Dragonflies Anisoptera Arizona California CO NM NV UT 2022

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Sketch of a dragonfly body showing the body parts by Barbara Chasteen	DRAGONFLIES - Anisoptera: Large, heavy-bodied; ordinarily larger than damselflies. Wings are held open & flat or down & forward when perched. Large eyes are spaced very close together and in most families actually touch, creating a seam down the center. Strong fliers; a few are even migratory. Males have three terminal abdominal appendages and a bump (genitalia) under their second abdominal segment. All females have only two terminal abdominal appendages and in many families they also have an ovipositor. Most dragonflies lay their eggs directly into the water. The southwest has at least 132 species in 45 genera representing all seven American dragonfly families: 1. Skimmers - Libellulidae (pages are below on this page) 2. Emeralds - Corduliidae (pages are below on this page) 3. Darners - Aeshnidae 4. Clubtails - Gomphidae 5. Spiketails - Cordulegasteridae 6. River Cruisers - Macromiidae 7. Petaltails - Petaluridae Southwestern distribution maps are up dated semi-annually and based on information originally collected by Dennis Paulson (thru 2007). Odonata Central is another source of distribution information
Dragonfly Quick Guide page 1: Click on the image to the immediate right to be taken to the part of the guide for that dragonfly family, or just scroll down the page. The links to the immediate right will take you further down on this web page. Those families linked to in the next set of pictures (Page 2) will take you to this site's 2nd web page Dragonflies are arranged within family by predominant color.	Page 1
Dragonfly Quick Guide page 2: Click on an image to the right of this paragraph to be taken to the 2nd page of this web guide for that dragonfly family, Use your back button to return to this page. Dragonflies are arranged within family by predominant color.	Page 2
Dragonflies are arranged within this family by predominant color rather than by genus	SKIMMER FAMILY - Libellulidae sizes: quite variable, lengths: 19 - 65 mm 23 SW genera, including Amberwings, Gliders, King Skimmers, Meadowhawks, Saddlebags, Whitefaces and a few others totaling 76 species males: showy nonmetallic colors; some wings patterned; bodies shorter than wingspans; eyes broadly touching females: frequently more brown or paler than males but usually having similar wing markings; most splash oviposit habitats: lakes and ponds; still waters of river pools behaviors: most perch horizontally and fly out to hawk prey; males usually hover-guard ovipositing females Amberwings Perithemis - tiny; wings amber colored; arid regions; 3 SW species Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga - - large, clubbed abdomen; 3 SW species Blue Dasher Pachydiplax-small, blue with white-face; 1 SW species Tropical Dashers Micrathyria - small, blue with white-face; pale markings atop abdomen; 3 SW species Dragonlets Erythrodiplax - small, dark, males and females have different color forms; 3 SW species Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon - lacey wings, chevroned abd., striped eyes; 1 SW species Gliders Pantala & Miathyria - strong flyers; often seen after weather change flying high overhead; perch hanging; known to migrate; 2 SW species King Skimmers Libellula - common; showy; wings held out flat; 11 SW species Meadowhawks Sympetrum - small; reddish; wings held downward;12 SW species Pondhawks Erythemis - small/med, blue &/or green, with green-face; 2-3 SW species Red Rock Skimmer Paltothemis- patterned red body with red in the wings;1 SW species Tropical Skimmers Orthemis - rose, purple and carmine red colored bodies; clear wings; 2 SW species Saddlebags Tramea - dark areas at hind wing base; strong fliers; 3 SW species Setwings Dythemis - perch with wings held forward and downwards with abd. held slanting upwards; 4 SW species Marl Pennants Macrodiplax - small, dark, dark basal wing area; 2 SW species Small Pennants Celithemis- small, colorful, pattered wings.; 3 SW species Sylph Macrothemis- two pale, slender, small head, narrow abd.; other dark, clubbed; 3 SW species Tropical Pennants Brachymesia -one species red, the other dark with a spot on each wing; 2 SW species Whitefaces Leucorrhinia - small; dark body & eyes; bright white faces; 4 SW species Whitetails Plathemis - bright white abdomen ('tail'); dark face; 2 SW species
Photos male - AZ male - AZ female & male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males! - AZ male - AZ multiple images- AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA male - NM male - NM female - NM female - NM multiple images - NM female - NV female - NV male - UT male - UT female - UT female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male-colored female - CA female - TX? female exuvia - CA	Flame Skimmer Libellula saturata size: large, length 49 - 61 mm, wingspan 85 - 95 mm male: unstriped thorax, abdomen, eyes, face, legs, stigma and appendages all red-orange; wings reddish out to slightly beyond nodus with a red streak along leading edge, red veins, 2nd vein yellow female: orange streak along leading edge of wings habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers behavior: perch horizontaly; males hawk insects from perch; females oviposit by splashing eggs onto emergent vegetation smiliar species: 1. Neon Skimmer (Libellula crocepennis) has broader abdomen, more pinkish coloration, color in wings not out to nodus. Compare here and here 2. Cardinal Meadowhawk (Sympetrum illotum) is smaller, perches with wings held forward and wing coloration is diffuse, not distinct SW flight period: February 9 - December 21 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - NM male - NM Scans male - AZ male - TX male - TX female - TX	Neon Skimmer Libellula croceipennis size: large, length 54 - 59 mm, wingspan 74 - 90 mm male: very wide bright neon red/pink abdomen; thorax and underside can be tawny; red on wings only adjacent to body and near leading edge, red does not extend to the nodus; stigma - dark outline female: tan/orange with noticeable pale stripe top of thorax; wings mostly clear behavior: often perch in shade habitat: marshy creeks/ditches flight period: April 23 - November 30 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images (migration) - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - NM Scans female - CA	Red Rock Skimmer Paltothemis lineatipes size: medium/large, length 44 - 54 mm, wingspan 90 - 95 mm male: abdomen intricately patterned with rusty red & black; face and eyes rusty red; rusty red on inner wings usually nearly to nodus, dark stigma; thorax can be olive-brown on sides; lands on rocks midstream female: tan/brown; intricate pattern; no color in wings; no red on body flight period: February 5 - December 21 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female with eggs - CA multiple images - CA male - NM multiple images - NM female - NV young male - UT male - UT female - UT Scans male - CA immature male - CA male - CA male - CA unusual female - CA female, side view - NV	Band-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum semicinctum (formerly Western Meadowhawk, S. occidentale) NOTE: THESE SPECIES HAVE BEEN 'LUMPED' - 2007 Ssize: medium length 28 - 37 mm, wingspan 46 - 57 mm male: deep red upper abdomen with black markings lower sides; black top segments 8 & 9; inner wings rusty out to nodus; thorax sides - 3 irregular black stripes - look like black 'flames'; eyes & face dark rusty red; immature male yellow like female female: yellow where male is red; rarely has much less color in wings behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward habitat: weedy ponds, lakes flight period: April 1 - November 16 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Note: Formerly called Western Meadowhawk (Sympetrum occidentale). This species has been combined with the Band-winged Meadowhawk (S. semicinctum). The subspecies that is without the darker color to the wing-band edge is now recognized as S. semicinctum occidentale. It is the species most likely to be found in Calif. Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CO male - WI multiple images multiple images - MN Scans male female	Ruby Meadowhawk Sympetrum rubicundulum size: small/medium length 33 - 34 mm, wingspan 50 - 62 mm male: VERY similar to White-faced Meadowhawk but wing veins dark and face yellow to brown; can have basal half of wings amber female: less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward habitat: lowland ponds, lakes, bogs, marshes and streams SW flight period: June 17 - September 26 SW distribution: CO Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ female - AZ male & female - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female- AZ female - AZ Scans male female	Spot-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum signiferum size: small/medium length 33 - 42 mm, wingspan 52 - 66 mm male: the hindwing has a triangular brown basal spot, wings othersie iwth yellow-amber patch at base; all red when mature; immature yellow; no stripes on thorax; eyes pale at the bottom; top & sides of abdomen with blackspots on S5-8; slender; often last species in the fall female: like immature male and female Yellow-legged Meadowhawk but WITHOUT the distinctive, triangular ovipositor under "tail" behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward SW flight period: August 2 - November 28 SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA young male - CA pair in wheel - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA teneral female - CA tandem pair - CA nymph - CA eggs - CA eggs - CA emergence sequence - CA emergence sequence - CA exuviae - CA Scans males - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA	Cardinal Meadowhawk Sympetrum illotum size: medium length 32 - 40 mm, wingspan 55 - 60 mm male: cardinal red head, thorax, abdomen, wing veins; red on wings is diffuse and only close to body and near the leading edge; wings have very small dark streaks at extreme base; thorax sides have two small white spots; body with no black, appears stubby; red legs female: less colorful; pale red legs similar species: Red-veined Meadowhawk has jet black legs, compare here behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward habitat: ponds, lakes flight period: Feb 24 (once found on January 18, 1900) - December 22 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female close up of thorax female - CA female - CA immature female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA	Red-veined Meadowhawk Sympetrum madidum size: medium length 40 - 45 mm, wingspan 58 - 62 mm male: dark red face & abdomen; thoracic stripes partly obscured by red; underside abdomen dark, dark spots segments 8 & 9; distinct red wing "stripe" touches black or dark red fairly long stigma; no black areas near wing base; jet black legs female: tawny body; segments 1 & 2 bulbous; dull yellow face; wings like male; black legs similar species: Cardinal Meadowhawk has pale red legs behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward habitat: ponds, marshes, lakes flight period: April 25 - September 17 SW distribution: CA, NV, CO, UT? Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ juvenile male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NM female - TX female male - TX Scans male - CA male - CA immature male - CA female - CA female - CA	Red-tailed Pennant Brachymesia furcata size: medium length 38 - 46 mm, wingspan 66 - 73 mm male: Meadowhawk-like; stocky; face & abdomen red; thorax brown; each abdomen segment with thin dark ring, black spots atop segment 8 & 9; wings have dark veins, amber at base with long stigma; jet black legs; "ski- tipped" appendages female: brown with pale stripe between wings & at abdomen base; small black spots last segments habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: March 9 - December 10 SW distribution: AZ, so. CA Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA male - CO female - CO pair in wheel teneral female - NM male - WI Scans male side view - CA male top view - CA female side view - CA	Autumn [aka Yellow-legged] Meadowhawk Sympetrum vicinum size: small/medium length 26 - 35 mm, wingspan 42 - 46 mm male: all red when mature; immature yellow; no stripes on thorax; top & sides of abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; slender, thin yellow- brown legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base; often last species in the fall female: like immature male but with very prominent, distinctive, triangular ovipositor on "tail" habitat: lakes, ponds, slow streams SW flight period: May 12 - November 22 (primarily a late season flier) SW distribution: mountains of AZ?, CA, CO, NM Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA males - CA young male - CA young male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA females - CA female - CA	Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum internum...pg. 20 size: small/medium length 28 - 36 mm, wingspan 46 - 52 mm male: overall dark red; plain brown-red thorax; dull cherry red face when mature (immature - tawny yellow); black legs; clear wings with reddish veins, only a small basal amber wash; triangular black marks low on abdomen sides female: body less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored; can have as much color in wings as a Western/Band-winged Meadowhawk habitat: wet meadows; slow waters SW flight period: June 15 - September 27 SW distribution: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA young male - CO male - UT male - WI female, close up - WI Scans male - CA male - OR male - OR	White-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum obtrusum size: medium length 30 - 39 mm, wingspan 52 - 56 mm male: white face; abdomen & thorax red; thoracic side stripes on immatures only, no top stripes; distinct black triangles lower sides of abdomen; wing veins not reddish female: similar or golden; face greenish white habitat: marshes, lakes, wet meadows in highlands SW flight period: May 30 - October 28; more common in the fall SW distribution: mountains in all SW but AZ & NM? Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - NM male - NV young male - NV female - NV ovipositing pair - NV male - UT male - UT teneral male - UT Scans male - CA young male - CA female - CA young male - NV young female - NV	Striped Meadowhawk Sympetrum pallipes size: medium length 34 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 58 mm male: mature red, immature golden; 2 pale top & side thoracic stripes (top stripes lacking in ALL other red-abdomened meadowhawks); pale face; clear wings, one rust vein; velvet-like dots where wings join body; usually rounded black marks low on abdomen female: tawny or red brown habitat: ponds and lakes SW flight period: April 25 - December 1; more common in fall SW distribution: all SW Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - NM multiple images - TX male - MO male - MO male - GA male - YouTube movie - MO female - GA Scans male - MS male - NJ male - IL female	Blue-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum ambiguum - not in book size: medium length 31 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 58 mm male: blue eyes and face; red abdomen with forward pointing black arrows along sides (can form rings); tawny thorax lacks clearly obvious stripes; clear wings; dark legs female: tawny where male is red behavior: regularly perches on the ground, or at least on leaf litter or small twigs on the ground habitat: prefers shadier areas than most meadowhawks; marshes, bogs, ponds and lakes SW flight period: October 17 (2009) SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male (mature) - CA male (mature) - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA female - CA immature male - WI female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA teneral male - CA pair - CA pair - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA	Saffron-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum costiferum size: medium length 31 - 39 mm, wingspan 50 - 56 mm male: body red when mature; immature golden; leading wing edges and veins golden; stigma yellow with black edges; underside of abdomen black; legs striped black female: like immature male habitat: woody marshes, ponds, lakes, creeks SW flight period: June 20 - October 28 SW distribution: CA, CO, NV, UT (not yet found AZ) Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ pair in cop - AZ male - AZ pair ovipositing - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA very mature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA pair in wheel - CA female - CO male - NM multiple images - NM young male - NV young male - NV mature male - NV male - NV very mature male - NV female - NV female - NV pair ovipositing - NV male - UT males - UT female - UT Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA	Variegated Meadowhawk Sympetrum corruptum size: medium length 33 - 43 mm, wingspan 60 - 64 mm male: quite variable; olive-green/gray and reddish plaid, turns redder as it ages, unique white "porthole-like" spots low on abdomen; thoracic stripes not always complete but end in yellow spot; cranberry eyes; bicolor stigma female: less red; more muted &/or pastel habitat: all slow water flight period: year round, migratory; may over winter SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male & ovipositing female - CA female - CA male - NM male - NM female - NM multiple images - NM male male Scans female - AZ female - AZ male - CA female - CA	Roseate Skimmer Orthemis ferruginea size: medium/large, length 46 - 55 mm, wingspan 79 - 92 mm male: thorax rose pink and/or plum pruinescence; rose pruinescence on abdomen; wings clear with some veins reddish, very narrowly tipped with brown; top of head metallic black when mature female: orange-brown; complex pale pattern thorax sides, lt. stripe top center; noticeable