72 Types of Dragonflies in Washington
Dragonflies do show up in Washington, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- July, August, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
72 types of dragonflies recorded in Washington
72 dragonfly species have a verified observation record in Washington across dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
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Also recorded in Washington
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Dot-tailed WhitefaceLeucorrhinia intacta | Leucorrhinia intacta | 483 |
| 14 | Four-spotted SkimmerLibellula quadrimaculata | Libellula quadrimaculata | 427 |
| 15 | Shadow DarnerNativeAeshna umbrosa | Aeshna umbrosa | 424 |
| 16 | Common Green DarnerAnax junius | Anax junius | 396 |
| 17 | Spotted SpreadwingLestes congener | Lestes congener | 378 |
| 18 | Autumn MeadowhawkSympetrum vicinum | Sympetrum vicinum | 367 |
| 19 | Vivid DancerArgia vivida | Argia vivida | 356 |
| 20 | Western ForktailNativeIschnura perparva | Ischnura perparva | 286 |
| 21 | Band-winged MeadowhawkSympetrum semicinctum | Sympetrum semicinctum | 257 |
| 22 | River JewelwingCalopteryx aequabilis | Calopteryx aequabilis | 255 |
| 23 | Twelve-spotted SkimmerLibellula pulchella | Libellula pulchella | 231 |
| 24 | California SpreadwingArchilestes californicus | Archilestes californicus | 225 |
| 25 | Emma's DancerArgia emma | Argia emma | 212 |
| 26 | Spiny BaskettailEpitheca spinigera | Epitheca spinigera | 169 |
| 27 | Saffron-winged MeadowhawkSympetrum costiferum | Sympetrum costiferum | 153 |
| 28 | Boreal BluetEnallagma boreale | Enallagma boreale | 122 |
| 29 | Black SaddlebagsTramea lacerata | Tramea lacerata | 117 |
| 30 | Olive ClubtailStylurus olivaceus | Stylurus olivaceus | 115 |
| 31 | Variable DarnerAeshna interrupta | Aeshna interrupta | 112 |
| 32 | Black PetaltailTanypteryx hageni | Tanypteryx hageni | 110 |
| 33 | White-belted RingtailErpetogomphus compositus | Erpetogomphus compositus | 105 |
| 34 | Red-veined MeadowhawkSympetrum madidum | Sympetrum madidum | 104 |
| 35 | Northern SpreadwingLestes disjunctus | Lestes disjunctus | 101 |
| 36 | White-faced MeadowhawkSympetrum obtrusum | Sympetrum obtrusum | 100 |
| 37 | Emerald SpreadwingLestes dryas | Lestes dryas | 79 |
| 38 | Flame SkimmerLibellula saturata | Libellula saturata | 72 |
| 39 | Hudsonian WhitefaceLeucorrhinia hudsonica | Leucorrhinia hudsonica | 71 |
| 40 | Northern BluetNativeEnallagma annexum | Enallagma annexum | 70 |
| 41 | Swift ForktailIschnura erratica | Ischnura erratica | 69 |
| 42 | Mountain EmeraldSomatochlora semicircularis | Somatochlora semicircularis | 65 |
| 43 | Sinuous SnaketailOphiogomphus occidentis | Ophiogomphus occidentis | 64 |
| 44 | Chalk-fronted CorporalLadona julia | Ladona julia | 63 |
| 45 | Widow SkimmerLibellula luctuosa | Libellula luctuosa | 62 |
| 46 | Ringed EmeraldSomatochlora albicincta | Somatochlora albicincta | 55 |
| 47 | Sweetflag SpreadwingLestes forcipatus | Lestes forcipatus | 54 |
| 48 | American EmeraldCordulia shurtleffii | Cordulia shurtleffii | 51 |
| 49 | Lyre-tipped SpreadwingNativeLestes unguiculatus | Lestes unguiculatus | 51 |
| 50 | Pacific SpiketailZoraena dorsalis | Zoraena dorsalis | 49 |
Plus 22 more established dragonflies species beyond the top 50. And 12 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
16,482 verified observations on iNaturalist of dragonfly have been recorded in Washington, most often in July, August, June.
When dragonfly are recorded in Washington
Dragonflies do show up in Washington, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
What are the most common dragonflies in Washington?
The common green darner (Anax junius) is the most widespread, with its bright green thorax and blue abdomen. The blue-eyed darner (Rhionaeschna multicolor) is also common, especially in eastern Washington. Other frequent sightings include the twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) and the widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa). All prefer open water habitats.
In Washington, dragonflies sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Washington should you look for dragonflies?
Your best bet is any still or slow-moving water body: ponds, marshes, lake edges, and slow streams. Top spots include the wetlands around the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, the ponds in the Columbia Basin, and the shores of Lake Washington. Even small backyard ponds can attract them. For a deeper dive, check ourWashington wildlife resources.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Washington. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When is the best season to see dragonflies in Washington?
