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Dragonfly Tours Puerto Rico! - El Yunque National Forest

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• El Yunque National Forest    
• El Yunque National Forest - Things to Do    

Dragonfly Tours Puerto Rico!

Took a trip to the Yunque Rain Forest with Dragonfly. The tour was fantastic. Our tour guide, Jonathan Andujar was friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and always looked out for our safety. The tour from beginning to end was warm and friendly. Jonathan knew all of his travelers names. Dragonfly rep contacted us the day before to confirm our tour. A wonderful experience.

An enjoyable place to visit and probably has a lot to offer. However we visited on Good Friday which I should have expected to be an issue. Visitors were parked on the road at each of the trail-heads and sites for a good 1/4 mile in each direction. We were only able to stop at two of the sites since the road is steep and we would not have been able to walk the distance and I didn't want to park the rental car in a muddy ditch half on the road. The park ranger was issuing tickets to cars as we left. We did hike to the falls which were fairly crowded and walked up the observation tower which I recommend. So, visitor beware that this is a popular place and as with any popular nation park, time your visit properly.

El Yunque was beautiful and time well spent. There were a number of hikes available, it is highly recommended you take at least one of the waterfall hikes as well going up one of the towers as the roadside views are not 'groomed'. It really should be a dedicated national park as this place is certainly a treasure. A trip to Puerto Rico should include this natural wonder. Be sure and listen for the delightful sound of the coqui frogs.

We decided we would take a day trip to the rain forest and we are so happy we did. The trials are all well marked. If you spend time looking in the water pools and on leaves you will find frogs, snails, spiders and butterflies. In the trees are many birds. The flora is amazing. The little over an hour hike to the waterfall for a swim was worth it as there are not many experiences like this left. If you skip the first welcome center and go to the 2nd there is no charge. A guide can be purchased for 1 trial for about 6.00 each. Parking was free but 1st come, first serve. Stop at the bakery on the way in (route 66 or 3) and pack your lunch, bring water and snacks. There are plenty of tables to sit at along the trails. If you are going to visit the cloud forest its a 3-4 hour hike just for that. I saw lots of people that were not in good shape or had disabilities trying to hike places that they should not have attempted. If something were to happen here help is not close. I also saw people hiking in flip flops. With the rain and mud this is an accident waiting to happen. People need to be smart about this as it hiking and not a little nature walk. What an awesome day!

I was grateful to have read the previous reviews and would highly recommend that you be there before 9 am, even earlier if you want to swim in the falls with less than 50 other people. No need to stop at the visitor center. Instead, simply take 191 the whole way. We made the mistake of entering the path at the first sign indicating La Mina Falls. Instead, go to the second sign which will take you down a path filled with waterfalls. The first one was less picture worthy. Note that the hiking, while paved, is slippery so make sure you wear hiking shoes/water shoes. Also, we are a fairly fit family and found it to be a moderate hike. I would not recommend this if you have physical challenges.

This is a great attraction in Puerto Rico. You are able to drive up the mountain and see some glorious sites. About half way up is a beautiful waterfall, where you can stop and take pictures. It is a must to first stop at the visitor center for a quick film about the rain forest. Very informative and nice a/c on a hot day. If you vacation in Puerto Rico you must go to El Yunque rain forest.

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Dragonfly Global Destination Services

Puerto rico.

• overview About Dragonfly Global Destination Services
• marker About Puerto Rico

About Dragonfly Global Destination Services

Dragonfly Global Destination Services is Puerto Rico’s premier DMC with over 30 years of experience in the tourism & M.I.C.E industry. We are inspired by our passion for our island which is the gem of the Caribbean! Our commitment to our clients is our main drive and guiding principle. We thrive when we exceed our clients' goals and expectations while creating long-lasting memories of our destination.

What Makes Us Unique

Today we’re the biggest privately owned DMC in the island servicing MICE, Leisure, Wholesaler and Cruise Ship Industry creating amazing themed events, unparalleled entertainment, unique concepts into amazing adventures, and popular and innovative tours that have captivated clients when looking for uniqueness. Our motto: delivering "APS", Anticipation, Progression and Surprise which are the most remarkable characteristics in creativity in order to achieve total success for memorable experiences.

Puerto Rico is positioned as the ideal destination for meetings and conventions, especially during winter, our weather allows memorable experiences.

