The skimmers or perchers and their relatives form the Libellulidae, the largest dragonfly family in the world. It is sometimes considered to contain the Corduliidae as the subfamily Corduliinae and the Macromiidae as the subfamily Macromiinae. Even if these are excluded, there remains a family of over 1000 species. With nearly worldwide distribution, these are almost certainly the most often seen of all dragonflies.
Zyxomma is a genus of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Species of Zyxomma are small to medium-sized, dully coloured, crepuscular insects. They are known as Duskdarters. Members of Zyxomma are found in India, Japan, Africa and Australia.
Anaciaeschna is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae. Species of Anaciaeschna are found in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Bradinopyga is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. It contains the following species:
Ceriagrion is a genus of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. Species of Ceriagrion are small to medium size, generally brightly coloured damselflies. They are found across the Old World, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Chlorocypha is a genus of damselflies in the family Chlorocyphidae.
Hemicordulia is a genus of dragonfly in family Corduliidae. It occurs in Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands such as the Bonin Islands, Fiji and French Polynesia. Species of Hemicordulia are small to medium-sized dragonflies, coloured black or metallic, with yellow.
Ictinogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in either the family Gomphidae or Lindeniidae. They are medium to large, yellow and black with clear wings. Species occur in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Ischnura is a genus of damselflies known as blue tails in the family Coenagrionidae. Forktails are distributed worldwide, including various oceanic islands. The males have a forked projection at the tip of the abdomen which gives the group their common name.
Macromia is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Macromiidae. They are commonly known as river cruisers from their habit of cruising long distances along river banks. Most species of Macromia occur in the tropical Australasian region, with one species being found in Europe , and a few species occurring in North America.
Micromacromia is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae.
Nesciothemis is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. It contains the following species:
Onychogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as Pincertails.
Paragomphus is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as Hooktails.
Phyllomacromia a large genus of dragonflies in the family Macromiidae. They are commonly known as cruisers.
Pseudagrion is the largest genus of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae, with over 140 species. Its range includes most of Africa, much of Asia, and Australia. Africa holds most of the diversity with almost 100 species. It has occupied most of the freshwater habitats in its range, and dominates damselfly communities in habitats as different as desert pools, equatorial rainforests and montane streams.
Tramea is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, the skimmers and perchers. Species of Tramea are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. They typically have colored bases to their otherwise translucent hindwings. In particular when they fly, this creates the impression of their carrying bags at the start of their abdomens. They are known commonly as saddlebags or saddlebags gliders.
Zygonyx is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. They are commonly known as cascaders because of their preference for living beside waterfalls and flying through the spray. They lay their eggs into the wet dangling roots of plants.
Anax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae. It includes species such as the emperor dragonfly, Anax imperator.
