Sketch of a dragonfly body
showing the body parts
by Barbara Chasteen
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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
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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.
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Page 1
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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
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Dragonflies are arranged within this family by predominant color rather than by genus
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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: all Southwestern states
Southwestern distribution map
Information on California Odonata website
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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
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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
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Photos
male - CO
male - WI
multiple images
multiple images - MN
Scans
male
female
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 8 (once found on January 18, 1900) - December 22
SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV
Southwestern distribution map
Information on California Odonata website
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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
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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: March 28 - September 17
SW distribution: CA, NV, CO, UT
Southwestern distribution map
Information on California Odonata website
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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
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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, NM, NV
Southwestern distribution map
Information on California Odonata website
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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
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Autumn [previously 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
behavior: all Meadowhawks (Sympetrum) perch with wings held down and forward; often the last species flying 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, NV
Southwestern distribution map
Information on California Odonata website
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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: usually hang perch; use their 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: April 23 - November
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 - November
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 southwestern states
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
similar species: Whitetails (Plathemis) have white abdomens and the white in the wings is basal
female: brown with yellow side stripes; dark wing tips
habitat: ponds, lakes, pools of rivers & creeks, marshes
SW flight period: April 23 - 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 - December
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; males duel in spiraling circles, face to face with their appendages held up like flags
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
behavior: usually perches low, often on or near the ground or on floating vegetation; known to eat other dragonflies; males duel in spiraling circles, face to face with their appendages held up like flags
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, white face
habitat: ponds, creek pools
SW flight period: May 2 - October 9
SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM, UT
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 doesn’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
behavior: hang perches; patrols streams and rivers
similar species: 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 15
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
|
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
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