10a). Prevailing color brown; thorax densely covered with long, whitish hairs; wings with small spot at base and no markings at mid-length; anal loop of hind wing short and rounded (see illustration A) .......... CORDULIIDAE (Emeralds)
10b). Colored otherwise; thorax with no more than sparse, short hairs; anal loop of hind wing longer and pointed at tip.......... LIBELLULIDAE (Skimmers)
CALOPTERYGIDAE (Broad-winged Damselflies):
1a).
Wing with red or orange at base.......... 2
1b). Wing with at least outer 1/3 black; body metallic blue/green..........3
2a).Wing with red at base; bump under segment 2..........
Hetaerina americana (American Rubyspot),male
2b). Wings orangish-red at base; no bump under segment 2; end of abdomen
enlarged due to ovipositor.......... Hetaerina
americana (American Rubyspot) ,
female
3a).
Wing with outer 1/3 black; bump under segment 2.......... Calopteryx
aequabilis (River Jewelwing) ,
male
3b). Wing with outer 1/3 black; no bump under segment 2; pale stigma; abdomen
tip pale.......... Calopteryx
aequabilis (River Jewelwing) ,
female
1a). Larger (>45mm); contrasting white or yellow stripe on side of thorax..........2
1b). Smaller (<45mm); no contrasting yellow or white stripe on side of thorax..........3
2a). Contrasting broken white stripe on side of
thorax; pale stigma; parallel lower abdominal appendages..........
Archilestes californicus (California Spreadwing)
- male & female
2b).
Conspicuous continuous pale yellow stripe on side of thorax; dark stigma; divergent lower abdominal appendages.......... Archilestes grandis (Great Spreadwing) -
male & female
3a). Body stocky; males lower appendages expanded at end & ~80% length of upper appendages;
female's ovipositor longer than segment 7 ..........4
3b). Not so marked..........5
4a). Thorax metallic green above, without longitudinal stripes; abdomen less than 30mm
.......... Lestes
dryas (Emerald Spreadwing) - male; some females
4b). Thorax black or bronzy on top (can show pale green longitudinal striping);
four black spots (2 on either side) in the pale undersurface of the thorax;
abdomen at least 30mm.......... Lestes stultus (Black Spreadwing) - male & female
5b). Male's lower appendages short, only 50% length of uppers; four black spots (2 on either side) in the pale undersurface of the thorax.......... Lestes congener (Spotted Spreadwing) - male & female
5b). Not so..........6
6a). Male's lower appendages curved outward toward tips (lyre-shaped); rear of head partly pale, stigma light to medium brown, pale at ends; male superior appendages pale at base.......... Lestes unguiculatus (Lyre-tipped Spreadwing)
6b). Male's lower appendages straight throughout; rear of head entirely dark, stigma usually uniformly dark.......... Lestes disjunctus (Northern [aka Common] Spreadwing)
COENAGRIONIDAE (Pond damsels):
1a). Mostly red colored,
including mid-abdominal segments..........2
1b). Not red or reddish, or if so black on mid-abdominal segments..........3
2a). Abdomen all red/orange with no black; thorax all
red/orange (male & female can show a small amount of black on top of
thorax).......
Telebasis
salva (Desert Firetail)
2b). Abdomen dark red colored with black tip and the black thorax (male) or
pinkish reddish to brown where male is red or with no pattern (female); thorax
somewhat hairy.......... Amphiagrion
abbreviatum (Western Red Damsel)
3a). Males (genitalia visible under 2nd abdominal segment, 4 appendages at tip of abdomen) & some male-colored females..........4
3b). Females (no genitalia under 2nd abdominal segment, 2 appendages and ovipositor at tip of abdomen; mostly brown, gray and/or black *but may be almost as blue as males) & immature males..........33 [this section may be incomplete and may not work for desert species - use with caution]
*if as blue as males, follow key for males
4a). Abdomen and thorax with clearly delineated black and blue colored markings..........5
4b). Thorax &/or abdomen with a powdery bluish coloring (can be pale or sooty blue); fairly large size (>37mm) ..........16
5b). Abdomen mostly dark on top of segments 3-7 with blue on 8 &/or 9 not continuous top to bottom..........6
5b). Most of abdomen patterned, alternately dark with 1-2 colors; blue 'tail tip' surrounds end segments..........13
6a). Top of thorax entirely metallic green.......... Nehalennia irene Sedge Sprite)
6b). Top of thorax otherwise..........7
7a). Top of thorax dark with 2 blue !! marks (the dot and stem can sometimes be merged); larger (>30mm).......... Zoniagrion exclamationis (Exclamation Damsel)
7b). Top of thorax solid black or with dots or stripes..........8
8a). Top of thorax solid..........9
8b). Top of thorax with dots or stripes..........10
9a). Appendages bent down.......... Ischnura denticollis (Black-fronted Forktail)
9b). Appendages upward pointing; coastal SF Bay region .......... Ischnura gemina (San Francisco Forktail)
10a). 4 colored dots on top of thorax; top & bottom blue on 'tail' tip touch each other on sides of segments 8 & 9.......... Ischnura cervula (Pacific Forktail)
10b). Stripes on top of thorax; blue on top of segments 8 & 9 ..........11
11a). Underside of abdominal segments 3-7 not yellow or pale yellow..........12
11b). Underside of abdominal segments 3-7 very yellow..........14
12a). Larger (>30mm); blue on 'tail' floats on top of segments; stigma bi-colored; rings at each abdominal segment yellowish; lower appendages noticeably longer.......... Ischnura erratica (Swift Forktail)
