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 still remains a family of over 1000 species. With nearly worldwide distribution, these are almost certainly the most often seen of all dragonflies.
Orthetrum villosovittatum, known as the fiery skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its range is from the Moluccas, New Guinea and neighbouring islands as well as Australia. In Australia it is found in Victoria through eastern New South Wales and Queensland, north inland Queensland, Cape York Peninsula and north Northern Territory. It is a common species through most of its range.
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.
Tramea basilaris, also known as the keyhole glider, red marsh trotter, or wheeling glider, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found throughout most of Africa, Arabia and in Asia. Similarly, this species is able to use the trade winds to reach the Caribbean and South Americas, where it was caught in Suriname, "guadeloupe" and "martinique".
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.
The Synthemistidae are the family of dragonflies commonly known as tigertails, or sometimes called southern emeralds. This family has seven genera and forty-three species; they look similar to corduliid and gomphid dragonflies. This family is sometimes treated as a subfamily of Corduliidae. This is an ancient dragonfly family, with some species occurring in Australia and New Guinea. Most species are small in size and have narrow abdomens. Their nymphs are bottom dwellers, and resist droughts by burying themselves very deeply. Synthemistid dragonflies frequently prefer marshy areas, as well as fast-flowing streams. The family Synthemistidae is sometimes called Synthemidae.
Neurothemis is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. They are found in India, Asia, Australia and the Pacific region. Most Neurothemis species are red in color.
Anax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae. It includes species such as the emperor dragonfly, Anax imperator.
Neurobasis is a genus of damselflies belonging to the family Calopterygidae. They are found from India, through south-east Asia, Indonesia and New Guinea.
Agrionoptera is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae. Species of Agrionoptera are found across India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Nannophlebia is a genus of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. They are commonly known as Archtails. The species are very small with black and yellow striped abdomens.
Lathrecista asiatica, the asiatic blood tail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is the only species in its genus. It is widespread, occurring from India to Australia.
Agyrtacantha is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae. Species of Agyrtacantha can be large, dull-coloured dragonflies.
Orthetrum balteatum is a freshwater dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, present in northern Australia and New Guinea. The common name for this species is speckled skimmer.
Orthetrum migratum is an Australian freshwater dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. The common name for this species is rosy skimmer. It inhabits streams, boggy seepages, riverine pools and swamps across northern Australia.
Macrodiplax cora, the coastal glider, also known as wandering pennant, and Cora’s pennant, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae.
Nannodiplax rubra, commonly called the pygmy percher, is a species of dragonfly in the monotypic genus Nannodiplax. Its distribution seems to be limited to Australia and New Guinea. They are tiny dragonflies with a bright red abdomen and clear wings. They are found near a wide variety of rivers and streams. The Australian distribution ranges from Broome, Western Australia via the north and east to around Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, but it is listed in the Catalogue of Life.
Tramea loewii, the common glider, is a species of dragonfly in the Libellulidae family. It is found in the Cocos Islands, Moluccas, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Australia and the western Pacific. Since 2005, Tramea loewii has also been recorded in New Zealand.
Nannophya australis is a species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, known as the Australian pygmyfly. It inhabits boggy seepages and swamps in eastern Australia. It is a tiny dragonfly with black and red markings.
Neurothemis oligoneura is a species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, known as the spotted grasshawk. It is a medium-sized dragonfly with extensive darkening near the base of the wings found in northern Australia and New Guinea.