Island of Enchantment, one of the oldest and most diversified cultures in the world. Puerto Rico is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, molded 500 years ago by Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences. Bewitchingly exotic, Puerto Rico will leave a unique imprint of warm hospitality, is the perfect location that awaits your groups.

Key areas around Puerto Rico

Marker why puerto rico.

• Idyllic island: Over 270 miles of white-sand beaches, balmy temperatures throughout the year, lush tropical flora and sparkling blue water
• No passports required for U.S. citizens
• 1.2M Sq Ft. of cutting edge meeting space, 14K hotel rooms, 2000 dining options, hundreds of non-stop flights
• Sophisticated State of the Art Technology and accessibility, championship golf courses, museums, shopping, adventure and nightlife
• Conveniently located in the heart of the Caribbean, one of the safest and most exclusive Islands in the world

tag What's new in Puerto Rico

• The Puerto Rico Convention Center is the largest and most technologically advanced in the Caribbean with 157,000-sq2 Exhibition Hall and a 39,500-sq2 ballroom- All in all, approximately 25,000 people can be accommodated within the center simultaneously
• Paseo Caribe: An open-air retail and entertainment center showcasing a carefully selected collection of local boutiques and restaurants along with emerging views of the Condado Lagoon
• Cueva Ventana "Window Cave" is a large natural cave situated atop a limestone cliff in Arecibo, Puerto Rico overlooking the magnificent Río Grande de Arecibo valley. From the window, the view is breathtaking

Puerto Rico Highlights

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Biobay: Our most astonishing and unique phenomenon: Home to millions of...

Canopy Tour: Exhilarating adventure to offer unique views! Soar over...

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Icacos Sailing and Snorkeling Tour

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• Duration: 5h approximate inclusive of roundtrip transfers
• No Booking Fees
• Picks up from select hotels
• Free cancellation available
• E-voucher (printout not required)

Private guided cruise in a state-of-the-art luxury sailboat

A visit to eastern Puerto Rico’s foremost snorkeling grounds

Chance to see Cayo Icacos, Isla Palominos, or Cayo Lobos

Seasoned skipper & friendly crew offer excellent hospitality

Delicious lunch with a choice of soda, juice, or local beer

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Description

Set sail from Fajardo and take a vacation within a vacation during a private sailing and snorkeling experience. Venture aboard a 47-foot (14-m) yacht, cruise to a celebrated snorkeling destination, and devote the rest of the afternoon to unlocking the wonders of the Caribbean Sea.

Leave the bustling beaches of San Juan behind and head toward Puerto Rico’s east coast early in the day. Feel like a VIP as a seasoned skipper and crew greet you with a tasty welcome beverage.  Out at sea, the gentle breeze and rolling swells propel you on your voyage toward Icaco.

Following an invigorating cruise, drop anchor and get outfitted with a mask and flippers. Then, take the plunge, allowing the swirling depths of the Caribbean Sea to soothe your senses. Your guide leads you to a series of enthralling snorkel destinations, where vibrant coral teem with colorful fish. Back on the boat, dry off on the sun-kissed deck and delight in a deli-style lunch and a refreshing beverage.

Private guided sightseeing cruise

Snorkeling equipment rental

Boxed Lunch

Roundtrip transportation from and to most centrally located San Juan hotels

Live tour commentary provided in English

Specialty drinks

Know Before You Book

You must be able to swim on your own.

If you are prone to motion sickness, please take any necessary precautions. Consult a medical professional before taking any medication.

This activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Maximum group size is 6 people.

Tour stops vary.

Roundtrip transportation is available from most centrally located San Juan hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation.

Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 5 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.

Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours

Review Highlights

“ While the bioluminescence wasn't stellar, our guides were upfront about it and made the excursion awesome. ” in 6 reviews

“ We had enough light to see as we paddled through the canal and then reached the lagoon when it was fully dark. ” in 9 reviews

“ e. The tour company makes all the difference in the world and I couldn't ask for anything from fro m Enchanted Isla n ” in 6 reviews

Location & Hours

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Carretera 987 S/N

Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738

Serving Fajardo Area

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About the business.

