Dragonflies with gold coloring are quite rare and can generate a lot of interest among insect enthusiasts when spotted. The vibrant metallic gold hue seen on some dragonfly species is caused by pigment in the insect’s exoskeleton.
What Causes Gold Coloration in Dragonflies?
The striking gold coloration displayed by some dragonfly species is produced by a pigment called pterin. Pterin is a type of pigment that can produce colors ranging from yellow to red to black. In dragonflies with gold coloring, the specific type of pterin pigment is called xanthopterin.
Xanthopterin causes the exoskeleton of the dragonfly to reflect light in a way that produces a brilliant metallic gold hue. The pigment is located inside specialized cells called chromatophores that can expand and contract to alter the dragonfly’s coloration.
By altering the amount of xanthopterin pigment in its chromatophores, a gold dragonfly can darken or lighten its color in response to temperature changes or other environmental variables. This ability to adjust color helps with thermoregulation and also provides camouflage.
Dragonfly Species with Gold Coloration
While most dragonfly species have more subdued metallic hues of brown, green, or blue, there are a handful of species that can display true gold, yellow, or orange coloration:
- Golden-winged Skimmer – The wings of the male have bright yellow-orange patches.
- Goldenring – Males have a distinctive golden-yellow face.
- Yellow-sided Skimmer – Males have golden sides on their abdomen.
- Spine-tailed Swallowtail – Has black bodies with gold markings.
- Goldtail – Abdomens have a metallic gold hue.
The gold coloration is much more prominent in male dragonflies than females. The vibrant gold hues help attract mates and defend territories.
Geographic Distribution
Gold-colored dragonflies occur on every continent except Antarctica. However, they tend to be most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Some examples of places gold dragonflies can be found include:
- Africa – Goldtail species in rainforests of Central Africa
- Asia – Yellow-sided Skimmers in Indonesia and Malaysia
- Australia – Goldenring species in Queensland
- North America – Golden-winged Skimmers in southeastern United States
- South America – Spine-tailed Swallowtails in the Amazon
The warm, humid climates in these regions seem to provide ideal conditions for the occurrence of gold dragonfly species. They are able to thrive and display their bright, metallic coloration.
Rarity
So just how rare are gold dragonflies? Among the over 5,000 species of dragonflies found around the globe, only around 50 species are known to have gold coloration. So in terms of the percentage of total dragonfly diversity, gold dragonflies are quite uncommon.
Some specific species, like the Goldtail, are considered extremely rare. These dragonflies may only be found in certain isolated habitats and have very limited ranges. Other gold species, like the Goldenring, may be locally common within their habitat but they have small total population sizes globally.
The table below shows the conservation status of some gold dragonfly species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List:
| Species | IUCN Status |
|---|---|
| Goldtail | Near Threatened |
| Golden-winged Skimmer | Least Concern |
| Yellow-sided Skimmer | Least Concern |
| Goldenring | Near Threatened |
As this table shows, some gold species are under threat from habitat loss, pesticides, and other risks. Their limited ranges and small populations make them vulnerable. More common gold dragonflies are not currently at risk of extinction.
Why Are Gold Dragonflies So Rare?
There are a few key reasons why gold coloration is relatively rare in dragonflies compared to other colors like brown, green, or blue:
- Genetics – The genes responsible for metallic gold pigmentation are not as common in dragonfly populations.
- Visibility – The bright coloration may make gold dragonflies more visible to predators.
- Climate – Gold coloration seems best suited to warm, tropical regions.
- Diet – Access to certain pigments in prey may help produce gold hues.
Additionally, in most species, the gold coloration is limited only to adult males. Females and juveniles retain more camouflage-like brown, green, or grey hues. Since the gold color does not occur in all ages and sexes, it is necessarily rarer overall.
Where to See Gold Dragonflies
Here are some of the top places around the world to spot rare gold dragonfly species in their natural habitats:
- Ebony Forest Reserve, Papua New Guinea – Goldtails visible from March to October.
- Danum Valley, Borneo – Multiple gold species along rivers and streams.
- Madre de Dios, Peru – Spine-tailed Swallowtails in Amazon rainforest.
- Florida Everglades, USA – Golden-winged Skimmers near wetlands.
- Southern India – Yellow-sided Skimmers in hillforest streams.
These hotspots provide the ideal tropical to subtropical conditions for gold dragonflies to thrive. Guided tours or tours with local naturalists are recommended to maximize chances of sighting these reclusive insects.
Conclusion
Dragonflies displaying true metallic gold coloration are considered rare compared to more common dragonfly species. Approximately 50 out of 5,000 dragonfly species worldwide exhibit some gold coloring, primarily restricted to adult males. The vibrant coloration comes from a pigment called xanthopterin in the dragonfly’s exoskeleton. Gold dragonflies occur mostly in tropical and subtropical habitats and some species are threatened by habitat loss. Seeing a glittering gold dragonfly in the wild is a memorable experience and a reminder of nature’s diversity.