12b). Smaller (<=30mm); pale rings at each abdominal segment; blue on 'tail' interrupted on sides by thick black dashes on segments 8&9; forked lower appendages.......... Ischnura perparva (Western Forktail)
13a). Abdomen patterned alternately dark and red &/or yellow..........14
13b). Abdomen patterned alternately dark with mostly blue or violet ..........17
14a). Abdomen patterned yellow and dark with no blue on top; smaller (<=27 mm); thorax dark and green; pale stigma.......... Ischnura hastata (Citrine Forktail)
14b). Abdomen patterned: greenish-blue on segments 1-3, yellow-orange on underside of segments 3-7, with blue 'tail'; larger (>=27 mm)..........15
15a). Teardrop shaped spots back of eyes connected by thin line; side stripe wide and not parallel sided; faint patterning shows top of abdomen; middle abdominal segment with spoon-shaped black area; lower appendages upward bending.......... Ischnura barberi (Desert Forktail)
15b). Tiny round spots back of eyes not connected; side stripe very thin and parallel sided; middle abdominal segment with even sided black area; lower appendages not upturned.......... Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's Forktail)
16a). Larger (>45 mm); thorax and/or abdomen sooty blue colored; no blue or contrasting pale area at abd. 'tip'........ Argia lugens (Sooty Dancer)
16b). Smaller (<43 mm); abdomen tip and thorax all light powdery blue (can be more pervasive); you are in southern CA ........ Argia moesta (Powdered Dancer)
17a). Thorax side stripe pinched or divided into a sideways Y (the Y can be broken)..........18
17b). Not as above..........24
18a). Thorax side stripe pinched but not divided..........19
18b). Thorax side stripe divided into a sideways Y (the Y can be broken)..........20
19a). Pale color mostly blue (when cold violet); top of thorax with urn shaped black stripe.......... Argia vivida (Vivid Dancer)
19b). Pale color mostly violet (immatures bluish); black line on top of thorax very narrow.......... Argia emma (Emma's Dancer)
20a). No lavender coloring..........21
20b). Some lavender coloring; found in southern California..........23
21a). Side stripe forming the sideways Y thick.......... Argia alberta (Paiute Dancer)
21b). Side stripe forming the sideways Y thin..........22
[must be held in hand and examined with 10X hand lens]
22a). Distance between lower appendages when seen from above greater than the width of each individual appendage........ Argia agrioides (California Dancer)
22b). Distance between lower appendages when seen from above less than the width of each individual appendage........ Argia nahuana (Aztec Dancer)
23a). Blue/lavender rings on abdomen segments 3-5(6) extensive........ Argia hinei (Lavender Dancer)
23b). Blue/lavender color on abdomen very narrow rings........ Argia immunda (Kiowa Dancer)
24a). Abdomen mostly black with thin blue rings.......... Argia sedula (Blue-ringed Dancer)
24b). Not so..........25
25a). Middle abdominal segments at least 50% black from above.......... 26
25b). Middle abdominal segments mostly blue from above..........31
26a). Segments 6 & 7 entirely black above; black marking on second abdominal segment U-shaped; thorax green tinged.......... Coenagrion resolutum (Taiga Bluet)
26). Not so.......... 27
27a). Upper appendages just a little bit longer than lower ones, found east of Sierras or Siskiyou Co. at an alkali lake.......... Enallagma clausum (Alkali Bluet)
27b). Not found as above..........28
[must be held in hand and examined with 10X hand lens from side - follow link and then click on "use appendages to differentiate"] ]
28a). Male's upper appendages with a pale 'button' on end..........29
28b). Male's upper appendages forked and without a pale 'button' on end ..........30
[must be held in hand and examined with 10X hand lens from side - follow link and then click on "use appendages to differentiate"]
29a). Male's 3rd abdominal segment =or>50% black; pale 'button' on end of upper appendages.......... Enallagma carunculatum (Tule Bluet)
29b). Male's 3rd abdominal segment <50% black; pale 'button' on underside of tip of upper appendages.......... Enallagma civile (Familiar Bluet)
[must be held in hand and examined with 10X hand lens from side - follow link and then click on "use appendages to differentiate"] ]
30a). Male's upper and lower appendages about the same length; upper appendages forked with lower fork pointed rearward.......... Enallagma praevarum (Arroyo Bluet)*
30b). Male's upper appendages slightly forked with the top fork extending well beyond lower appendages and angled downward.......... Enallagma anna (River Bluet)*
[*only the Arroyo Bluet occurs in the valley and coastal areas and south of Inyo Co, while both occur in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin)
[must be held in hand and examined with 10X hand lens from side - follow link and then click on "use appendages to differentiate"] ]
31a). Lower appendages longer, projecting well beyond superiors Enallagma annexum formerly cyathigerum (Northern Bluet) or.......... Enallagma boreale (Boreal Bluet)
[must use hand lens on upper appendages to determine, see link at CA Web site]
31b). Upper appendages longer or about same length..........32
32a). Dark side stripe with a thin blue line thru center .......... Enallagma basidens (Double-striped Bluet)
32b). Not so.......... Enallagma civile (Familiar Bluet)
[Many females are extremely difficult to ID - even in hand- use with caution!]