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Business Owner

Welcome's you to our Beautiful Island where diversity and ecology meet in a perfect harmony! Eight ecosystems found on our island that range from open water reefs, mangrove channels, salt water lagoons inland to tropical rainforest peaks known as the cloud forest await you. Let our well trained guides show you Puerto Rico's natural wonders via Kayaking through bioluminescent waters & Rainforest Nature Walk Adventures. Guided tours with a purpose of viewing, interacting within a natural environment with our goal on interpretation, education, leading to conservation of Puerto Rico's natural wonders. We are licensed & endorsed by "Puerto Rico Tourism Company", "Department of Natural Resources", "U.S. Forestry Department", and are proud to promote "Responsible Marketing", "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", "Pack It In Pack it Out" and "Sustainable Tourism". …

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Overall rating

WITHOUT A PADDLE Kayaking during the day proving too easy?  How about kayaking at night...through a mangrove forest. As my wife and I planned our second trip to Puerto Rico, we agreed that a bio bay kayak tour should be on the list.  Only 5 biobays exist in the world, 3 of which are in PR (in Vieques, La Parguera, and here on the far northeast corner of the island).  There's a few kayaking tour companies in the area, each offering a similar bioluminescent excursion. Hang on, biolu-what?  I'll skip the TED talk--all you need to know is that a certain kind of marine plankton makes the water in extra salty lagoons glow blue.  It's the same science that gives jellyfish, fireflies, and deep-sea anglerfish their special ability to produce light. When we arrived around 8pm, tour guides gave our group of 15-20 life vests and provided instructions, like what to do if your ass falls out of the kayak.  Our goal was Laguna Grande (literally "big lagoon"), roughly 1 mile from our starting point on the shores of Fajardo. So......getting to Laguna Grande is not easy.  Along with a partner, you'll paddle your way through a narrow channel surrounded on all sides by thick mangroves, including an overhead canopy.  This is tricky during daylight hours, but at night the difficulty ramps up.  Keep in mind that visibility in these thick mangrove patches drops to near-zero at times. You might (probably will) have to avoid other kayak groups and (possibly) motorboats as you make your way to the lagoon, all while trying not to crash into the person in front of you, fall too far behind, or be knocked unconscious/impaled by low branches.  The outbound trip was not super chill, thankfully coming back was less stressful. Having an experienced partner is CRUCIAL. Bio bay tours are very much like whale watching, in that your visit is based almost entirely on luck.  A lot needs to go right in order to see magic stuff in the water, like the moon being in its 'new' phase (full moon casts too bright of a reflection) and no recent rainfall (rain comes down as fresh water, decreasing the lagoon's salinity). Under ideal circumstances, the microorganisms appear as florescent blue swirls when you move your hand/paddle through the water.  What we saw were closer to electrical 'sparks', still cool but not vibrant.  Capturing what little bio-presence we saw on camera would've been impossible, so we smartly kept our phones in the car. Oddly enough, mosquitos weren't a problem. * TL;DR * For me, this was more about the journey than the destination. If I'd hung all of my hopes on seeing tons of bioluminescent activity, I would've been disappointed.  I was focused more on trying not to capsize while also listening to the symphony of 'coqui' (the local island tree frog). It can be romantic with a spouse/partner, assuming they're not yelling at you the whole time. Wear comfy clothes (swim trunks aren't a bad idea) and be aware that parts of your outfit will be crunchy the next day, due to the lagoon water being twice as salty as the ocean. Mangroves play a critical role in the tropical ecosystem, but they stink! Would definitely recommend this to anyone over the age of 18; it's an awesome late-night adventure and one of the most unique things you can do while in Puerto Rico.

This is the path we kayaked - 1mi each way thru a narrow mangrove forest! Definitely not for beginners

The guides took our photo as we headed out to Laguna Grande! Kayaking at night is WILD

We were lucky to find parking in the rotunda. So try to come early because it gets full. It was an unforgettable experience to see the bioluminescence. It is so beautiful. Its a bit creepy to paddle around a bay in the dark but once you get used to it it is fun. I felt safe 100%

Awesome tour!!! The guides were super friendly and provided excellent instruction. They took us to the best part of the lagoon, allowing us to witness beautiful bioluminescence. There were at least four guides with our group of 11 people. We were safe, at all times, in their capable hands. Thank you!! We highly recommend this tour to everyone.

What a beautiful experience. Had great guides during our Bio Bay tour. Our guide told us all about the science and history of the bay. Very cool, don't miss this magic!

