National Dragonfly Day
June 13
About National Dragonfly Day
National Dragonfly Day is observed on the second Saturday in June, which falls on 13 June in 2026. The day celebrates dragonflies and damselflies, raises awareness of their ecological importance, and encourages people to protect the wetland habitats these ancient insects depend on. It was established to promote interest in odonatology, the scientific study of dragonflies.
What is National Dragonfly Day?
National Dragonfly Day is an awareness day dedicated to dragonflies and their close relatives, damselflies, which together make up the insect order Odonata. The day is intended to celebrate these accomplished aerial predators, highlight the threats they face, and connect people with the freshwater habitats where they live and breed. It appeals to nature enthusiasts, conservationists, photographers and families looking to learn more about the natural world.
When is National Dragonfly Day?
National Dragonfly Day falls on the second Saturday in June each year. In 2026 that is Saturday, 13 June. Because the date is tied to the day of the week rather than a fixed calendar date, it shifts slightly from one year to the next. The table below shows the upcoming dates.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 13 June |
| 2027 | Saturday, 12 June |
| 2028 | Saturday, 10 June |
| 2029 | Saturday, 9 June |
| 2030 | Saturday, 8 June |
Why National Dragonfly Day Matters
Dragonflies are among the most effective predators in the animal kingdom and play a valuable role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes, midges and flies. As both aquatic nymphs and flying adults they are sensitive to water quality, which makes them important indicators of the health of freshwater ecosystems. Their decline is a warning sign. A 2021 assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that roughly 16 percent of more than 6,000 assessed dragonfly and damselfly species are at risk of extinction, driven largely by the loss of wetlands. Raising awareness helps protect these habitats before more species disappear.
How to Get Involved in National Dragonfly Day
There are many simple ways to take part, whether you have a garden, a local pond or just a love of wildlife.
- Visit a wetland or pond – Dragonflies are most active on warm, sunny days near water. A local nature reserve or park pond is the easiest place to watch them hunt and patrol.
- Build a wildlife pond – Even a small pond can attract dragonflies to lay their eggs. It is one of the most effective ways to support them at home.
- Record your sightings – Submit observations to a citizen-science scheme or recording group. This data helps scientists track populations and distribution.
- Photograph dragonflies – Their iridescent wings and vivid colours make them a favourite subject. Share your images to spark interest in others.
- Learn to identify species – Use a field guide or app to tell hawkers, darters, chasers and damselflies apart. It deepens your appreciation of their diversity.
- Protect freshwater habitats – Avoid using pesticides near water and support efforts to conserve wetlands, which are vital for the insects’ aquatic larval stage.
- Teach children about them – Dragonflies are a wonderful gateway into entomology for young people. Pond dipping is a memorable hands-on activity.
- Support a conservation organisation – Donate to or volunteer with a group working to protect dragonflies and their habitats.
History of National Dragonfly Day
The observance has its roots in the late 2010s. In 2018 the New York State Legislature passed a resolution proclaiming 9 June 2018 as Dragonfly Day in New York State, an early formal recognition of the insects.
The following year the day was established more broadly. National Dragonfly Day was set on the second Saturday in June in 2019, an effort connected to organisations dedicated to the study and protection of dragonflies, including the scientific community of odonatologists. The aim was to foster public interest in odonatology and to draw attention to the ecological importance of dragonflies and damselflies. The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership has also been associated with marking the second Saturday of June as a day to recognise these skilled predators.
What began as a conservation awareness effort has grown into a wider celebration of insects that have existed in some form for more than 300 million years, predating the dinosaurs. If you care about protecting pollinators and insects, you may also be interested in Don’t Step on a Bee Day, which shares a similar conservation message.
Noteworthy Facts About National Dragonfly Day
- Dragonfly ancestors date back more than 300 million years, predating the dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years.
- A prehistoric relative, Meganeuropsis permiana, had a wingspan of more than two feet, far larger than any dragonfly alive today.
- Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata.
- They are skilled aerial hunters, catching prey such as mosquitoes and flies in mid-flight with their legs or jaws.
- Around 16 percent of more than 6,000 assessed Odonata species are considered at risk of extinction, according to the IUCN in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Dragonfly Day?
It is an awareness day celebrating dragonflies and damselflies and highlighting their ecological importance. It was established to promote the study of these insects and the conservation of their wetland habitats.
When is National Dragonfly Day in 2026?
It falls on Saturday, 13 June 2026, the second Saturday in June. The date moves each year because it is tied to the day of the week.
Why are dragonflies important?
Dragonflies control populations of insects such as mosquitoes and act as indicators of freshwater health. Their presence signals clean water, while their decline can warn of habitat loss.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Dragonfly Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalDragonflyDay and #DragonflyDay2026 on social media. The more people who learn about these remarkable insects, the more support there is for protecting them.
Related Awareness Days
- Don’t Step on a Bee Day – A light-hearted but meaningful reminder to protect pollinating insects.
- National Be Nice to Bugs Day – Encourages people to appreciate the insects that keep ecosystems running.
- World Nature Conservation Day – A broader day for protecting the natural world, including freshwater habitats.
Links
- Visit the National Day Calendar page for National Dragonfly Day
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Varun Raghav on Unsplash.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