FEMALES:
33a). All light or dark pruinose..........34
33b). Not so marked..........35
34a). All dark pruinose; pale stigma.......... Ischnura cervula (Pacific Forktail)
34b). All light pruinose; dark stigma.......... Ischnura perparva (Western Forktail)
35a). Top of abdomen solid colored (or with color only near tip and very beginning near thorax).......... 36
35b). Abdomen patterned alternately with dark and pale markings..........46
36a). Thorax sides solidly colored with tan/orange/red; thorax top with thick dark stripe..........37
36b). Noticeable thoracic side stripes..........38
37a). Medium sized, (>27mm).......... Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's Forktail)
37b). Small (<25 mm).......... Ischnura hastata (Citrine Forktail)
38a). Green thoracic stripes; large (>30 mm).......... 39
38b). Stripes otherwise..........40
39a). Found in northern CA .......... Ischnura erratica (Swift Forktail)
39b). Found in southern CA .......... Ischnura barberi (Desert Forktail) or Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's Forktail)
40a). Pale stigma..........41
40b). Stigma dark..........42
41a). Orange color only behind eyes ..........immature Ischnura cervula (Pacific Forktail)
41b). No orange color behind eyes ..........43
42a). You are in SF Bay region or mid-coastal area.......... Ischnura denticollis (Black-fronted Forktail) or Ischnura gemina (San Francisco Forktail)
42b). You are in interior of state .......... Ischnura denticollis (Black-fronted Forktail), Ischnura barberi (Desert Forktail) or Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's Forktail)
43a). Blue tops of segments 7 and 8; ! ! marks on top of thorax (which may have dot merged with stem; >=30 mm.......... Zoniagrion exclamationis (Exclamation Damsel)
43b). Not so..........44
44a). (</=40 mm) ..........45
44b). (>40 mm).......... 53
45a). Ground color of thorax orange to pinkish..........37
45b). Not so..........48
46a). Orange on base of abdomen extending to segment 3.......... immature Ischnura perparva (Western Forktail)
46b). Not so..........47
47a). 'Day glow' orange color of thorax top with thick black top stripe; legs and tip of abdomen orange.......... immature Ischnura ramburii (Rambur's Forktail)
47b). Not so..........50
48a). Segment 8 of abdomen black above.......... immature Ischnura erratica (Swift Forktail)
48b). Segment 8 of abdomen pale above..........immature Ischnura cervula (Pacific Forktail)
49a). Side stripe on thorax pinched in middle or side stripe forms a sideways Y..........50
49b). Side stripe on thorax not pinched in middle, does not form a sideways Y..........53
50a). Side stripe on thorax pinched in middle..........51
50b). Side stripe on thorax not pinched in middle, or it forms a sideways Y..........53
51a). Black stripe on top of thorax narrow, no wider than side stripes; straight sided.......... Argia emma (Emma's Dancer)
51b). Black stripe on top of thorax much wider than side stripes; urn shaped.......... Argia vivida (Vivid Dancer)
52a). Stripe on side of thorax is forked, forming a sideways Y..........52c
52b). Stripe on side of thorax is NOT forked; does not form a sideways Y..........53
52c). Spot not stripe on segment 2.......... Argia nahuana (Aztec Dancer),
52d).not so marked..........52e
52e). Stripe not spot on segment 2.......... Argia agrioides (California Dancer),
52f).Not so marked..........52g
52g). Stripe on side of thorax is forked and wide .......... Argia alberta (Paiute Dancer), Argia hinei (Lavender Dancer), Argia immunda (Kiowa Dancer)
52h). Abdomen in mostly black with thin blue rings and blue 'tail'.......... Argia sedula (Blue-ringed Dancer)
53a). Larger (>=40 mm)............54
53b). Smaller (<=40 mm)..........55
54a). Larger (>=40)mm; intricately marked thorax .......... Argia lugens (Sooty Dancer)
54b). Smaller (<=40 mm); thin dark line across top of thorax .......... Argia moesta (Powdered Dancer)
55a). Segments 7 and 8 of abdomen with conspicuous pale ring at end.......... Coenagrion resolutum (Taiga Bluet)
55b). Not so..........56
56a). Segment 8 of abdomen entirely black above.......... Enallagma carunculatum (Tule Bluet), Enallagma basidens (Double-striped Bluet), Enallagma civile (Familiar Bluet) , Enallagma anna (River Bluet)