flanges lower abdomen similar species: very similar to the less common Carmine Skimmer which has red eyes and bright red top to the frons (face) whereas on Roseate the top of the frons is irridescent purple; habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: all year in its most southern regions SW distribution: all SW states Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ/MX multiple images - TX male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Carmine [archaic- Orange-bellied] Skimmer Orthemis discolor size: medium/large, length 38 - 53 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: eyes and face almost cherry-red eyes; wings clear with black veins, very narrowly tipped with brown female: orange-brown; complex pale pattern thorax sides, lt. stripe top center; noticeable flanges lower abdomen similar species: very similar to the more common Roseate Skimmer which has purplish eyes and face habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: July 1- November 3 SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images- AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - CA/AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - NV female - NV Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA male - UT State Record Specimen	Mexican Amberwing Perithemis intensa size: small, length 23 - 29 mm, wingspan 41- 44 mm male: small & stubby; all orange, even the wings which have pale orange stigma; thorax can be tawny; very unwary; tend to perch on twigs; immatures more yellow female: orange body; wings - amber-orange bands with dark spots, darker stigma than male similar species: Slough and Eastern Amberwings have stigmas orange-red, white marks on the sides of the throrax and more patterning on abdomen, Slough Amberwing has outside of legs dark compare at this site behavior: perches in the sun habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers SW flight period: March 7 - December 10 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT (rare) Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ & TX multiple images - AZ multiple images - TX male - TX female - TX male - MX male - MX male - MX multiple images -Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Slough Amberwing Perithemis domitia size: very small, length 22 - 25 mm, wingspan 34 - 41 male: like Mexican Amberwing but sides of thorax pale with narrow brown stripes; tiny but stubby; wings yellowish-orange with red-orange stigma female: brown body; variable amber patched/spotted wings similar species: Mexican and Eastern Amberwings: see all 3 species shown behavior: prefers to perch in the shade SW flight period: July 12 - October 17 SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ male - NM female - NM multiple images - NM male - TX female - TX male - TX Scans male female	Eastern Amberwing Perithemis tenera size: very small, length 19 - 25 mm, wingspan 33 - 43 male: tiny but stubby; wings yellowish-orange, may have small dark spots, red stigma; thorax brownish with two pale side stripes; patterned abdomen; mimics wasp behavior by waving wings and abdomen up and down female: brown body; variable dark patched/spotted wings habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, even brackish waters behavior: perches in the sun similar species: Mexican and Slough Amberwings: compare at this site SW flight period: March 28 - October 20 SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ/TX multiple images - AZ/MX male & female - AZ female - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Mayan Setwing Dythemis maya size: medium, length 43 - 45 mm, wingspan 72 - 82 mm male: slender red body; red-orange basal wing patches; bright red face and eyes female: like male but orange-brown with dark wingtips habitat: streams in arid country, usually in narrow canyons with cottonwoods flight period: July 27 - November 2 SW distribution: AZ, rare Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male in flight - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - NM male - NV female - NV male - UT Scans male - CA	Red Saddlebags Tramea onusta size: medium length 41 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 90 mm male: mostly red or rusty red including eyes; thorax tawny; black spots top of segments 8-10; hind wings have broad red saddle mark; powerful flier; frequently perch with abdomen lowered; migratory. female: tawny; black spots atop tip of abdomen similar species: Striped and Antillean Saddlebags have much smaller amount of red at wing bases habitat: warm shallow ponds behavior: use saddle mark to shade body SW flight period: January 3 - November 18 SW distribution: all SW Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ males & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male in flight- CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NV Scans male - TX	Striped Saddlebags Tramea darwini) formerly T. calverti size: medium length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 86 mm male: similar to Red Saddlebags but with 2 pale stripes on side of thorax; mostly red or rusty red including eyes; segments 8-10 become dark on top & sides; hind wings have narrow dark saddle mark; often slightly yellow; powerful flier female: tawny; 2 broad side stripes on thorax; segments 8-10 of abdomen black similar species: Antillean Saddlebags lacks stripes on thorax sides; Red Saddlebags has larger amount of red at wing bases habitat: warm shallow ponds and other quiet waters, including brackish and temporary SW flight period: May 31 - December 2 SW distribution: AZ, southern CA, NM, NV (rare) Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - TX multiple images - TX images from Google Scans male female	Antillean Saddlebags Tramea insularis size: medium length 41 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 83 mm male: very similar to Striped Saddlebags but without 2 pale stripes on side of thorax; mostly red or rusty red including eyes; segments 8-9 (sometimes 10) have dark triangles that are mostly on the top (NOT as 'connected' as in T. calverti); wings - narrow red/dark basal patch, then clear without any yellowing beyond that violet forehead; very long cerci (appendages) female: tawny; violet forehead; segments 8-10 of abdomen black similar species: Striped Saddlebags has stripes on thorax sides; Red Saddlebags has larger amount of red at wing bases habitat: warm shallow ponds and other quiet waters, including brackish and temporary SW flight period: June 13 - November 19 SW distribution: AZ (stray) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ images ovipositing - AZ multiple images - AZ/CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - NM pair in wheel - NV male - UT Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA	Black Saddlebags Tramea lacerata size: large, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 95 - 102 mm male: black body; diffuse yellow spot top of abdomen; broad black saddle mark on hind wings; folded long legs give thorax bulky look in flight; powerful flier; usually perch horizontally; migratory female: similar, more yellow spots habitat: ponds, lakes, creeks, and slow areas of rivers behavior: oviposit - "Tramea Dance" flight period: March 14 - November 16 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ Scans male female	Sooty Saddlebags Tramea binotata ...new 2009!! size: medium, length 45 - 51 mm, wingspan 80 - 90 mm male: slender black body, shows some reddish in immatures; segs 8-10 all dark; narrow dark basal wing patches; face turns metallic violet on top in maturity appendages 4-5mm long, almost as long as segs 8-10 female: like male but paler; wing membranes smoky habitat: found at Roper Lake, Safford, AZ in 2009; Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ in 2012 flight period: September 25- November 3 SW distribution: AZ, rare - found 2009 & 2012 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ images - CO images - CO male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM multiple images - NM male - NM female - NM Scans male - AZ	Checkered Setwing Dythemis fugax size: medium, length 42 - 51 mm, wingspan 72 - 78 mm male: dark with pale spots top of abdomen; lacy brown basal wing patches; bright red face and eyes female: like male; wing tips brown habitat: marshes, ponds, slow waters SW flight period: May 8 - November 7 SW distribution: AZ, CO (rare), NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ female - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ/TX male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX young male - TX female - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Black Setwing Dythemis nigrescens size: medium length 40 - 45 mm, wingspan 62 - 72 mm male: pruinose dark with slightly clubbed abdomen; face dark; no basal wing patches female: like male with pale marks on thorax & abdomen; wing tips brown habitat: rivers, streams, lakes & ponds SW flight period: April 23 - December 13 SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ male - NM Scans	Swift Setwing Dythemis velox size: medium, length 41 - 48 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: dark with pale spots top of abdomen; face dark; wings - mostly clear with very small brown basal wing patches, tips brown. female: like male; wing tips show more brown and small brown basal area habitat: marshes, ponds, slow waters SW flight period: May 8 - October 15 SW distribution: AZ, CO (rare), NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX female - TX female - TX multiple images - TX/MX multiple images- Jalisco, MX Scans male - TX female - TX	Thornbush Dasher Micrathyria hagenii size: small-medium, length 33 - 35 mm, wingspan 52 - 62 mm male: slender, esp. mid abdominal segments; widened at end; dark with pale spots side of abdomen; face white; eyes blue-green; wings clear; thorax striped top and sides female: like male; wing tips brown habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: September 19 - November 1 SW distribution: NEW for AZ 2006; new for NM 2015 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ/MX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX male - MX male - MX male - MX immature male - MX Scans male female - TX	Spot-tailed Dasher Micrathyria aequalis size: small-medium, length 28 - 33 mm, wingspan 45 - 52 mm male: pruinose blue-gray, white face, blue-green eyes; slender, esp. mid abdominal segments; widened at end; abd. dark with a pair of pale triangles atop abdomen segment 7; abd. turns darker pruinose as it matures; wings clear thorax striped top and sides in immature female: can become pruinose similar to male but often heavily patterned on the thorax like a Blue Dasher and with a double line of dots atop the abdomen culminating in two good-sized triangles on seg. 7 behavior: female lands to oviposit, fastening eggs to the underside of a leaf habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: June - November SW distribution: NEW for AZ 2007 Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ/MX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Three-striped Dasher Micrathyria didyma size: medium, length 35 - 41 mm, wingspan 52 - 68 mm male: pruinose blue-gray, white face, green eyes; 3 distinct stripes sides of thorax; slender, esp. mid abdominal segments; widened at end; abd. dark with pair of large pale sqarish spots atop abdomen segment 7 (almost fills top of segment); abd. turns darker pruinose as it matures; wings are clear similar species: Thornbrush Dasher shows more patterning on abdomen behavior: tend to perch in the shade female: similar to male but usually lacking pruinosity SW flight period: - November 6 SW distribution: NEW for AZ 2016 (Dudleyville, Pinal County) No Southwestern distribution map yet
Photos mature male - NM multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX male - MX immature male - MX pair in cop - MX multiple images - Jalisco, MX female - Costa Rica Scans male female	Gray-waisted Skimmer Cannaphila insularis aka Narrow-winged Skimmer- not in book size: medium, length 36 - 39 mm, wingspan 60 - 62 mm male: similar to a dasher but with boldly striped thorax; white face, large dark 'nose-like' spot; blue-green eyes show brown at top in young; narrow abdomen turns darker and then becomes covered with gray pruinosity near the thorax as it matures; hindwing unusually narrow at base; black legs female: can become pruinose similar to male but often heavily patterned on the thorax like a Blue Dasher; obvious flange segment 8; dark wingtips behavior: female lays eggs in densely vegetated areas; males forage from tips of vegetation from 1-33" above ground habitat: marshy ponds, lakes, slow waters SW flight period: July 31 - August 5 SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images- AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM female - NM female - NM Scans male - AZ male - AZ male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA	Marl Pennant Macrodiplax balteata size: medium length 35 - 44 mm, wingspan 57 - 74 mm male: wide head; dark eyes; small dark basal patches on wings; dark body and abdomen with thin pale rings female: wings like male; thorax & abdomen yellow on golden brown; abdomen tip dark; thorax sides - 3 pale areas habitat: brackish coastal ponds, desert oases; specializes on saline & especially alkaline habitats SW flight period: May 6 - October 19 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ juvenile male - AZ multiple images - AZ female- AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA juvenile male - CA juvenile male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM young male - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM multiple images - NV female ovipositing - NV female - UT Scans mature male top; side - CA immature male top; side - CA female top; side - CA male - CA male - CA male	Desert Whitetail Plathemis subornata aka Libellula subornata ...p. 32 size: medium length 40 - 52 mm, wingspan 64 - 76 mm male: pruinose white abdomen; wings - 2 narrow zigzag black bands, middle third usually fills in dark; basal half of wings - extensive white pruinosity; dark appendages female: brown body; 2 pale, jagged thoracic stripes; row of yellow side dashes on abdomen; each wing has dual zigzag bands, clear wing tips similar species: comparison shot to Co. Whitetail habitat: desert springs, ponds, lakes flight period: early April 2 - November 2 SW distribution: all SW deserts Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female- CA female- CA female - CA multiple ovipositing images - CA .avi movie of female oviposing, male hover guarding (25 MB) .avi movie of female oviposing, mosquito fish eating eggs(19MB) multiple images - NM Scans male - CA female - CA female - CA male - TX? female - TX?	Common Whitetail Plathemis lydia formerly Libellula lydia size: medium length 39 - 48 mm, wingspan 65 - 75 mm male: broad abdomen matures gleaming white; wings -broad dark band 1/3 width, small black basal bar, small white area only at wing base; top of appendages frosty; immature - body marked like female; wings like mature male, lack white female: 3 dark wing spots; wide brown body; yellow side dashes angled, separated habitat: marshes, streams note: look carefully and you may note their banded eyes!! SW flight period: March 27 - November 4 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA images - CO male - NM immature male - NM male - NV male - UT Scans young male - CA young male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA female - UT	Twelve-spotted Skimmer Libellula pulchella size: large, length 51 - 58 mm, wingspan 84 - 92 mm male: 3 dark spots each wing, including wing tip, 3 white spots develop between them as the body ages; abdomen develops a bluish-white pruinosity as it matures female: brown abdomen - continuous yellow side stripe; wings - 3 dark spots, no white spots; compare to female Co. Whitetail habitat: ponds, lakes, rivers SW flight period: April 4 - October 17 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male in flight - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male & female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - NM female - UT female - UT Scans male - AZ male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Eight-spotted Skimmer Libellula forensis size: medium/large, length 49 - 51 mm, wingspan 77 - 80 mm male: 2 dark spots each wing, outer one shaped like a numeral "8" and extends from leading to trailing edge, 3 white spots, tips clear; pruinose blue abdomen & thorax top female: brown body; yellow side stripe dashed but forms straight line; wings like male's, may develop white spots habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches SW flight period: April 7 - October 22 SW distribution: all; rare AZ Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA teneral male - CA female - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NM female - NM multiple images - NM male - NV male - NV young male - NV male - UT Scans male - CA male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Widow Skimmer Libellula luctuosa size: medium length 38 - 50 mm, wingspan 76 - 80 mm male: body becomes pruinose pale blue; inside half of wings blackish-brown, outer wing sides develop extensive white pruinescence; expanding its range within the SW female: brown with yellow side stripes; dark wing tips habitat: ponds, lakes, pools of rivers & creeks, marshes SW flight period: May 5 - November 26 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images- AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male-colored female - CA male - NV Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA pruinose older female - CA	Hoary Skimmer Libellula nodisticta size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm male: thorax and abdomen pruinose blue-gray; thorax of immature has 2 broken yellow stripes; wings have small dark area at base & nodus, basal dark wing area becomes surrounded by white, black stigma; no other white on wings female: dark gray/brown with row of yellow dashes along abdomen side habitat: springs; spring-fed streams SW flight period: April 27 - October 22 SW distribution: all SW; sporadic, sparse Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA pair - CA female - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM tandem pair - NM pair - NM Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA	Bleached Skimmer Libellula composita size: medium length 42 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 88 mm male: pruinose blue body becomes bleached/washed out in appearance; pale eyes; white face; wings - dark spot at base & usually also at nodus, dark veins; pale costa (vein along leading edge of the wing); dark stigma female: wings like male; abdomen - interrupted pale yellow stripes, pale eyes & face habitat: alkaline ponds; springs SW flight period: April 5 - October SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CO multiple images - TX female Scans male female	Bar-winged Skimmer Libellula axilena size: large length 50 - 62 mm, wingspan ~104 mm male: pruinose blue tapered body; dark eyes; dark face; wings have a dark bar on the front edge beyond the nodus, dark at extreme tips, small spot at nodus, dark stigma female: wings like male; abdomen - interrupted pale yellow stripes; face white at edges habitat: wooded slow streams; forest pools SW flight period: May 6 - July 17 SW distribution: CO (rare) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CO male - LA male - NC multiple images - TX female - GA female - LA Scans male female	Great Blue Skimmer Libellula vibrans size: large length 56 - 63 mm, wingspan ~104 mm male: largest skimmer in SW; pruinose blue tapered body; blue eyes; white face; wings have a dark bar on the front edge beyond the nodus, dark at extreme tips, small spot at nodus, dark stigma female: wings like male but dmore dark at tips; abdomen - interrupted pale yellow stripes; face white; eyes are red-capped; thorax sidesarepale habitat: wooded slow streams; forest pools SW flight period: June 18 SW distribution: CO (rare) Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA males - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA females - CA male - NM male - NM female - NM male - NV male - NV male - NV multiple images - NV Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Comanche Skimmer Libellula comanche size: medium length 42 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 88 mm size: medium/large, length 46 - 56 mm, wingspan 70 - 89 mm male: pruinose blue body with white face; pearly blue or greenish eyes; wings clear, bold white stigma with dark edge; immature has the thorax with bold pale yellow patches female: brown abdomen has a continuous pale yellow side stripe; pale eyes, pale yellow face and stigma with dark edge; wings often darkish at tips and leading edge similar species: Blue Dasher lacks white stigma; Bleached Skimmer has pale eyes and dark stigma habitat: ponds, ditches, canals SW flight period: April - November 1 SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - NM multiple images - NM female - NM male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV female - NV female - NV female - NV male - UT female - UT Scans male - CA female - CA	Blue Dasher Pachydiplax longipennis size: medium length 32 - 45 mm, wingspan 48 - 50 mm male: pruinose blue, developing dark tip, tan under segment 1-3; striped thorax can become all blue; teal green/blue eyes with back edges black; distinctive white face with black between the eyes; wings, often held downward, can show brown tinted areas; in CA thorax often becomes completely pruinose female: rectangular buff marks on dark background; no other SW species is like it; white face similar species: Western Pondhawks have GREEN faces; blue eyes have alternating green and black spots on the rear (visible from the side or from behind); all the Speckled Dashers have some patterning atop the abdomen behavior: usually perches horizontaly on vegetation, not on the ground unless it is windy habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: February 29 - November 25 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - NM male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV juvenile male - NV female - NV female - NV male - UT immature male - UT female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA scans immature male - CA female - CA male - NV	Western Pondhawk Erythemis collocata size: medium length 39 - 42 mm, wingspan 63 - 65 mm male: pruinose blue with bright green face; deep blue eyes with alternating green and black spots on the back edges; dark appendages; immature like female, thorax last to turn blue, no dark patches/spots/bands female: emerald green body - thin dark line along middle top; some yellow near tip similar species: Eastern Pondhawk males have white appendages; while Western Pondhawks have alternating green and black spots on the rear of the eyes (visible from the side or from behind) the Blue Dasher has all black on the rear of the eyes behavior: usually perches low, often on or near the ground or on floating vegetation; known to eat other dragonflies, (2nd image) habitat: ponds, creek pools SW flight period: January - December 5 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ female - CO female - CO female - NM female - NM female - NM female - (intermediate form?) NM young male - TX Scans male - top TX male side - TX male side - TX female top - TX female side - TX female side - TX	Eastern Pondhawk Erythemis simplicicollis size: medium length 36 - 48 mm, wingspan 63 - 65 mm male: pruinose blue with green face; dark blue eyes with back edges having alternating green and black spots; emerges green like female, sides of thorax last area to become blue; displays white appendages held upward female: emerald green body with pale and dark areas along abdomen; white appendages; spout-like ovipositor similar species: Western Pondhawk males have dark appendages; Blue Dasher has back of eyes black habitat: ponds, creek pools SW flight period: May 2 - October 9 SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ/MX male - CA male - CO male - TX female - TX female - TX female - TX female - TX female - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX/MX/CR multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male top - TX male side - TX female side - TX female top - TX female top - TX?	Great Pondhawk Erythemis vesiculosa size: large, length 55 - 65 mm, wingspan 80 - 82 mm male: narrow long green abdomen with dark and pale bands; eyes green-gray; appendages white; juvenile has green stigma; wary; often flies with abdomen raised 30 degrees female: like male; eyes dark brown; thin abdomen with short inconspicuous ovipositor habitat: ponds; pools of creeks and rivers SW flight period: June 8 - October 2 SW distribution: rare; AZ, CO, CA, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA male - CO female - CO multiple images - NM multiple images - NV male - UT female - UT Scans male - CA exuvia - CA male - OR	Four-spotted Skimmer Libellula quadrimaculata...47 size: medium length 40 - 46 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: olive to orangish-brown body, thorax somewhat hairy; abdomen tapered with yellow dashes on sides, tip darker; leading wing edges usually orangish with small dark spots at nodus, larger dark area hind wing base female: very similar habitat: bogs, marshes, lakes, streams in mountain areas; acidic waters SW flight period: April 4 - October 11 SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - WA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - WV male - WV female - WV female - WV	Chalk-fronted Corporal Ladona julia aka Libellula julia...153 & inside back cover dust jacket size: medium, length 38 - 44 mm, wingspan 60 - 72 mm male: brown with a chalky white pruinosity; the pruinosity restricted to the front half of the abdomen; 2 wide white pruinose stripes on thorax top; eyes and face brown; clear wings have only a small dark area at base female: orangish brown with a black stripe down the top of the abdomen habitat: slow mountain streams SW flight period: June 2 - August 5 SW distribution: northern CA Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ in flight - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA comparison shot, males - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - NM in flight - NM Scans male - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA male - UT	Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea size: medium length 43 - 51 mm, wingspan 86 - 96 mm male: robust; body patterned golden browns, generally darker brown than Wandering Glider; tawny or rufous stigma; red face; clear front wing; wide hind wing - small round dark basal spot (often difficult to see in flight); strong gliding flight; migrate; often seen after weather change female: like male, patterned less boldly; yellow face similar species: compare to Wandering Glider comparison shot of both species, another