Macromia pacifica

Macromia pacifica, commonly known as the gilded river cruiser, is primarily found in the central and eastern regions of the United States. They tend to inhabit areas near large, clean rivers and streams where their aquatic larvae can thrive. Sightings are common in states ranging from Texas up through Illinois.

It earns the gilded part of its name from the metallic golden-yellow coloration on its thorax and abdomen, which can appear to gleam like gold in the sunlight. The cruiser part of the name refers to their habit of flying long, continuous patrols back and forth over rivers. They rarely hover in one spot like some other dragonfly species.

The gilded river cruiser is a relatively large dragonfly, with a wingspan that can reach up to 3.5 inches across. Their long, slender bodies usually measure around 3 inches in length. This large size, combined with their erratic, fast flight patterns, makes them very noticeable over the water.

As aquatic nymphs, they are aggressive predators in the water, feeding on other aquatic insects, larvae, and sometimes small tadpoles. They use a specialized, hinged lower jaw to rapidly snatch their prey. Once they mature into adults, they hunt flying insects like mosquitoes and flies in mid-air.