56b). Segment 8 of abdomen entirely or partially pale above.......... Enallagma boreale (Boreal Bluet), Enallagma clausum (Alkali Bluet), Enallagma annexum (Northern Bluet) , Enallagma praevarum (Arroyo Bluet)
DRAGONFLIES:
PETALURIDAE (Petaltails):
One species; thorax black with numerous yellow spots, not stripes; eyes widely separated.......... Tanypteryx hageni (Black Petaltail)
CORDULEGASTRIDAE (Spiketails)
One species; 2 thoracic yellow stripes.......... Cordulegaster dorsalis (Pacific Spiketail)
MACROMIIDAE (River Cruisers)
One species; one thoracic yellow stripe.......... Macromia magnifica (Western River Cruiser)
GOMPHIDAE (Clubtails) - mature males only unless indicated
1a). Abdomen almost entirely
black and quite thin; appendages deeply forked..........
Octogomphus
specularis (Grappletail)
1b). Abdomen with conspicuous pale markings..........2
2a). Thorax distinctly green or gray; male's lower appendages pointed;..........3
2b). Thorax yellowish to gray-greenish; male's lower appendages forked..........9
3a). Pale rings on abdomen; sides & top of thorax intricately striped with black..........4
3b). Sides of thorax almost entirely green or gray..........5
4a). Whitish between one pair of stripes side of thorax; abdominal pale rings yellowish.......... Erpetogomphus compositus (White-belted Ringtail)
4b). No white between pairs of stripes on side of thorax; abdominal pale rings whitish; found in so. CA .......... Erpetogomphus lampropeltis (Serpent Ringtail)
5a). Sides of thorax gray; claspers large and distinctly pale........... Progomphus borealis (Gray Sanddragon)
5b). Sides not gray..........6
6a). No, or almost no dark line separating top and side of thorax; coloring very pale through-out.......... Ophiogomphus severus (Pale Snaketail)
6b). 1-2 dark stripes where front and sides of thorax meet, with or without internal thin green line..........7
7a). One wide black line where top & side of thorax meet (can show a partial, thin line in middle); line not wavy; thorax bright green; yellow abdominal top spots arrow-head shaped & occur on all segments.......... Ophiogomphus bison (Bison Snaketail)
7b. Two black lines line where top & side of thorax meet ..........8
8a). Black line where top & side of thorax meet is wavy with thin green internal line.......... Ophiogomphus occidentis (Sinuous Snaketail)
8b). Two black lines where top & side of thorax meet are separated by green color which is continuous with top thoracic stripe ........... Ophiogomphus morrisoni (Great Basin Snaketail)
9a).Gray-green thorax with wide stripe where top & side of thorax meet; green triangular marks down top of abdomen (green markings can be yellow in immature & female); no spots top of segments (9 &) 10; legs & appendages all black.......... Phanogomphus [was Gomphus until 2017] kurilis (Pacific Clubtail), male 9b). Marks on abdomen not green..........10
10a). Abdomen not as above; sides of thorax appear solid gray-green colored; without conspicuous stripes behind front edge of fore wing.......... Stylurus olivaceus (Olive Clubtail)
10b). End of abdomen yellow/rust/reddish colored ..........11
11a). Smaller (<56 mm); sides of thorax nearly all pale yellow-green......... Stylurus intricatus (Brimstone Clubtail)
11b). Larger (>=56 mm); sides of thorax gray-green with dark thin stripes.......... Stylurus plagiatus (Russet-tipped Clubtail)
AESHNIDAE (Darners)
[Even seasoned experts cannot 100% identify most
Aeshna without having them in hand. It is necessary to net them and examine
them. With experience you can get a 'feel' for which species you are seeing,
but in hand is required for any identifications that are county or flight
season records]
1a). Thorax entirely green..........2
1b). Thorax dark with pale stripes on sides..........3
2a). Smaller (<80 mm).......... Anax junius (Common Green Darner)
2a). Larger (>=90 mm); abdomen droops slightly in flight.......... Anax walsinghami (Giant Darner)
3a). Males (3 appendages at tip)..........4
3b). Females (2 appendages at tip)..........11
4a). Upper appendages forked in side view; bright blue face, eyes and stripes.......... Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner)
4b). Upper appendages simple or paddle-shaped (not forked) and with or without a spine at tip..........5
5b). Upper appendages simple, paddle shaped without a spine..........6
5b). Upper appendages simple, paddle shaped with a distinct spine at tip..........9
6a). Small for family, smaller (<61 mm).......... Rhionaeschna californica (California Darner)
6b). Size normal, larger (>=61 mm)..........7
7a). Front side thoracic stripe wide and indented in middle.......... 8
7b). Both side thoracic stripes quite narrow and straight or reduced to pairs of dashes.......... Aeshna interrupta (Variable Darner)
8a). Pale spots underside of abdomen.......... Aeshna canadensis (Canada Darner)
8b). No pale spots on underside of abdomen.......... Oplonaeschna armata (Riffle Darner)
9a). Paired blue spots on underside of abdomen; no blue spots on 10th abdominal segment; spots on other segments small (15-20% length of each segment).......... Aeshna umbrosa (Shadow Darner)
9b). No pale spots on underside of abdomen..........10
10a). Greenish face and stripes; stigma dark brown; paired blue spots top of segment 10; spots seg. 9 fused; typically found at lakes and ponds.......... Aeshna palmata (Paddle-tailed Darner)
10b). Very pale face with white side stripes; jet black stigma; no spots on top of segment 10 (or VERY tiny spots at extreme rear of segment); typically found along streams and rivers.......... Aeshna walkeri (Walker's Darner)
Females:
11a). Small but obvious tubercle (bump) under the first abdominal segment shows in close examination of side view..........12
11b). No tubercle under the first abdominal segment ..........13
12a). Size normal, larger (>=61 mm); horizontal facial stripe between the eyes light brown.......... Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner)
12b). Small for family, smaller (<61 mm); horizontal facial stripe between the eyes black.......... Rhionaeschna californica (California Darner)
13a). Front side thoracic stripe wide and indented in middle.......... 14
13b). Side thoracic stripe not so.......... 15
14a). Pale spots underside of abdomen.......... Aeshna canadensis (Canada Darner)
14b). No pale spots on underside of abdomen side thoracic stripe deeply indented .......... Oplonaeschna armata (Riffle Darner)
15a). Paired blue spots on underside of abdomen.......... Aeshna umbrosa (Shadow Darner)
15b). No paired blue spots on underside of abdomen.......... 16
16a). Stigma black (or very dark brown); cerci widest at 2/3 - 3/4 their length; only large sized spots (no smaller ones) on segments 8 - 10 on top of abdomen.......... Aeshna walkeri (Walker's Darner)
16b). Stigma brown, cerci widest at mid-point; colored spots on top of abdomen variously sized..........17
17a). Side stripes reduced to broken lines or very thin; ovipositor valves 2-2.5 mm.......... Aeshna interrupta (Variable Darner)
(See drawings #46-49 at Darner key at Royal British Museum, British Colombia for illustration of this couplet)
17b). Side stripes not broken nor very thin; ovipositor valves 3-3.5 .......... Aeshna palmata (Paddle-tailed Darner)
CORDULIIDAE(Emeralds):
1a). Abdomen with yellowish
sides; thorax brown with pale hairs..........2
1b). Abdomen entirely black; thorax largely or partly metallic dark green, with
or without yellow spots..........3
[must be examined in hand]
2a). Face from above mostly pale; male superior appendages sharply angled near end; female appendages about 2mm long.......... Epitheca canis (Beaverpond Baskettail)
2b). Face from above mostly dark; male superior appendages not angled; female appendages about 3mm long.......... Epitheca spinigera (Spiny Baskettail)
3a). A very fine white ring at base of each abdominal segment.......... Somatochlora albicincta (Ringed Emerald)
3b). No white rings on middle abdominal segments (may be white ring on basal segment)..........4
4a). Male appendages slightly flared; smaller (<=49mm); thorax with no indication of yellow on sides; female appendages <=2mm long.......... Cordulia shurtleffii (American Emerald)
4b). Male superior appendages inward curved forming a semicircle( ); larger (>=50mm); female with vulvar lamina smaller, shorter than abdominal segment 9.......... Somatochlora semicircularis (Mountain Emerald)
LIBELLULIDAE (Skimmers)
warning: may not work for all female Meadowhawks
1a). Wings entirely
orange..........