habitat: ponds (even temporary), lakes, yards SW flight period: All Year in south SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ emerging male - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA in flight - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA in flight - NM multiple images - NM multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male - CA male - CA female side view - CA female top view - CA female - NM	Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens size: medium, length 44 - 51 mm, wingspan 83 - 91 mm male: golden orange-yellow-brown body, dark pattern along abdomen top; yellowish face; mature has red eyes; broad clear wings possibly with yellow wash at tips and base but no dark basal spot; golden stigma; hind wing very wide - strong gliding flight; vagrant, migrant; follows weather fronts female: similar; male & females feed in mixed swarms similar species: compare to Spot-winged Glider comparison shot of both species, another habitat: open still waters; frequently found in yards SW flight period: January 8- December 21 SW distribution: all Southwest; a cosmopolitan species Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans	Hyacinth Glider Miathyria marcella size: medium, length 35 - 38 mm, wingspan 58 - 66 mm male: straw-colored abdomen with amber-tinted wings with noticeable straight dark diffuse basal wingbands and golden wingveins female: like male, white stripe on thorax side habitat: ponds in the open; slow moving water SW flight period: April 4 SW distribution: AZ (rare) No Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ female - AZ multiple images - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Straw-colored Sylph Macrothemis inacuta size: medium/large, length 42 - 48 mm, wingspan 66 - 74 mm male: distinctive very slender cylindrical yellowish-brown body; red-brown eyes become blue-violet to whitish aqua female: similar; sometimes amber tint to wing tips habitat: streams and rivers SW flight period: May 5 - October 25 SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ females - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male - NM male - NM male - NM female - NM multiple images - CA Scans male - AZ	Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon superbus size: medium length 38 - 45 mm, wingspan 63 - 73 mm male: wings variably dark & lacy, sometimes almost all dark, but tips mostly clear; brown body with pale chevrons ages to nearly all black; eyes are striped and when mature are nearly all black; perch low, often on rocks/debris, often in oblique posture female: lace pattern on wings more open; spout like ovipositor habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: February 12 - December 6 SW distribution: AZ, NM, now breeding in CA, San Diego Co. 2015 Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ/MN multiple images - AZ+ male - NM male - WV male - WV Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Halloween Pennant Celithemis eponina size: medium length 36 - 42 mm, wingspan 66 - 70 mm male: orange wings patterned with black; orange stigma female: like juvenile male has yellow body coloration; wings like males habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: June 20 - October 22 SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - TX female - TX multiple images - TX+ female - NY Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX?	Banded Pennant Celithemis fasciata size: medium length 30 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 66 mm male: patterned wings variable but black areas sharply defined and mostly clear between; black wing tips; body all black female: body marked with yellow habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: August 7- September10 SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CO male - CO multiple images - CO male - WV male - WV Scans male - TX? male - TX?	Calico Pennant Celithemis elisa size: medium length 29 - 34 mm, wingspan 56 - 60 mm male: patterned wings variable but black areas at wing tips, large basal patch with reddish interior and smaller spots between; red hearts along abdomen top; pale stigma female: body marked with yellow hearts along abd. top habitat: shallow edges of ponds with vegetation SW flight period: June 1 - September 3 SW distribution: CO Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ male - MX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX female - FL multiple images - Jalisco, MX male - MX Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Pin-tailed Pondhawk Erythemis plebeja size: medium, length 41 - 48 mm, wingspan 64 - 75 mm male: mature - all black including face; clear wings with small dark basal patch & pale yellow stigma; legs all black; long narrow abdomen with yellow appendages; immature - some yellow on abdomen female: like immature male; much less black on abdomen; noticeable scoop-like projection under segment 9 points straight downward behavior: perches with wings held down and forward habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches, slow area of rivers and streams SW flight period: Sept 9 - Oct 29 SW distribution: AZ (rare, please report) Southwestern distribution map
Photos female - NM (& TX) male - TX male - MX male - El Salvador male - El Salvador female - El Salvador male - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Black Pondhawk Erythemis attala not in book NEW TO SW 2012 size: medium, length 42 - 44 mm, wingspan 69 - 80 mm male: all black except for pale appendages; hindwings with large black basal spot female: paired dull yellow spots atop s3-6; basal spot on hind wing is smaller and paler than on male habitat: ponds and lakes with shaded edges - often found in dense vegetation like cattails flight period: September 3 behavior: very wary and active - therefore difficult to approach SW distribution: Eddy County, NM; rare Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - NM male - UT female - UT female - Europe! Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA	Black Meadowhawk Sympetrum danae size: small, length 26 - 32 mm, wingspan 42 - 46 mm male: mature - all black including face; immature shows complex yellow markings thorax sides including three yellow dots in a black belt, yellow areas along abdomen and on face; clear wings; legs all black; very petite female: like immature male; variable amber wing wash habitat: all slow mountain waters SW flight period: May 17 - October 31 SW distribution: all (mountain areas only) Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ	Plateau Dragonlet Erythrodiplax basifusca size: small/medium length 24 - 34 mm, wingspan 43 - 53 mm male: black abdomen develops thin blue pruinosity on segments 1-7; face tawny to metallic black; wings clear except hind wing often with small basal dark amber patch female: yellow, brown side stripe habitat: marshy ponds, lakes SW flight period: March 11 - December 11 SW distribution: AZ, se CA, NM Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - NM pair - NM pair - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM multiple images - NM males & females - TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX?	Seaside Dragonlet aka Tiger Dragonlet *Erythrodiplax berenice* size: small/medium length 31 - 35 mm, wingspan 44 - 56 mm male: mature is all black; wings clear, NO small basal dark patch; immature has yellow on segments 1-7 female: 2 forms: male-like has segments 1-7 remaining yellow longer than males; no spots near wing nodus; abdomen becomes dark before thorax juvenile spotted form female has thorax with yellow and black "tiger striping" and wings with brown spots at nodus habitat: saline lakes SW flight period: May 4 - October 2 SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - Jalisco, MX multiple images - MX/AZ male - MX Scans male female	Black-winged Dragonlet Erythrodiplax funerea size: small/medium length 38 - 42 mm, wingspan 52 - 70 mm male: slender & black; wings black from near base to halfway between nodus and stigma; immature has yellow on segments 1-7 female: 2 forms: spotted form slender black body with round black spot at hind wing base other form is brown and has front of thorax darker than the sides habitat: temporary ponds in the open SW flight period: July 18 - October 11 SW distribution: AZ - stray Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM multiple images - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - FL Scans male female	Band-winged Dragonlet Erythrodiplax umbrata ...not in book. NEW to SW 2012 size: small/medium length 38 45 mm, wingspan 53-69 mm male: body slender & black; wings have a black band from nodus to stigma; immatures show pale yellowish between wings on thorax and on sides of abdomen female: wings lack the black bands, tip vaguely brown; body brownish habitat: shallow marshy ponds, even temporary SW flight period: Aug 13 - Sept. 7 SW distribution: NM - stray Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images- AZ female - AZ Scans male - AZ male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Four-spotted Pennant Brachymesia gravida size: medium length 50 - 54 mm, wingspan 72 - 86 mm male: slender black abdomen; wings each have one large round dark spot near nodus and pale stigma; immatures are mostly orange-brown with white spots on the sides of the face female: like immature male, slowly darken but retain white facial spots habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches, canals; often with brackish or fertilized water SW flight period: April 14 - October 10 SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM multiple images multiple images - TX Scans male female	Tawny Pennant Brachymesia herbida size: medium length 43 - 48 mm, wingspan 69 - 70 mm male: similar to teneral individuals of Four-spotted Pennant (B. gravida); stigma is tan, not white; wings lack dark spot, but may be smoky; tan or brown face; thorax brown and unmarked; wings amber or smoky, esp. leading edge; dark spot is NEVER beyond nodus; abdomen - black top stripe and yellow side stripe female: like immature male habitat: Elsewhere is found on ponds, lakes, marshes and roadside ditches including brackish waters SW flight period: August 17 - September 6 SW distribution: rare, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images- TX image- TX image- TX image- TX image- TX multiple images- TX multiple images - Jalisco, MX in flight- MX? Scans male female	Evening Skimmer Tholymis citrina size: medium, length 48 - 53 mm, wingspan 72 - 82 mm male: similar to Four-spotted Pennant but hind wing ONLY with diffuse large dark spot at nodal area; all red when mature; immature yellow-brown; no stripes on thorax; top & sides of abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; slender, thin yellow- brown legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base; often last species in the fall female: similar to male habitat: usually of coastal flooded forests, but flooded fields also behavior: crepuscular habits, flying mostly before dawn SW flight period: June SW distribution: AZ - RARE Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA Scans male - CA female - OR female - OR	Hudsonian Whiteface Leucorrhinia hudsonica size: small, length 27 - 30 mm, wingspan 44 - 57 mm male: dainty; dark eyes; bright white face; red thorax; abdomen black with red spots along top of segments 1-7 (yellow in immature); costa yellow usually only from nodus, black basally female: same or black with yellow spots inc. on S4 and smaller spot on S5. similar species: Boreal Whiteface much larger, much more red atop abdomen. habitat: sedge marshes SW flight period: May 28 - September 28 SW distribution: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT [note: new to NM 2016] Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - UT male - UT male - UT male - UT male - UT male - UT multiple images - MT male - AK female - Alberta Scans male - UT female	Boreal Whiteface Leucorrhinia borealis size: medium, length 44 - 46 mm, wingspan 62 - 66 mm male: largest Whiteface; almost continuous broad red stripe atop abdomen, including segment 8 which has a large spot; shows more red than black; full length of costa yellow; face can appear greenish with black chin; use appendages to distinguish from other Whitefaces female: shows more yellow than black down top of abdomen, including segment 7 similar species: VERY similar to Hudsonian Whiteface where the spot on S7 doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t reach the end of the segment & there are white veins in the black area at the hind wing base, and also to the other Whitefaces, but non have as much red on top as the I>L. borealis. habitat: boggy, weedy ponds, lakes in mountains SW flight period: June 17 - August 7 SW distribution: CO, NM, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA pair in wheel - CA multiple images - CA multiple images male - BC pair in wheel - CA Scans male - CA teneral male - CA pair - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA female & exuvia - CA	Crimson-ringed Whiteface Leucorrhinia glacialis size: medium, length 35 - 40 mm, wingspan 55 - 60 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendages half the length of the uppers; to identify to species use wing venation illustrations female: same or yellow & black habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes SW flight period: May 28 - September 1 SW distribution: CA, CO, NV Similar species: Use wing venation to separate from Belted Whiteface Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CO male - AK pair in wheel - BC multiple images Scans male - CO female	Belted Whiteface [formerly Red-waisted] Leucorrhinia proxima size: medium, length 32 - 38 mm, wingspan 50 - 55 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendage length 2/3rds length of uppers; to identify to species use wing venation illustrations female: same or yellow & black habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes SW flight period: June 13 - August 27 Similar species: Use wing venation to separate from Crimson-ringed Whiteface SW distribution: CA, CO, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA multiple images - CA multiple image - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - NM male - UT male - UT male - UT multiple images male - BC female - BC Scans male - CA male - CA female	Dot-tailed Whiteface Leucorrhinia intacta size: medium length 29 - 35 mm, wingspan 48 - 52 mm male: black body & head with bright white face; mature male has large yellow dot only on segment 7; immature marked like female, as it matures, there are transitional stages female: like male or showing yellow atop abdomen, including segment 7 habitat: spring-fed ponds, bogs, lakes SW flight period: March 27 - September 12 SW distribution: mountains of all SW but AZ Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - AZ male - CA multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male, side view - CA male - CA male, side view - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - NV Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA	Pale-faced Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga mendax size: large, length 52 - 64 mm, wingspan 68 - 86 mm male: gray; pale face, forehead & thoracic stripes; wings have 2 rows of cells in the anal loop; club-shaped narrow abdomen, segment 7 has 2 very closely spaced pale spots top that are parallel to the midline; secondary genitalia hamules very curved, hook-shaped like a question mark; patrols streams & rivers. Masked Clubskimmer occurs in southeast AZ; forehead black - compare by hamules female: like male but wings tips and small basal area brown; abdomen not as clubbed habitat: moving waters of rivers and streams SW flight period: March 29 - December 13 SW distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - MX male - MX female - MX Scans male female	Masked Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga pertinax size: large, length 50 - 52 mm, wingspan 78 - 88 mm male: much like Pale-faced but more slender and darker gray; pale face & thoracic stripes, forehead metallic black; 2 rows of cells in the anal loop; club-shaped narrow abdomen, segment 7 has 2 very closely spaced pale spots on top that diverge away from the midline toward the rear; secondary genitalia hamules nearly straight, tip bent female: like male but wings tips and small basal area brown; abdomen not as clubbed habitat: moving waters of rivers and streams SW flight period: June 25 - August 20 SW distribution: southeast AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - TX male - Sonora, MX male - Sonora, MX multiple images - Jalisco, MX Scans male female	Slender Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga praecox NEW TO THE SW 2015 size: large, length 47 - 53 mm, wingspan 64 - 74 mm male: much like Masked Clubskimmer but more slender and smaller with more extensive pale markings; less clubbed than Masked or Pale-faced; 2 rows of cells in the anal loop; aqua eyes female: like male but forewing may be yellow or pale drown out to the nodus; abdomen not as clubbed habitat: moving waters of sandy rivers and streams SW flight period: May 15 - May 16 (seen in USA once before in TX in February) SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - AZ, MX multiple images - AZ/MX male - Sonora, MX male - Sonora, MX multiple images - Jalisco MX male - Baja Calif, MX Scans male female	White-tailed Sylph Macrothemis pseudimitans NEW TO THE USA 2007 size: medium/large, length 40 - 43 mm, wingspan 60 - 67 mm male: dark species with dark 'clubbed' tail with a large pruinose white area on seg. 7 (mature 6-9); dark thorax has pale blue triangular stripes top and sides; clear shining wings; bright blue eyes; dark faced with yellow ring around the top of metallic blue frons female: similar but dark color more brown than black habitat: small to medium sized streams behavior: flies short beats over the water landing from time to time on rocks in the stream or on leaves of bank vegetation SW flight period: September 14 - Octobrt 14 SW distribution: AZ - RARE Southwestern distribution map
