Different Kinds of Dragonflies Blue Teal Green Dragonflies Paintings

Dragonflies were one of the first winged insects on the planet, with evidence of them from at least 300 million years ago. These beautiful critters remain one of the most intriguing bugs to this day, and a big reason for that is their colors. Dragonflies come in a wide range of colors, many of which are shiny and vibrant.

The insect species and their many colors both have unique meanings and symbolism. This is why you'll often find dragonflies in art pieces, culture, and tattoos. Some dragonfly colors include blue, green, red, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray, and pink. We'll be explaining all these color meanings in this post.

What Do Dragonflies Symbolize?

When a dragonfly lands on you, many people consider it good luck. Yet, there are many other meanings to these unique creatures than just that.

Here are a few other meanings associated with dragonflies:

• Opportunity
• Adaptability
• Transformation
• Vision
• Joy
• Spiritual Growth
• Wisdom

Dragonflies vs. Damselflies

Damselflies are often mistaken for dragonflies due to their similar appearance. They are both inspiring insects with a wide range of colors, but they have some distinct differences.

Dragonflies usually have larger, thicker bodies than damselflies. Also, damselflies have a small space in between their complex eyes while dragonflies don't. Damselflies hunt for prey by grasping it with their legs, but dragonflies rely on their biting mouthparts for eating. In most cases, damselflies are a bit clumsier when they fly too.

While dragonflies and damselflies aren't the same creatures, they both have vibrant colors and have similar meanings and symbolism. Thus, most animal lovers agree that they're equally as fascinating.

Dragonfly History

As mentioned earlier, dragonflies have been around much longer than humans have. Evidence of dragonflies dates back to 300 million years ago, while the first humans only appeared about 5 million years ago.

Today, there are approximately 5,000 different species of dragonflies in the world. Around 450 of these species are found in the United States.

When dragonflies first came into existence, they were massive, reaching a wingspan of several feet. Over time, their size has decreased greatly, with modern dragonflies only reaching a wingspan of two to five inches.

Types of Dragonfly Colors

In dragonflies, there are two main types of colors: natural pigmentation and structural colors. Most dragonflies have a little bit of both on their bodies.

Natural Pigmentation

Natural pigmentation refers to colors that are always the same, no matter how you look at them. They usually consist of colors like brown, red, black, or yellow.

Structural Colors

However, structural colors can appear different, depending on the angle and how the light hits the dragonfly. These colors usually have a shimmering or iridescence effect. In many cases, these structural colors appear green or blue.

Dragonfly Color Meanings and Symbolism

Dragonflies can be unique in terms of color. Many dragonflies have more than one color present, and those colors can vary based on age and sex.

Most males and females have colors that differ from each other, and young dragonflies usually start off with dull colors that become brighter tints as they mature. In some cases, different body parts will also hold different colors.

These insects have lots of fascinating meanings because of these many varying colors. Here's what each dragonfly color means:

Blue

Blue is one of the most common dragonfly colors, and it can be seen on the body, eyes, and wings. Some blue species of dragonflies are the blue emperor dragonfly and the blue dasher.

In dragonflies, blue is a symbol of loyalty, faith, and trust. Blue is also a symbol of the fifth chakra, known as the "throat chakra," which is linked to how you connect and communicate with people.

So, if you see a blue dragonfly, it could be a sign for you to think about how you communicate with others. Humans not only communicate through casual conversations but also through facial expressions, body language, and the messages they put out into the world.

A blue dragonfly might be the sign you need to rethink how you carry yourself and what you say or do.

Green

Like blue, green is an iridescent color that can be found on the body, wings, and eyes of dragonflies. The green darner and the pondhawk are some species known for being green. The Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly, the largest and fastest species in the United States, is also known for its green tints.

Green is a key color in nature, often holding meanings of growth, fertility, abundance, and renewal. Green dragonflies can also be a symbol of trust, just like blue dragonflies.

Green is associated with the fourth chakra called the "heart chakra," which relates to your heart, lungs, and respiratory systems. It's known to affect your serious emotions and relationships in life.

If you come across a green dragonfly, it could signify that you need new relationships in life, whether it's with friends, family, or significant others. Since green is a color of heart and nature, these dragonflies are said to come by to encourage healthy, nurturing relationships.

Red

Red is a natural pigmentation that is often paired with other colors on a dragonfly. Some examples of red dragonflies are red-veined darters. Red dragonflies exist all over the world, but they are considered rare. So, seeing one is a special experience.

On dragonflies, red is a color of power, energy, anger, and intensity. However, some cultures view them differently. Asian cultures see red as a sign of wealth and luck, and in Japan, they associate red dragonflies with autumn.

Red is related to the first chakra, known as the "root chakra." The root chakra has similar meanings to the color red, symbolizing power, passion, courage, and vitality. It's what helps humans feel secure.

Seeing a red dragonfly is a sign that you might need more passion or security in life. It could be the sign you need to help you become more grounded and determined in what you do.

Yellow

Adult dragonflies are rarely just yellow, but it's the color of some juvenile males. Some dragonflies can also have yellow stripes and shades paired with other colors. Some of these dragonflies are the yellow-veined darter, the black petaltail, and the river cruiser.

Yellow is often a sign of happiness, honor, and optimism. Yellow is associated with the third chakra called the "solar plexus chakra," and it is related to how you assert yourself in the world.