Perithemis
intensa (Mexican Amberwing), male (female has orangeish bands on wings)
1b). Wings otherwise..........2
2a). At least one pair of wings conspicuously patterned with fairly large areas of black, white, brown, yellow, orange or red..........3
2b). Wings clear, or with reddish or yellowish tinged areas, or small dark spots which are either poorly defined, fairly inconspicuous and/or only near the base of wings..........9
3a). Wings with one large patch of color extending from basal area..........4
3b). Wings more patterned, with color spot at &/or beyond midlength as well..........7
4a). Top & bottom of abdomen, thorax, face and eyes solid red or red- orange..........5
4b). Body otherwise..........7
5b). Red color approximately the same amount on both sets of wings..........6
5b). Red color on hind wings only.......... 14
6a). Red on wings extends to nodus; body orange-red.......... Libellula saturata (Flame Skimmer), male
Pictorial comparison [use back button to return to key]
![Pictorial comparison [use back button to return to key]](http://bigsnest.powweb.com/southwestdragonflies/caphotos/FLAMNEON.JPG){kind=link}
6b). Red on wings only close to thorax, not extending to nodus; body bright red.......... Libellula croceipennis (Neon Skimmer), male
7a). Color on wings reddish, yellowish or light brown.......... 8
7b). Color on wings (not veins) black or dark brown..........12
8a).
Abdomen top intricately
patterned with black on red background; face and eyes red; larger (>45 mm)
.......... Paltothemis
lineatipes (Red Rock Skimmer), male
8b).
Abdomen yellow to red on
top, black below; face and thorax brownish; smaller (<=40mm).......... Sympetrum
semicinctum occidentale (Band-winged Meadowhawk), male or female
9a). Wings with small black area/spot at base and nodus only.......... 10
9b). Not so marked..........25
10a). Nodal spot smaller than stigma; body tapered somewhat to a point; thorax hairy; amber streaks in wing.......... Libellula quadrimaculata (Four-spotted Skimmer), male or female
10b). Body fairly parallel sided..........11
11a). Nodal spot larger than stigma; dark face; dark front wing vein.......... Libellula nodisticta (Hoary Skimmer), male or female
11b). Nodal spot smaller than stigma (sometimes missing); pale face; pale costa (leading vein of wing) .......... Libellula composita (Bleached Skimmer), male or female
12a). Both wings with extensive basal spot extending as far as nodus (female can also have a dark spot at wing tip).......... Libellula luctuosa (Widow Skimmer), male or female
12b) Marked otherwise..........13
13a). Only hind wings with extensive band of coloration on basal area..........14
13b). Dark marking on all wings..........16
14a). Large basal hind wing spot brownish red; body red, no thoracic stripes.......... Tramea onusta (Red Saddlebags), male or female (female brown- red)
14ab) If pale thoracic stripes and narrow basal hind wing band, Tramea darwini formerly T. calverti (Striped Saddlebags), male (female brown, striped) - RARE!
14b). Basal hind wing spot black/dark brown; body black..........15
15a). Large (>=50mm); hind wing covered with saddle-like shaped mark .......... Tramea lacerata (Black Saddlebags), male or female (female browner)
15b). Smaller (<=50mm); hind wing with basal spot not saddle shaped and covering only half of area; some dark on base of front wing.......... Macrodiplax balteata (Marl Pennant) , male or female
16a). Each wing with 1 conspicuous wide band or 2 narrow zigzag black bands beginning beyond the midlength and each extending from leading to trailing edge of wing..........19
16b). Not so marked..........17
17a). Wings with lacey pattern; body with brown chevrons; eyes striped.......... Pseudoleon superbus (Filigree Skimmer)
17b). Not so marked..........18
18a).Each wing with a spot or narrow band at midlength, extending no more than 1/4 length of wing..........21
18b). Not so marked..........19
19a). Two narrow zigzag black bands in middle third of wing (can show some dark coloring between the bands).......... Libellula subornata (Desert Whitetail), female (if male, also showing white pruinosity on wings)
19b). Middle 1/3 of wing a wide black band..........20
20a)... White pruinosity on wing confined to close to base.......... Libellula lydia (Common Whitetail), male
20b). White pruinosity on wing extensive, clear out to the black band; you are in a desert areas .......... Libellula subornata (Desert Whitetail), male
21a). Wings with only a small spot of color at nodus; amber wash at base.......... Libellula composita (Bleached Skimmer), male or female
22b). Wings not so..........22
22a). Two black spots on each wing; outer mark resembles a #8 and extends from leading to trailing edge of wing.......... Libellula forensis (Eight-spotted Skimmer), male or female
22b). Three black spots on each wing; outer spot does not extend from front to back of wing edge..........23