Really great tour for people looking for a mild adventure at night that requires some kayak ability and it athletic skill. The nighttime tour would not be recommended for people with a fear of the dark, thought I found it serene and beautiful. The guides were fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. Special shout-outs to Jose and Adrian who towed my wife and son trough some tricky parts. Those guys rocked!

Amazing tour, amazing tour guides! We all met up, got in the water, kayaked about 30 minutes to the lagoon and spent some time learning about the bioluminescence of the organisms that live there. A little science, a little workout, a lot of fun! The stars were amazing. We then kayaked 30 minutes back after spending about an hour in the lagoon. Great trip 10/10. Our guides were so knowledgeable and helpful!

Took a tour with PR Bio Bay and they have excellent guides. Definitely a must when there are so many inexperienced kayakers in the tour. They care and will not let anyone get hurt or stranded. They will tow you if necessary. The bay is a must when you visit PR.

Enchanted Island Eco Tours offer a wonderful bio lagoon kayak tour. This group demonstrates safety features of the kayak, provide instructions on how to navigate and ensure everyone communicates as a group for the duration of the two hour trip. Also, Enchanted Island kayaks, life vests and guides have color coded lighting systems for you to know who and where to follow. Some other groups didn't have lights at all! The tour and guides were amazing. Beautiful views, great educational experience and safety first throughout!! Thanks for an amazing time!!!!

I have kayaked Mosquito bay in Viegas twice and paddled the mangrove swamps as well. I have not done the swamp in the dark before so really enjoyed the little thrill that came with the night time paddle through the tunnel of mangroves. I had always heard that the bay (lagoon actually) at Fajardo was not as bright but I think it's pretty close! It was gorgeous with fish jumping out of the water and zipping all around. I loved seeing the mangrove channel begin to glow gradually. Enchanted is a more expensive option than the other outfitters BUT, there are a few differences and they do matter. The kayaks are top notch, The vests are the best I've encountered on a tour and are better than the one I wear to yak at home, The staff fits you into your vest so its on right AND comfortable There are lights at the front and rear of all the kayaks and as per the coast guard requirement the vests have lights also There are a multitude of different safety measures included that I appreciated but won't bore you with. There are 4 guides in the water with 20 people, this is more than twice the guide ratio to what is normal. THIS IS HUGE Water to rinse off when you get out and good quality snacks on return. These things are extremely relevant and will make your trip so much more hazard free.... On a busy night the mangrove channel is crazy with motor boatS And other kayaks -- it would be easy to get tipped or separated from your group in the dark. Because of their lighting system I had no concerns about staying with my group or following my guide. Puerto Ricans are warm friendly people in general and these guys are no exception, The staff is all very informed and informative of course but they are passionate about sharing their love of the lagoon and their island with you. I want to add another note here, we were booked for a trip a few days earlier that was canceled for weather concerns. I know the compny got some grief about the cancellation because some of the other outfitters went out with lightening in the distance and winds at 20 knots. Personally I have to say I appreciate their inclination to keep me safe rather than make a buck, it's hard to direct a kayak in higher wind and it takes some concentration to stay upright! It wouldn't have been much fun with those winds anyway! . They let me know early in the day ( they emailed me, called and left me a voice mail and texted me until I responded that I knew it had canceled) and they bent over backward to get us in a few days later. Quality operator and beautiful experience!

This was such a cool and unique experience. Its definitely a must if you are visiting the island. It was choppy and a little scary kayaking thru the marina in swelling seas (there was some rain in the area) but that only made the excursion better and more exhilarating! We did the kayak excursion (Enchanted Islands Eco Tours) and it was so cool paddling and looking at the bioilluminessence in the water among the mangroves. This excursion crew was very friendly and knowledgable. I would ONLY use this tour after my own experience. And I am glad we did. We were the only eco tour excursion that had lights on the boats and weren't complete idiots when kayaking (other tours out with us that night kept ramming into us!). Lights may not seem important when you want darkness. But when you cannot see your hands in front of you or other boats/kayakers, you will be glad you have them! Another highlight was the food bizarre near where we boarded. I think its in Parque Pacivo de las croabas. Many good pop ups food stands and friendly people. There was someone serving puerto rican rice and pinchos. We struck up a conversation and they shared with us some homemade Mavi. A much needed treat after our excursion. I even bought a tribal mask from another vendor.