Photos Dragonflies are arranged within this family by predominant color rather than by genus Poster of Colorado Emeralds	EMERALD FAMILY - Corduliidae sizes: medium - large, lengths: 42 - 55 (1 is 78) mm males: often dark having brilliant metallic tones, although some have bodies that are patterned; all with emerald green eyes; abdomens expanded at midpoint females: like males; bodies stouter, even shaped habitats: wooded ponds and streams in the mountains behaviors: early mass emergences; perch by hanging; strong, fast, erratic fliers; sometimes hard to find, scarce 4 SW genera including 12 species: American Cordulia - 1 SW species; metallic green; forked appendages Baskettails Epithica - 4 SW species; non-metallic colors; brown and yellow patterned; hairy thorax; found at lower elevations than others; often fly at waist height along trails and paths Shadowdragon Neurocordulia - 1 SW species; brownish orange with light orange wings Striped Emeralds Somatochlora - 5 SW species; metallic green; high fliers; appendages not forked; often thin pale rings around abdomen
Photos male - NM male in flight - NJ female - TX female - TX male in flight multiple images Scans male - TX? male - TX? female - TX? female - TX?	Prince Baskettail Epitheca (Epicordulia) princeps size: medium/large length 58-78 mm, wingspan ~82 mm male: distinctive wing pattern with dark tips and usually dark nodal and basal spots (similar to 12-spotted skimmer) can show little or much dark color in flight; mature - green eyes; immature brown; habit of perching with its abdomen partially curled upward female: like male; eyes bronzy brown habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams and rivers SW flight period: June 6 - July 13 SW distribution: (rare, please report) CO & NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male female Scans male female	Dot-winged Baskettail Epitheca petechialis size: medium length 41 - 43 mm, wingspan 62 - 64 mm male: mature's eyes green, contrast with dull brown flattened spindle shaped abdomen, yellow side spots; thorax hairy; clear wings - tiny brown spots leading edge; appendages straight, lacking tooth on underside female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in forests SW flight period: March 23 - July 29 SW distribution: CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male- CA male - CA multiple images - CA young male - CA odd males - CA immature male - CA female - CA female- CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA	Beaverpond Baskettail Epitheca canis size: medium length 45 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 64 mm male: green eyes contrast with dull brown and yellow patterned body; abdomen flattened and enlarged mid-length; thorax hairy; clear wings; flies at waist height; appendages bent down at end female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in lowlands SW flight period: March 1 - July 28 SW distribution: CA Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos emergence - CA female - OR male - MN multiple images Scans male - OR male - OR female	Spiny Baskettail Epitheca spinigera size: medium length 43 - 47 mm, wingspan 61 - 69 mm male: green eyes contrast with dull brown and yellow patterned body; abdomen flattened and enlarged mid-length; thorax hairy; clear wings; flies at waist height; appendages straight with tiny downward tooth midway on underside of upper appendage nymph/exuvia have distinctive long spines on seg. 9 that extend beyond the abd. tip - can be used as voucher for distribution female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in mountain forests SW flight period: May 10 - July 8 SW distribution: CA Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
	Common Baskettail & Slender Baskettail Epitheca cynosura & costalis Please note: all Epitheca cynosura records for the West have been changed to E. petechialis; Dr. Donnelley has determined that the specimens from CO formerly thought to be cynosura aren't AND he has not found that there are not ANY Epitheca cynosura records west of the Rocky Mts. Slender Baskettail has not been documented but may occur in SW. distribution: NOT IN THE SOUTHWEST, not in CO as formerly thought
Photos male - TX male - AR multiple images - TX male - OK female - TX multiple images Scans female - TX? female - TX? female - AR	Orange Shadowdragon Neurocordulia xanthosoma size: medium length 48 - 50 mm, wingspan 74 - 82 mm male: brownish orange body & eyes; wings - basal quarter of wings lightly orange and a row of amber dots along each leading edge female: like male, dots on wings more prominent habitat: small mud bottomed steams, rivers and lakes with wooded shores flight period: found once June 17 behavior: fly over land or water from dawn to shortly after sunrise and then again from after sunset to about the last 40 minutes of light distribution: NM [not in CO, Co. Dflies of SW guide is in error for listing it so - kb] Southwestern distribution map
Photos male male - CA male close-up - CA young male - CA male- CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female- CA exuvia - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA young female - CA young female, side view - CA	American Emerald Cordulia shurtleffii sizes: medium length 42 - 50 mm, wingspan 60 - 65 mm male: emerald green eyes; dark hairy thorax with green metallic tones; abdomen enlarged mid-length with single thin white ring between segments 2 & 3; appendages splayed. similar species: Ringed Emerald has a white ring on each segment female: like male; body cylindrical habitat: wooded ponds, bogs SW flight period: April 27 - September 28 SW distribution: mountains in CA, CO, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CA male - in flight CA male - in flight Scans male, top view - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA male - CA female, top view - CA female, side view - CA female, side view - CA	Mountain Emerald Somatochlora semicircularis size: medium/large, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: emerald green eyes; dark hairy thorax, sides have two yellow markings within metallic green area; dark abdomen enlarged at mid-length, may show yellow spots on sides of segment 5-8; appendages point inwards, "pincher-like" female: similar to male; broader abdomen; cerci 3 mm or more, female American Emerald's cerci 2 mm or less habitat: ponds, sedge meadows with small streams SW flight period: June 13 - September 6 SW distribution: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT (in mountains) Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - OR male - CO multiple images - MN multiple images Scans male female	Ocellated Emerald Somatochlora minor size: medium, length 42 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: small for genus; emerald green eyes; dark thorax has 2 roundish yellow spots on sides and yellow spot lower base of fairly short abdomen; face black with yellow female: ovipositor perpendicular and as long as segment 8; yellow spots on abdomen base fused to form a crescent shape habitat: small streams in forests SW flight period: June 18 - August 1 SW distribution: CO Southwestern distribution map
Photos teneral male - CA male in flight - CA female in hand - CA male - OR male's face - OR male's appendages - OR multiple images - OR multiple images - AK Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA exuvia - CA female >	Ringed Emerald Somatochlora albicincta size: medium length 45 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 67 mm male: Similar to Mt. Emerald but has narrow incomplete white ring on each segment female: similar to male; broader, more cylindrical abdomen habitat: lakes ponds or streams with sparse emergent vegetation and forested margins SW flight period: June 10 - August 31 SW distribution: northern CA Southwestern distribution map Information on California Odonata website
Photos male - CO male - CO male - CO female - CO multiple images male - MT Scans pair - CO male - CO female - CO	Hudsonian Emerald Somatochlora hudsonica size: medium, length 50 - 54 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: almost identical to the Ringed Emerald female: different from Ringed Emerald in that she has short, oblique ovipositor that is 2/3rds as long as segment 9 habitat: deep sedge bordered ponds and lakes SW flight period: July 7 - August 6 SW distribution: CO, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CO female - CO male - MT multiple images - MT Scans male female	Plains Emerald Somatochlora ensigera size: medium, length 48 - 51 mm, wingspan 68 - 72 mm male: face and 2 thoracic side stripes bright yellow; appendages straight female: wide yellow side stripes on segments 2-6; ovipositor is at right angle to abdomen and as long as segment 8, appendages shorter that segment 9+10 habitat: small streams with clay shores SW flight period: ~June - ~August SW distribution: CO Southwestern distribution map