23a). White spots between each black wing spot.......... Libellula pulchella (Twelve-spotted Skimmer), male
23b). No white spots on wings..........24
24a). Abdomen dark in center with yellow dashes on side that appear continuous, not broken; larger (>=45 mm);.......... Libellula pulchella (Twelve-spotted Skimmer), female
24b). Abdomen dark in center with row of slightly slanted yellow (or whitish) dashes on side of abdomen that is interrupted, not continuous; smaller (<=42 mm).......... Libellula lydia (Common Whitetail), female
25a). Body entirely or partially blue or white (with powdery pruinose bloom)..........26
25b). Body with no blue..........30
26a). Face green; perched on floating vegetation or the ground.......... Erythemis collocata (Western Pondhawk), male
26b). Face not green..........27
27a). Eyes and face brown; white pruinosity restricted to front of thorax and base of abdomen.......... Libellula julia (Chalk-fronted Corporal), male
27b). body blue..........28
28a). Bi-colored stigma.......... Libellula comanche (Comanche Skimmer), male
28b). Stigma solid (dark) colored..........29
29a). Face white with a black 'nose'-like spot; pink/buff colored area under abdominal segments 1-2.......... Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher), male
29b). Pale face; body a bleached blue; pale costal vein (front edge of wing).......... Libellula composita (Bleached Skimmer), male
29c). Blue only on mid abdominal segments; head, thorax, abdomen segs 3-10 dark.......... Erythriduolax basifusca (Plateau Dragonlet), male - RARE!
30a). Body bright green.......... Erythemis collocata (Western Pondhawk), female or immature male
30b). Long thin abdomen patterned black and green.......... Erythemis vesiculosa (Great Pondhawk), male or female - RARE
30c). Body not green or if green then olive green/brownish green..........31
31a). Body with 2 paired pale spots near end of club shaped abdomen.......... Brechmorhoga mendax (Pale-faced Clubskimmer), male or female
31b). Not so marked..........32
32a). Body entirely brown; hind wing with conspicuous dark spot at base..........33
32b). Not so marked..........36
33a). Dark area at base of wing triangular..........34
33b). Dark area at base of wing semicircular, not triangular..........35
34a). Brown spot at nodus (midlength) on wing.......... Libellula quadrimaculata (Four-spotted Skimmer), male or female
34b). No brown spot at wing midlength (nodus) .......... Libellula julia (Chalk-fronted Corporal), female
35a). Dark area at base of wing semicircular, no spot at wing nodus (middle of wing).......... Pantala hymenaea (Spot-winged Glider), male or female
35b). Not so marked ..........36
36a). Abdomen top with rectangular buff marks on dark background; face white.......... Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher), female or young male
36b). Abdomen not as above..........37
37a). Body mostly black, dark brown or patterned earth-tones (can be marked with yellow, white or red)..........38
37b). Body mostly pale, yellow, red or rose/purple..........52
38a). Front of thorax paler than sides, separated from them by darker line.......... Libellula julia (Chalk-fronted Corporal), female
38b). Thorax not as described..........39
39a). Face entirely or partially dark; no orange coloring .......... Sympetrum danae (Black Meadowhawk), male or female
39b). Not so..........40
40a). Face conspicuously white, or at least entirely pale..........41
40b). Not so..........42
41a). Abdomen with yellow dot only on 7th segment.......... Leucorrhinia intacta (Dot-tailed Whiteface), male or female
41b). Abdomen with patterning or spots..........42
42a). Abdomen with intricate batik-like patterning in tan, light brown and dark brown.......... Paltothemis lineatipes (Red Rock Skimmer), female
42b). Not so..........43
43a). Thorax, eyes, abdomen bright red with small white spot on side of thorax (may be partly obscured by red) ..........44
43b). Not so..........45
44a)Bright white spots of sides of thorax; small dark areas base of wings; reddish legs.......... Sympetrum illotum (Cardinal Meadowhawk), immature male or female
44b). White stripes side of thorax; leading edge of wing yellow; no dark basally on wing; black legs.......... Sympetrum madidum (Red-veined Meadowhawk), immature male or female
45a). Continuous pale streak along abdomen sides; pale stigma .......... Libellula comanche (Comanche Skimmer), immature male or female
45b). Not so.........46
46a). Dark streak down abdomen top; pale stigma.......... Pantala flavescens (Wandering Glider), male or female
46b). Not so..........47
47a). Red or yellow spots on middle abdominal segments..........48
47b). Red only on beginning of abdomen (may be very fine line on middle segments)..........51
48a). Male..........49
48b). Female..........50
