Dragonflies (order Odonata) are divided into two large groups, the suborder Zygoptera (damselflies) and the suborder Anisoptera (dragonflies). Today there are more than 2,500 different species of anisopteran dragonflies worldwide, of which 42 species have been observed in Slovenia, which we classify into five families – hawkers (Aeshnidae), clubtails (Gomphidae), spiketails (Cordulegastridae), emeralds (Corduliidae) and skimmers (Libellulidae). In the area of the Notranjska Regional Park, there are around 20 species of anisopteran dragonflies.
Anisopteran dragonflies are generally larger than damselflies; they are robust insects with exceptional flying abilities. Their breathtaking aerial maneuvers on the one hand and effortless hovering on the other enchant even the most demanding observer. A characteristic of this suborder is also their enormous compound eyes, which usually cover a large portion of the head and typically touch each other. We call them turban eyes. During rest, anisopteran dragonflies hold their wings wide apart. They got their name from the shape of the hind wings, which at the base are greatly expanded and thus different from the front pair.
