Petaltails, members of the family Petaluridae, are apparently the most ancient dragonflies. Petaltail fossils have been identified as early as the Jurassic period (150 million years ago). One of the eleven petaltail species is the Australian Petalura ingentissima, generally regarded as the largest of the modern dragonflies, with a wingspan of up to 160 mm (6.3 inches) and a body length of over 100 mm (4 inches).
Be sure to also see our dragonfly picture slideshow and damselfly picture slideshow and dragonfly and damselfly photos by well-known nature photographer Stan Lupo. The following dragonfly pictures have been submitted by our visitors.