The Most Beautiful Dragonfly, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dragonfly you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:18
In the vast world of nature, the beauty of dragonflies captivates many with their iridescent wings and graceful flight. Yet, determining which dragonfly stands out as the most beautiful can be quite subjective and vary from person to person. This list offers a place to gather diverse opinions and see which species fascinate people the most.
By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a crowd-sourced appreciation of natural beauty. Your votes help determine which dragonflies are considered the most enchanting, encouraging others to notice and appreciate these elegant creatures. Engage with the community, share your preferences, and see how others are casting their votes.
What Is the Most Beautiful Dragonfly?
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177votesWith its iridescent blue-green body and delicate wings, the Banded Demoiselle is considered one of the most beautiful dragonflies.The Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) is one of the most beautiful dragonflies found in Europe. It is known for its vibrant colors and delicate appearance. The male has iridescent blue or green metallic wings, a slender body, and a dark band across its wings. The female is less colorful, with translucent wings and a metallic green or bronze body. Both genders have large, prominent eyes and long, slender abdomens.
- Species: Calopteryx splendens
- Color: Males: Iridescent blue or green wings; Females: Metallic green or bronze body
- Size: Wingspan of 50-70 mm
- Habitat: Rivers, streams, and wetlands with abundant vegetation
- Range: Found across Europe, from the UK to Central Asia
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234votesThe Golden-ringed Dragonfly has a striking black and yellow striped body, and its wings are transparent with black veins.The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a stunning and majestic species of dragonfly that can be found in Europe. It is considered one of the most beautiful dragonflies due to its striking coloration and impressive size.
- Scientific Name: Cordulegaster boltonii
- Habitat: Europe, primarily in wetlands and slow-flowing rivers
- Size: Approximately 7-9 cm in length
- Wingspan: Around 10-11 cm
- Body Color: Mature males have a brilliant golden-yellow color, while females and juveniles are a darker bronze to greenish color
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320votes
Alvesgaspar · CC BY 2.5The Scarlet Darter is named after its bright red color, which makes it stand out against the greenery around it.The Scarlet Darter is a stunning dragonfly known for its vibrant red coloration and impressive flight agility. Its intricate wings showcase a mesmerizing pattern of translucent red veins, contrasting against the shiny, metallic red body. This dragonfly is a sight to behold, capturing the essence of elegance and power in a miniature form.- Scientific Name: Crocothemis erythraea
- Distinctive Features: Vibrant red coloration, translucent wings with red veins
- Wingspan: 7-8 cm
- Body Length: 4-5 cm
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
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411votesThe Blue-eyed Darner has bright blue eyes that contrast with its green and black body, making it a stunning sight to see.The Blue-eyed Darner is a mesmerizing dragonfly known for its vibrant colors and distinctive eyes. It belongs to the Aeshnidae family and can be found in various regions of North and Central America. The name 'Blue-eyed Darner' is derived from its striking blue eyes, which set it apart from other dragonfly species.
- Scientific Name: Rhionaeschna multicolor
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams
- Wingspan: Around 7-8 cm
- Body Length: Approximately 7-8 cm
- Coloration: Deep blue body with black and aqua markings
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518votesWith its metallic green body and clear wings, the Common Hawker is a beautiful and impressive dragonfly.The Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) is a stunning dragonfly showcasing vibrant colors and intricate wing patterns. It belongs to the Aeshnidae family and can be found in various parts of Europe and Asia. Known for its quick and agile flight, the Common Hawker is a fascinating creature to observe in its natural habitat.
- Scientific Name: Aeshna juncea
- Family: Aeshnidae
- Distribution: Europe and Asia
- Wingspan: Approximately 7.5 cm
- Coloration: Males have a blue abdomen, green thorax with yellow stripes, and transparent wings; females are more yellowish-brown with distinct dark lines on the thorax
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610votesThe Migrant Hawker has a striking blue coloration on its abdomen, making it stand out from its surroundings.The Migrant Hawker is a stunning species of dragonfly known for its vivid colors and graceful flight. It belongs to the Aeshna genus, and its scientific name is Aeshna mixta. This dragonfly is highly regarded for its beauty, captivating observers with its ethereal appearance and swift movements.
- Wingspan: Up to 8 cm
- Body length: Around 6 cm
- Coloration: Varies between males and females; males have deep blue abdomen and bright blue eyes, while females have a yellowish-brown abdomen and brown eyes
- Flight speed: Can reach up to 30 km/h (18 mph)
- Habitat: Found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, with a preference for wetland areas
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714votes
Quartl · CC BY 3.0The Emperor Dragonfly has a vibrant blue body and large wings, making it a majestic sight to see.The Emperor Dragonfly is considered one of the most beautiful species of dragonflies. It is known for its large size and vibrant colors.- Common Name: Emperor Dragonfly
- Scientific Name: Anax imperator
- Size: Body length: 7.5 to 8.6 cm, Wingspan: 9.5 to 10.5 cm
- Color: Males: Brilliant blue abdomen and eyes, green thorax, and clear wings. Females: Light green abdomen and eyes, brown thorax, and clear wings.