49a). Pale spot on segment 7 as wide as long.......... Leucorrhinia intacta (Dot-tailed Whiteface)
49b). Pale spot on segment 7 longer than wide.......... Leucorrhinia hudsonica (Hudsonian Whiteface)
50a). Pale spot on segment 7 as wide as long.......... Leucorrhinia intacta (Dot-tailed Whiteface)
50b). Pale spot on segment 7 longer than wide.......... 50bb
50bb). The cells between the radial sector and radial planate show only one row (see plate 27 Tim Manolis's book, The Dragonflies and Damselflies of California)..........L. proxima Belted ([aka Red-waisted] Whiteface);
50bc). The cells between the radial sector and radial planate show two rows (see plate 27 Tim Manolis's book, The Dragonflies and Damselflies of California).......... Leucorrhinia glacialis (Crimson-ringed Whiteface), L. hudsonica (Hudsonian Whiteface); further structural characters necessary
51a). Lower appendages about half length of uppers.......... Leucorrhinia glacialis (Crimson-ringed Whiteface), male
51b). Lower appendage about two-thirds length of uppers.......... Leucorrhinia proxima (Red-waisted Whiteface), male
52a). Body rose/purple.......... Orthemis ferruginea (Roseate Skimmer), male
52b). Not so colored..........53
53a). Entirely pale (brown or red tones) with unmarked abdomen..........54
53b). Not so colored..........56
54a). Leading edges of wings with streak of orange from base to tip.......... Libellula saturata (Flame Skimmer), female
54b). Not so..........55
55a). Wings with orange stigma and only small orange area on wings, close to base.......... Libellula croceipennis (Neon Skimmer), female
55b). Wings with no orange or red.......... Orthemis ferruginea (Roseate Skimmer), female
56a). Bright red (male); white spots on side of thorax; inconspicuous dark markings at base of each wing (visible at close range).......... Sympetrum illotum (Cardinal Meadowhawk), male or female
56b). No dark markings at wing base (may be yellow tinged) ..........57
57a). Larger (>=45 mm); entirely yellow to orange.......... Pantala flavescens (Wandering Glider), male
57b). Smaller (<=45 mm); variously colored, often with conspicuous black markings..........58
58a). Front edge of wing golden on veins or membrane, contrasts with rest of wing (can have pale costa [leading vein])..........59
58b). Front edge of wing same color as remainder..........61
59a). Sides of thorax plain (rarely marked with darker markings); black edging to yellow stigma.......... Sympetrum costiferum (Saffron-winged Meadowhawk), male or female
59b). Sides of thorax with two pale spots (may be almost obscured by red pigment in mature males)..........60
60a). Stigma all dark; if light spots on abdomen, they are partly obscured by red.......... Sympetrum madidum (Red-veined Meadowhawk), male
60b). Stigma bicolored; abdomen with light "porthole" shaped spots low on side.......... Sympetrum corruptum (Variegated Meadowhawk), male or female
61a). Well-defined pale stripes on each side of thorax..........62
61b). Sides of thorax plain, or with spots, or with complex pattern of black and yellow..........63
62a). Abdomen with conspicuous white "porthole" shaped markings.......... Sympetrum corruptum (Variegated Meadowhawk), male or female
62b). Abdomen without "porthole" shaped white markings on sides of abdomen.......... Sympetrum pallipes (Striped Meadowhawk), male or female
63a). Two well-defined yellow spots low on each side of thorax; stigma bicolored.......... Sympetrum corruptum (Variegated Meadowhawk), male or female
63b). No well-defined yellow spots on thorax; stigma one color..........64
64a). Abdomen with no black..........65
64b). Abdomen marked low on sides with black..........66
65a). Yellow legs.......... Sympetrum vicinum (Autumn [aka Yellow-legged] Meadowhawk), male or female
65b). Black legs.......... Brachymesia furcata (Red-tailed Pennant), male or female
66a). Sides of thorax with complex pattern of yellow and black.......... Sympetrum danae (Black Meadowhawk), female
66b). Sides of thorax plain or with faint pattern..........67
67a). Face and wing veins reddish.......... Sympetrum internum (Cherry-faced Meadowhawk), male or female
67b). Face whitish; wing veins dark..........68
68a). Pale stripes top and sides of thorax; area on thorax between wing bases with 4 'velvet-like' red dots (yellow in females/immatures).......... Sympetrum pallipes (Striped Meadowhawk), male or female
68b). Pale stripes only on sides of thorax; area between wing bases on thorax all red..........Sympetrum obtrusum (White-faced Meadowhawk), male or female
This information is provided by Kathy Biggs and was originally based on Dennis Paulson's WA Key to Dragonflies at Slater Museum of Natural History Contact: bigsnest@sonic.net
Copyright (C) 2016, Azalea Creek Publishing. All rights reserved.
May be reprinted as long as this authorization is included and it is unaltered
and for personal use only.