Insects Active during the day

Common Glider

Tramea loewii

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A vibrant crimson nomad of the sky, the Common Glider is a master of effortless soaring. Watch for its signature dark wing patches as it patrols your garden on warm, sunny afternoons.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

Size

Body length 45–55 mm (1.8–2.2 in); wingspan 85–95 mm (3.3–3.7 in)

Colors

Males feature a brilliant red abdomen and thorax; females and juveniles are golden-brown or yellowish. Both sexes have dark reddish-brown patches at the base of the hindwings.

Key Features

Broad, dark reddish-brown patches at the base of the hindwings
Vibrant red body in mature males
Exceptional gliding flight pattern with minimal flapping
Large, compound eyes that meet at the top of the head

When You’ll See Them

Activity pattern Active during the day

Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM

Season September-May

Diet Aerial predator that feeds on a variety of small flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, midges, and small moths, often consuming prey while still in flight.

Habitat Suburban gardens, lakes, slow-moving rivers, swamps, and temporary rainwater pools.

Geographic range

Where Does the Common Glider Live?

The Common Glider is native to the Australasian region, with its most significant populations found across the northern and eastern reaches of Australia. Beyond the Australian mainland, its range extends into the islands of New Guinea, the Moluccas, and parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Due to its powerful flight and nomadic nature, it is frequently recorded on remote Pacific islands, demonstrating a remarkable ability to colonize diverse landscapes from coastal lowlands to inland waterways.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

5 Countries

8.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia Papua New Guinea ID Indonesia Timor-Leste Solomon Islands

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Common Glider is an exceptionally skilled aerialist, earning its name from its ability to soar on wind currents and thermals for extended periods with very little wing movement. Unlike many other dragonfly species that spend much of their time perched, the Common Glider is frequently seen in sustained flight, patrolling large territories or hunting for swarming insects high above the ground.

They are highly nomadic and are often among the first dragonflies to arrive at temporary pools of water after rain. Males are territorial but often engage in 'gliding battles' rather than aggressive physical strikes, using their maneuverability to outshine rivals. When they do rest, they typically hang vertically or perch at the very tip of a thin branch, keeping their wings spread wide and ready for an instant takeoff.

EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Common Glider on a backyard camera, focus on their perching habits. These dragonflies love 'sentinel perches'—tall, thin sticks or reeds that stand above the surrounding vegetation. Identify a prominent twig near a water source or in a sunny patch of your garden and mount your camera about 2 to 3 feet away. Use a macro lens or ensure your camera’s focus is set for close-up subjects, as these insects are small but highly detailed. Aiming the camera slightly upward toward the tip of the perch against a clear sky can create stunning silhouettes or highlight the intricate wing venation.

Timing is everything with dragonflies. They are solar-powered, so they won't be active until the sun has warmed the air. For the best AI-triggering results, set your camera to a high-speed trigger mode or 'burst' capture. The Common Glider often returns to the exact same perch after a hunting flight, so if you miss the first landing, stay patient—they will likely be back within minutes. Avoid placing cameras in deep shade, as these insects prefer basking in full sunlight to maintain their body temperature.

If you don't have a pond, you can still attract them by placing a simple birdbath or a large saucer of water in an open area. While they don't eat bait, the visual draw of water and the presence of small insects (like gnats) around the water will bring them into your camera's field of view. Ensure your camera is positioned so the sun is at your back or to the side; direct backlighting often washes out the brilliant red color of the males, which is the key feature for AI identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Gliders are most active during the peak heat of the day, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon (10 AM to 4 PM), when they use the sun's warmth to fuel their energetic flight.

You can attract them by providing a sunny area with a water source like a pond or birdbath, and by leaving tall, dry sticks or reeds as perching spots for them to rest between flights.

They are carnivorous aerial hunters that eat small flying insects, particularly mosquitoes, midges, and flies, which they often catch mid-air.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and frequently found in suburban backyards across Australia and Southeast Asia, especially those with garden ponds or near local parks.

The easiest way to identify the Common Glider is by the large, dark reddish-brown patches at the base of the hindwings; other similar red dragonflies like the Red Arrow usually lack these specific broad patches.

Common Glider measures body length 45–55 mm (1.8–2.2 in); wingspan 85–95 mm (3.3–3.7 in).

The Common Glider is native to the Australasian region, with its most significant populations found across the northern and eastern reaches of Australia. Common Glider prefer suburban gardens, lakes, slow-moving rivers, swamps, and temporary rainwater pools.

The Common Glider is listed as Least Concern.

Peak season for Common Glider is September-May.

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