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20 Types of Dragonflies in Puerto Rico

The skies above Puerto Rico’s wetland ecosystems are alive with speeding, swirling dashes of color – these are dragonflies, some of the island’s most acrobatic aerial insect residents. From delicate citrine forktails perched on reeds to massive green darners patrolling vast territories, over 20 common species call these watery havens home. As agile hunters and vibrant sentinels of the wetlands, dragonflies play key roles within these biodiverse areas. This guide profiles the most frequently observed Odonata, from their dynamic appearances and habits to preferred habitats. Get ready to have your senses stunned by this vibrant showcase of Puerto Rico’s wetland wildlife wonders – the amazing world of dragonflies!

1. Common Whitetail

The Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is one of the most widespread and abundant dragonflies found throughout Puerto Rico. As its name implies, it has a distinct white tail and it is usually all dark blue or black in color with slight variations in pattern between individuals. The white tail makes it easy to spot as it perches or hunts for prey. Males have a wingspan around 50-55mm while females are slightly larger at 55-60mm. Their preferred habitat includes ponds, lakes, marshes and wetland areas where they can hunt slower moving insects like mosquitoes, flies and midges. They are active hunters that will quickly chase down prey both in flight and near the water’s surface. Females lay their eggs by touching the water with their abdomen to deposit egg masses on submerged vegetation.

2. Carolina Saddlebags

The Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina) are another very common dragonfly found near wetlands and bodies of water across Puerto Rico. They are medium-sized dragonflies with males having a wingspan of 45-53mm and females measuring slightly larger at 50-60mm. As their name suggests, they have distinctive black “saddlebags” patterns on the sides of their abdomen which helps distinguish them from similar looking species. Their thorax is mostly blue-black in coloration. Both males and females are active hunters that will rapidly chase down smaller flying insects to feed on. Carolina Saddlebags prefer sunny, open spaces near marshes, rivers and lakes where they are often seen patrolling for prey or perching to sun themselves. They are strong fliers capable of covering long distances if needed to find suitable habitat.

3. Carolina Firetail

The Carolina Firetail (Nannothemis bella) is a moderately sized but very attractive dragonfly commonly found near slow moving streams, oxbow lakes and ponds across Puerto Rico’s forests and wetlands. They have a bright turquoise blue thorax and abdomen marked with striking yellow and black stripes. Their most distinguishing characteristic is the bright red or orange coloration at the tip of their abdomen, giving them their ‘firetail’ name. Males have a wingspan averaging 40-45mm while females are slightly larger around 45-50mm. They are habitat generalists found in a variety of sunny and shaded aquatic areas. Males actively defend territories along streams where mating occurs. Females lay their eggs directly into vegetation or at the water’s edge and larvae live amongst aquatic plants for around one year before emerging as adults.

4. Mulberry Wing

The Mulberry Wing (Dicotenia scudderi) is a large, dominant dragonfly easily identified by its distinctive brown wing coloration. It has a wingspan measuring 55-65mm for males and 60-70mm for females, making it among the largest dragonflies in Puerto Rico. As their name suggests, their wings have a rich mulberry-brown hue with subtle patterns visible in some lightings. Their abdomen and thorax are marked with green and yellow stripes. Mulberry Wings are habitat generalists found near marshes, ponds and slower moving rivers where they will actively patrol for prey through the day. They are powerful fliers capable of transporting downed prey items back to perches high in surrounding trees and shrubs. During warmer periods, mating swarms can form over the water’s surface as males compete for females. Overall, they are an impressive and common sight near wetlands across the island.

5. Eastern Pondhawk

The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a small but abundant dragonfly observed all across Puerto Rico. As its name implies, it prefers a variety of small temporary and permanent ponds, ditches and marshes near forests and residential areas. Adults have thin bodies with a wingspan averaging 30-35mm for males and around 35-40mm for females. Their coloration can be quite variable from light green to dark brown/black on the thorax and abdomen depending on age and location. Perhaps their most distinguishing feature is the bright turquoise eyes and green/yellow stripes or spots on their sides. Often seen patrolling dense vegetation and traveling in small foraging groups, they are agile flyers. Both males and females are prolific hunters that actively capture small insects like gnats, mosquitoes and flies in flight or near the water’s surface.

They complete their entire life cycle within 2-3 months.