Finding a yellow dragonfly might help you feel more youthful and exuberant. No matter your age, these vibrant insects will make you want to accomplish more goals or make a positive change in your life. For those who are religious, it might also be a sign to tap into your spiritual side more.

Orange

Orange is a natural dragonfly color that isn't too common. It's often mistaken for some shades of yellow. Most dragonflies that are orange are skimmers, such as the firecracker skimmer or the flame skimmer.

These dragonflies represent joy, wellness, and creativity. Orange is the color of the second chakra, known as the "sacral chakra," which has an impact on your gut instincts and your sexuality.

If you see an orange dragonfly, it might mean that something in your life needs more nourishing, especially your relationships and physical wellbeing. If humans excel in health and wellness, then it often leads to happier emotions and more creativity.

Orange dragonflies also issue a sign that tells people to follow their guts. Instead of wasting time dreading decisions, focus on what your instincts are telling you.

Purple

Purple is a shiny, luminous color that's sometimes seen on dragonflies. In most instances, dragonflies with purple coloring will also have other darker colors too, such as black or blue. Some species of dragonflies with purple are the purple skimmer and the roseate skimmer.

Since purple is a beautiful balance between red and blue, it shares some similar meanings with those colors. Purple can symbolize peace, nobility, aspiration, devotion, and wealth. The sixth chakra (indigo), known as the "third eye chakra," is involved, and it's related to your mind and intuition. However, the seventh chakra (violet or purple), called the "crown chakra," is also involved. It's related to your knowledge and consciousness.

So, purple dragonflies can encourage you to think deeper and trust your intuition. They can also encourage humans to focus on prayer and meditation. For religious individuals, purple dragonflies might be seen as a calling from a higher power.

Brown

Many people don't think of brown as a dragonfly color, but it's fairly common. There are several different shades of brown dragonflies, and the color can sometimes be paired with other colors. Brown hawkers, swamp darners, and Norfolk hawkers are some examples of brown dragonflies.

Brown dragonflies blend into their surroundings better than most since brown is related to wood, dirt, and soil. So, the meaning behind the color is related to being grounded and down to Earth. It could also mean security and stability.

Brown dragonflies, along with brown butterflies, are believed to be a sign to ground yourself. Seeing one of these insects is a reminder to focus on what is real in life and form a solid foundation to help you succeed. In some cases, brown dragonflies could also be reminding people to update their homes to make them stress-free.

Black

Black is another common dragonfly color that's often overlooked. Some dragonflies are all black, while others only have stripes and patches of black. Black skimmers and black saddlebacks are the most common examples. However, the giant petaltail, which is the largest dragonfly in the world, is mostly black with some yellow markings.

These dragonflies are signs of mystery, elegance, and rebellion. Black is an essential color that adds depth and hue to all other colors. So, black dragonflies are one of the most important variants you'll encounter.

Black dragonflies remind people that privacy and discretion are okay. Too many people over-share or seek attention in today's society, so these insects can remind you that it's okay to keep to yourself sometimes.

Yet, they could also mean that there's an issue in your life that you need to explore further. They encourage you to investigate the unknown and listen to your curious instincts.

White

It's rare for a dragonfly to be white. In most cases, white is paired with other contrasting colors, like black. Some dragonflies that have white on them are the common whitetail and the long-tailed skimmer.

White is a symbol of purity and innocence. So, white dragonflies are often compared to angels, and they're a beautiful sight to encounter. White is also related to the seventh chakra, which has to do with your mental and physical capabilities.

Some people see white dragonflies as a sign that someone you loved who has passed away is reaching out to you. However, the color lets you know that whatever pain and discomfort that person faced in the past is now gone. You'll feel relieved and at peace if a white dragonfly comes your way.

White dragonflies could also be there to remind you not to focus on pain, anguish, and death. Instead, these critters are there to help you focus on love and happiness in life. They remind you that you can still miss your loved ones while also enjoying a fulfilled life.

Gray

The color gray is often thought of as a boring, neutral color, but it's not uncommon for dragonflies to be gray. Some gray dragonflies include the gray sand dragon, the filigree skimmer, and the eight spotted skimmer.

There isn't as much research on gray dragonfly meanings as there are for other colors, but gray is seen as the perfect balance between black and white. Thus, gray dragonflies share some meanings from both black and white coloring. In general, gray is a sign of neutrality and balance.

So, seeing a gray dragonfly could be a sign to find some balance in your life. It's easy to get caught up in arguments and discussions, but focusing on the neutral side of things can help you better understand different points of view.

Pink

While they're rare, it's possible for pink dragonflies to exist. In some cases, they're just pale red dragonflies, but there are a few species that are more vibrantly pink. The roseate skimmer is one good example, which has a pink tail and a purple body.

Pink is often associated with love and kindness. It's rarely seen in nature, but when it is, it's one of the most beautiful sights.

So, even though pink dragonflies are rare to encounter, they could be a sign that love and romance are about to blossom in your life. However, they could also be there as a reminder to be kind to others. Either way, these unique dragonflies are great at spreading positivity.

Dragonflies are Symbolic Creatures

Next time you see a dragonfly, look closely at its coloring and unique features. Dragonflies are beautiful insects, but they also carry a lot more meaning in life than we realize. Perhaps a dragonfly of a specific hue can inspire you to make positive changes in your life.

summydenjudd1968.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.color-meanings.com/dragonfly-color-symbolism/

Share this post