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, canals, and slow-flowing rivers.
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810votes
Böhringer böhringer friedrich · CC BY-SA 2.5Southern Hawker
Carl Johan SchiödteThe Southern Hawker has a beautiful green and brown coloration, and its wings are clear with brown veins.The Southern Hawker is a stunning dragonfly species known for its vibrant colors and unique features. It is native to the southern regions of Europe and parts of Asia. This beautiful insect was first scientifically described by the Swedish entomologist Carl Johan Schiödte in 1840.- Scientific name: Aeshna cyanea
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.6 cm (3-3.4 in)
- Body length: 6.3-7.6 cm (2.5-3 in)
- Color: Males: bright green eyes, yellow patches on the thorax, blue abdomen with black markings; Females: brown with green or blue markings
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers
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97votes
Alvesgaspar · CC BY 2.5The Red-veined Darter has a bright red body and clear wings with red veins, making it an eye-catching dragonfly.The Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a stunning species of dragonfly that belongs to the Libellulidae family. This dragonfly is known for its vibrant red coloration and intricate wing patterns. The adult males have a deep red abdomen and reddish veins on their wings, while the females exhibit a yellowish-brown abdomen. This species is relatively small, with a length of about 35-40 mm.- Scientific Name: Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Family: Libellulidae
- Size: 35-40 mm
- Coloration (males): Vibrant red abdomen
- Coloration (females): Yellowish-brown abdomen
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106votesThe Black-tailed Skimmer has a striking black and yellow body, and its wings are clear with black veins.The Black-tailed Skimmer is a striking dragonfly known for its vibrant colors and distinct tail markings. It is a medium-sized dragonfly found in various habitats across Europe and Asia. The species belongs to the family of Libellulidae, known for their agile flight and captivating appearance.
- Scientific Name: Orthetrum cancellatum
- Size: Body length: 4-5 cm, Wingspan: 7-8 cm
- Coloration: Males: Bright blue abdomen, yellow thorax, black wings with clear patches, black tail. Females: Yellowish-brown body with translucent wing tips.
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers with abundant vegetation
- Flight Season: Late May to early October
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Ranking factors for beautiful dragonfly
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ColorationA dragonfly's beauty can often be attributed to its vibrant, striking color patterns. These colors can range from bright blues, greens, and reds, to more subtle hues such as orange and purple. The way these colors contrast and complement one another can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a dragonfly.
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Size and body shapeThe size of a dragonfly, from its small and delicate body to its broad and robust wings, can affect its beauty. Larger dragonflies may be more visually impressive, while smaller ones can be considered more dainty and elegant. The shape of a dragonfly's body, including the sleekness of its abdomen and the curvature of its wings, can also contribute to its beauty.
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Wing patternsIntricate and symmetrical patterns on a dragonfly's wings can make it more visually appealing. The markings, turns, and twists in a dragonfly's wing veins can create a stunning pattern that contributes to its beauty.
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Behavior and flightDragonflies that exhibit graceful, agile, and acrobatic movements in flight can be more attractive than those with less impressive flight patterns. This can include the way the dragonfly hovers, glides, or darts through the air.
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RarityDragonflies that are rare or unique can be considered more beautiful due to their scarcity and the awe they can inspire. Rare species or unusual color forms can make a dragonfly more appealing to enthusiasts and casual admirers alike.
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HabitatAn attractive habitat, like a pristine pond or a serene forest, can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a dragonfly. Observing a beautiful dragonfly in a stunning environment can create a more memorable and captivating experience for the observer.
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Cultural significanceCertain dragonfly species may have cultural significance, which can influence how beautiful they are perceived to be. For example, the Japanese consider the red dragonfly to be a symbol of happiness and courage, making it more beautiful in their eyes.
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Personal preferencesPersonal taste also plays a role in determining the beauty of a dragonfly. Some people may prefer the sleek, streamlined look of a certain species, while others may be drawn to the bright colors and bold patterns of another.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful dragonfly. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dragonfly is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3027 views
- 204 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dragonfly once every 24 hours. The rank of each dragonfly is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful dragonfly
Dragonflies are one of the most beautiful insects found in nature. They are known for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and delicate wings. Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, which includes both dragonflies and damselflies. There are over 5,000 known species of dragonflies, each with its own unique beauty. These insects are found all over the world and are often associated with bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and rivers. Dragonflies are important predators in the ecosystem, feeding on other insects like mosquitoes and flies. They are also a symbol of change and transformation, as they spend most of their life in the water as nymphs before emerging as the stunning creatures we see flying around us. With so many species to choose from, it's no wonder that the question "what is the most beautiful dragonfly?" is a difficult one to answer.
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