Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, Millipedes

A Plains Clubtail sits perched on the sandy soils of Grey Cloud Island Scientific and Natural Area.

NPS/Gordon Dietzman

Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)

About 100 species of dragonflies and 40 species of damselflies live in Minnesota. Dragonfly watching on warm days in late morning into the evening is a rapidly growing hobby for many people. Following are several of the more interesting species or groups of these intriguing insects that may be found in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Dragonflies

Blue Dasher
Common Green Darner
Common Whitetail
Eastern Pondhawk
Four-spotted Skimmer
Halloween Pennant
Meadowhawks
Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Widow Skimmer

Damselflies

Bluets
Ebony Jewelwing
Spreadwings