6. Blue Dasher

The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a mid-sized but very common dragonfly inhabiting most marshes, ponds and slow moving streams across Puerto Rico. They get their name from the striking metallic blue or greenish coloration of their thorax. Males have a wingspan around 40-45mm while females range 45-50mm. Their colors can vary from light blue to dark blue-green depending on location and age. One distinguishing feature is the darker blue stripes running down each side of their abdomen. Both males and females are highly territorial with powerful fast flight. They are often seen aggressively chasing otherflying insects or patrolling territories near dense vegetation at the water’s edge. Blue Dashers complete their life cycle within a single year with larvae overwintering underwater before emerging as adults the following spring and summer months.

7. Spangled Skimmer

The Spangled Skimmer (Libellula cyanea) is an elegant dragonfly easily recognized by the metallic sapphire blue coloration of its thorax and sides of the abdomen. Males have a wingspan averaging 40-45mm while females are slightly larger at 45-50mm. Running down each side of the abdomen are iridescent spangled blue and black stripes, giving them their common name. They are found inhabiting a variety of sunny ponds, lakes, marshes and slow moving streams across Puerto Rico where ample vegetation exists for perching. Both sexes are strong fliers known to travel long distances. Males actively defend territories and engage in elaborate courtship flights with potential mates above breeding zones. Females lay egg clusters directly into vegetation then depart, leaving larvae to complete their aquatic lifecycle over 6-9 months before emerging.

8. Cinnamon Shadowdragon

The Cinnamon Shadowdragon (Neurocordulia yamaskanensis) is a medium-sized dragonfly commonly found along forest streams, oxbow ponds and other natural wetlands across Puerto Rico. As its name suggests, they have a subtle brown or cinnamon-colored thorax with fine yellow stripes. Males measure 38-45mm across the wings while females are slightly larger at 43-50mm. Another distinguishing feature are the bright yellow antehumeral stripes on the thorax. They are strong fliers that agilely cruise and hover over water in search of prey like mosquitoes and flies. Males establish territories where they may perch up to 10m above streams looking for intruders or patrolling mating zones. Females oviposit eggs directly into plant stems or submerged leaves near suitable larval feeding areas. They complete their lifespan within 1-2 years in the aquatic nymph stage before emerging.

9. Twelve-spotted Skimmer

The Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) gets its name from the distinctive bright yellow spots (usually 12) running down each side of its slender black abdomen. Females have a wingspan around 45-55mm while males are slightly smaller at 40-50mm. They prefer sunny open marshes, ponds and slow moving streams across Puerto Rico where ample hunting territories exist. Like many pond skimmers, males are highly territorial aggressively defending airspace near the water. Their flight is fast and energetic as they chase other flying insects. Sexually active males engage females in aerial courtship flights then depart, leaving females to oviposit eggs into vegetation of their choice along the shoreline. Both nymphs and adults feed primarily on mosquitoes, flies, mayflies and small moths around wetland areas. Overall they are a common sight across many natural and man-made wetland habitats on the island.

10. Autumn Meadowhawk

The Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) earns its name from its preference for emergence and peak activity occurring in late summer and early autumn months across Puerto Rico. Adults can range from a dull brown to a bright reddish-orange color depending on age and sex. Males average 35-42mm across the wings while females measure 40-47mm. One identifying trait are the prominent yellow stripes running along each side of the thorax. They thrive in sunny open marshes, pools, ponds and slowly flowing streams where aquatic vegetation provides ample hunting and perching territory. Autumn Meadowhawks are fast, agile fliers known to aggressively chase down flying insects for food. Nymphs overwinter at the bottom of wetlands, emerging as adults the following late summer to deposit next generation’s eggs. Their distinct coloration makes them one of the later season dragonflies observed.

11. Green Darner

The Green Darner (Anax junius) derives its common name from the predominantly vivid green coloration of its long, slender abdomen and thorax. It is the largest dragonfly regularly observed in Puerto Rico with males having a wingspan averaging 65-70mm and females a massive 70-80mm across. With their long wings and body, Greens Darners are powerful fliers capable of migrating hundreds of miles if needed. They thrive along marshes, large ponds and rivers where ample open territory exists to hunt flying insects in their flight path. Males actively patrol territories near breeding grounds to court and mate with females. Nymphs take 2-3 years inhabiting aquatic habitats before emerging as territorial adults in spring and summer. Their bright green armor helps make Greens Darners one of the most noticeable dragonfly species.

