly specific to females. Black and brown or black and yellow color combinations are interpreted as happy as well.
Are there black dragonflies?
Dragonflies often show patches or bands of black on other backgrounds, alternating stripes of black and some other color or predominantly black backgrounds with other, iridescent colors.