Dragonflies in West Virginia in August

Yes, August is one of the best months to see dragonflies in West Virginia. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 1,234 of the 6,384 sightings logged across the year (19.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg photographed in West VirginiaChalk-fronted Corporal photographed in West VirginiaAutumn Meadowhawk photographed in West Virginia
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for dragonflies in West Virginia

19.3%

of yearly sightings

1,234

records in August

#3

busiest month of 12

6,384

verified records a year

July 25%, August 19.3%, September 6.8%. Busiest month is June at 34.5%.

Best months: June, July, AugustPeak season right now

6,384 verified observations of dragonflies in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When dragonflies are recorded in West Virginia

Peak month

June

2,202 records (34.5% of the year)

Quietest month

January

2 records

MonthObservationsShare
January20%
February70.1%
March140.2%
April1041.6%
May6169.6%
Junepeak2,20234.5%
Julypeak1,59825%
Augustpeak1,23419.3%
September4336.8%
October1292%
November380.6%
December70.1%

Dragonflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Common Whitetail505
Ebony Jewelwing428
Widow Skimmer288
Eastern Pondhawk233
Powdered Dancer205
Variable Dancer183
Fragile Forktail179
Blue Dasher178

In West Virginia, August carries 19.3% of the year's dragonflies sightings, about 11 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from July (25%) into August, and it heads toward September (6.8%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so August is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The dragonflies most often recorded in West Virginia are Common Whitetail, Ebony Jewelwing and Widow Skimmer. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.

Which dragonflies you are most likely to see

  • Common Whitetail505 records
  • Ebony Jewelwing428 records
  • Widow Skimmer288 records
  • Eastern Pondhawk233 records
  • Powdered Dancer205 records
  • Variable Dancer183 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your dragonfly trip in West Virginia

Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see dragonflies in West Virginia in August?+

Yes. August accounts for 1,234 of the 6,384 verified dragonflies sightings logged in West Virginia across the year, which is 19.3% of the annual total.

Is August a good time to see dragonflies in West Virginia?+

August is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, July and August.

What month is best for dragonflies in West Virginia?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 6,384 verified observations.

Which dragonflies are you most likely to see in West Virginia?+

The most-recorded species in West Virginia are Common Whitetail, Ebony Jewelwing and Widow Skimmer, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.