12. Spangled Skimmer

The Citrine Forktail (Ischnura hastata) truly earns its name from the unique pale yellow coloration and black patterning of its slender abdomen. Males have an average wingspan of 30-36mm while females measure slightly larger at 33-40mm. They are commonly found near sunny ponds, sluggish streams and marshy areas with plenty of emergent vegetation across Puerto Rico’s wetlands. Citrine Forktails are ambush predators that perch motionless on reeds or grasses over water to spot passing prey like mosquitoes or gnats which they rapidly dart out to capture. Nymphs live submerged amongst plants and detritus feeding before transforming. Both sexes tolerate a wide range of aquatic conditions from clean to slightly brackish waters. Their namesake pale yellow abdominal markings distinguish Citrine Forktails as one of the more elegant pond damselflies.

13. Ruby Meadowhawk

The Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum) is a strikingly colored dragonfly with the male sporting a brilliant metallic ruby red thorax and first abdominal segments. Their body plan and behavior matches many meadowhawks with males having a 30-38mm wingspan and females measuring slightly larger at 35-43mm. As the name suggests, their preferred habitat includes sunny marshes, ponds or slow-flowing streams across Puerto Rico where nymphs develop amongst substrate and vegetation. During territorial flights males of this species aggressively chase intruders from their prominent perching spots up to 10m high in surrounding tree branches or tall reeds. This vivid coloration assists the male in attracting mates from a distance over open water. Overall the Ruby Meadowhawk is an elegant dragonfly with showy males defending airspace actively through the summer months.

14. Eight-spotted Skimmer

The Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis) is very similar in appearance and habits to its relative the Twelve-spotted Skimmer but with just eight pale yellow spots running down each side of its slender jet black abdomen. Males range from 35-45mm across the wings while females are marginally larger at 40-50mm. They inhabit open sunny ponds, lakes and marshes where ample territory exists to establish hunting paths through reed beds or over open water. Like all skimmers, both sexes are bold flyers that rapidly chase down other flying insects to feed on, from damselflies to mosquitoes and gnats. Breeding males defend mating areas fiercely, occasionally engaging in aerial dogfights with intruders. Overall the Eight-spotted Skimmer is a common summer sight across many of Puerto Rico’s wetland ecosystems where their black and yellow patterns are most noticeable.

15. Blue Corporal

The Blue Corporal (Ladona exusta) earns its name through the beautiful glossy electric blue coloration of its thorax and first three abdominal segments. Males have a wingspan averaging 35-40mm while females measure slightly larger at 38-45mm. As habitat generalists, they inhabit a variety of sunny and lightly shaded marshes, ponds and slow moving streams where hunting territory exists along shorelines or over open water. Blue Corporals are aerial acrobats known to change directions rapidly in flight to pursue passing insect prey through reedbeds or trees. Males aggressively defend small territories near breeding zones. Females carefully deposit egg clusters attached to vegetation trailing their abdomen underwater. Their vibrant electric blue “corporate” patterning easily distinguishes this dragonfly from a distance as they patrol across Puerto Rico’s wetlands.

16. Blue Dasher

The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a mid-sized but very common dragonfly inhabiting most marshes, ponds and slow moving streams across Puerto Rico. They get their name from the striking metallic blue or greenish coloration of their thorax. Males have a wingspan around 40-45mm while females range 45-50mm. Their colors can vary from light blue to dark blue-green depending on location and age. One distinguishing feature is the darker blue stripes running down each side of their abdomen. Both males and females are highly territorial with powerful fast flight. They are often seen aggressively chasing other flying insects or patrolling territories near dense vegetation at the water’s edge. Blue Dashers complete their life cycle within a single year with larvae overwintering underwater before emerging as adults the following spring and summer months.

17. Eastern Pondhawk

The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a small but abundant dragonfly observed all across Puerto Rico. As its name implies, it prefers a variety of small temporary and permanent ponds, ditches and marshes near forests and residential areas. Adults have thin bodies with a wingspan averaging 30-35mm for males and around 35-40mm for females. Their coloration can be quite variable from light green to dark brown/black on the thorax and abdomen depending on age and location. Perhaps their most distinguishing feature is the bright turquoise eyes and green/yellow stripes or spots on their sides. Often seen patrolling dense vegetation and traveling in small foraging groups, they are agile flyers. Both males and females are prolific hunters that actively capture small insects like gnats, mosquitoes and flies in flight or near the water’s surface. They complete their entire life cycle within 2-3 months.

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