Peak dragonfly season runs from June through August. Some early species emerge in May, and you may see stragglers into September. Midday heat brings the most activity, but early morning can be good for feeding swarms. Weather plays a role: warm, calm days are best.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify the common green darner?
Look for a large dragonfly (about 3 inches long) with a bright green thorax and a blue abdomen with a black stripe down the back. The eyes are large and meet on top of the head. Males have the blue abdomen; females are more brownish. Watch for the distinctive fast, direct flight.
What lookalikes might confuse you with the common green darner?
The blue-eyed darner looks similar but has a blue thorax and blue eyes. The California darner has a green thorax but a more slender abdomen. Pay attention to eye color and thorax shade. For more details, see ourdragonfly identification guide.
Where can you find dragonfly watching hotspots in Washington?
Use this interactive map to locate documented dragonfly sites across Washington.
What dragonfly-themed gear can help you remember your sightings?
If you want to keep a visual record of the species you've seen, consider these picks:
Colorful Dragonfly Stickers, Insect Decals, Planner Decorations
A set of realistic dragonfly stickers for labeling your field journal or planner.Check Price and Availability
Dragonfly T-Shirt
A casual shirt with a dragonfly design, perfect for wearing on your next outing.Check Price and Availability
Browse more options in ourstickers collection.
3dRose Common Green Darner on Water Primrose in wetland Effingham Co. IL 15oz Two-Tone Yellow Mug
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Are there any dragonfly species unique to Washington?
No dragonfly species is exclusive to Washington, but the state hosts several with limited ranges in the Pacific Northwest, such as the paddle-tailed darner (Aeshna palmata) and the subarctic darner (Aeshna subarctica). These are most common in the northern Cascades and high-elevation bogs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington dragonflies
**How many dragonfly species are in Washington?** Over 70 species have been recorded.
**What is the largest dragonfly in Washington?** The common green darner, reaching 3 inches.
**Can you see dragonflies in Seattle?** Yes, especially at Green Lake, Washington Park Arboretum, and Union Bay Natural Area.
**Do dragonflies bite?** They can pinch if handled, but they are not aggressive to people.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common dragonflies in Washington?+
The common green darner (Anax junius) is the most widespread, with its bright green thorax and blue abdomen. The blue-eyed darner (Rhionaeschna multicolor) is also common, especially in eastern Washington. Other frequent sightings include the twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) and the widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa). All prefer open water habitats. In Washington, dragonflies sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Washington should you look for dragonflies?+
Your best bet is any still or slow-moving water body: ponds, marshes, lake edges, and slow streams. Top spots include the wetlands around the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, the ponds in the Columbia Basin, and the shores of Lake Washington. Even small backyard ponds can attract them. For a deeper dive, check ourWashington wildlife resources. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Washington. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When is the best season to see dragonflies in Washington?+
Peak dragonfly season runs from June through August. Some early species emerge in May, and you may see stragglers into September. Midday heat brings the most activity, but early morning can be good for feeding swarms. Weather plays a role: warm, calm days are best. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify the common green darner?+
Look for a large dragonfly (about 3 inches long) with a bright green thorax and a blue abdomen with a black stripe down the back. The eyes are large and meet on top of the head. Males have the blue abdomen; females are more brownish. Watch for the distinctive fast, direct flight.
What lookalikes might confuse you with the common green darner?+
The blue-eyed darner looks similar but has a blue thorax and blue eyes. The California darner has a green thorax but a more slender abdomen. Pay attention to eye color and thorax shade. For more details, see ourdragonfly identification guide.
Where can you find dragonfly watching hotspots in Washington?+
Use this interactive map to locate documented dragonfly sites across Washington.
What dragonfly-themed gear can help you remember your sightings?+
If you want to keep a visual record of the species you've seen, consider these picks: ### Colorful Dragonfly Stickers, Insect Decals, Planner Decorations A set of realistic dragonfly stickers for labeling your field journal or planner.Check Price and Availability ### Dragonfly T-Shirt A casual shirt with a dragonfly design, perfect for wearing on your next outing.Check Price and Availability Browse more options in ourstickers collection. ### 3dRose Common Green Darner on Water Primrose in wetland Effingham Co. IL 15oz Two-Tone Yellow Mug A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Are there any dragonfly species unique to Washington?+
No dragonfly species is exclusive to Washington, but the state hosts several with limited ranges in the Pacific Northwest, such as the paddle-tailed darner (Aeshna palmata) and the subarctic darner (Aeshna subarctica). These are most common in the northern Cascades and high-elevation bogs.
Keep exploring
More places to see dragonfly
More wildlife in Washington