Dragonflies in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to diverse species of dragonflies. The best time to watch adult dragonflies in the state is mid-July through September. Some species, like the common green darner, can be seen from late spring through fall. It can be mentioned here that the darners are some of the biggest dragonflies here.

Dragonflies in South Dakota (SD)

Types of Dragonflies in South Dakota

  • Variable Darner
  • Lance-tipped Darner
  • Shadow Darner
  • Common Green Darner
  • Pronghorn Clubtail
  • Plains Emerald
  • Common Baskettail
  • Eastern Amberwing
  • Four-spotted Skimmer
  • Common Whitetail
  • Twelve-spotted Skimmer
  • Widow Skimmer
  • Calico Pennant
  • Halloween Pennant
  • Dot-tailed Whiteface
  • Eastern Pondhawk
  • Variegated Meadowhawk
  • White-Faced Meadowhawk
  • Ruby Meadowhawk
  • Cherry-faced Meadowhawk
  • Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
  • Blue Dasher
  • Red Saddlebags
  • Black Saddlebags
  • Wandering Gilder
  • Paddle-tailed Darner
  • Black-shouldered Spinylegs
  • Prince Baskettail
  • Flame Skimmer