Howard County Dragonflies and Damselflies
Photos from Field Work in Howard County 1996–present
Dragonflies and damselflies are not only beautiful but are masters of the air. Because part of their life history involves water, their presence can be an indicator of the health of these environments. Males, females, and immatures often look different, and the immatures of many species look similar to the females. In some cases, a photo of the exuviae (shed larval cuticle left behind after transformation to the adult stage) is included
Species that have been verified in Howard County, MD, are pictured below. Richard Orr, state odonate compiler, has verified identifications (some from specimens; others from multiple photographs—not all of which are posted)
Click on one of the major group names to go to that section OR on a specific name to go directly to that species. For a particular species, click on the common name for a PDF with more information about that species in Howard County. To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos. To see a list of historic locations, go to Odonate Locations
Click on one of the major phylogenetic photographs to go to that section.
Damselflies (Zygoptera)
Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
| Ebony Jewelwing Calopteryx maculata | |
| M: 1.5-2.2″ F: 1.6-2.1″ | |
| 11 May — 21 Sep Common | |
| Habitat: Shaded or partly shaded forested sections of rivers and streams; adults at rapids. Perches horizontally. |
| American Rubyspot Hetaerina americana | |
| M: 1.6–1.8″ F: 1.5–1.8″ | |
| 5 Jun — 23 Oct Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Gently flowing rivers w/ vegetation (especially willows) on banks; exposed (sunlit) riffles, avoids swift currents. Perches horizontally. Flies 12–20 inches above water. |
| Great Spreadwing Archilestes grandis | |
| M: 2.0–2.4″ F: 2.0–2.4″ | |
| 2 Sep — 13 Nov Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Usually found perched on overhanging tree branches along slow-moving forested streams w/ silt substrate; ponds. Adaptable to a number of habitats (including degraded waters). |
| Southern Spreadwing Lestes australis | |
| M: 1.4–1.8″ F: 1.5–1.7″ | |
| 12 Apr — 31 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Sand-bottomed lakes;temporary/semi-permanent ponds. Permanent waters w/ abundant emergent vegetation; marshy/boggy ponds, swamps, slow streams. Most active around 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults perch on emergent vegetation in wetlands or nearby grassy fields, making short slow flights. |
| Spotted Spreadwing Lestes congener |
|
| M: 1.3–1.7″ F: 1.2–1.5″ | |
| 26 Jul — 17 Nov Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Permanent/temporary ponds, including stagnant water. Flies in wetlands or fields adjacent to highly vegetated lake/pond shores. |
| Amber-winged Spreadwing Lestes eurinus | |
| M: 1.7–2.1″ F: 1.7–1.9″ | |
| 8 Jun — 4 Aug Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Vegetated ponds. Perches on rushes. Bogs, boggy pond/lake margins. Shallow ponds. |
| Sweetflag Spreadwing Lestes forcipatus | |
| M: 1.4–1.7″ F: 1.3–1.6″ | |
| 20 Jul — 26 Sep Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Permanent reedy ponds/temporary pools w/ seasonally-fluctuating water levels/emergent vegetation. Bog, lake/pond edges; tolerates seasonal water draw down. Adults fly slowly in and out of emergent vegetation along shore. |
| Elegant Spreadwing Lestes inequalis | |
| M: 1.8–2.3″ F: 1.8–2.3″ | |
| 9 Jul [one record] Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Permanent ponds/lakes w/ abundance of emergent vegetation, slow streams. erches in shade during day, becomes active near sundown; flies over open water. |
| Slender Spreadwing Lestes rectangularis | |
| M: 1.7–2.1″ F: 1.5–1.9″ | |
| 18 May — 17 Oct Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Shaded wetlands; swamps, mucky ponds, brooks. Perches in shore vegetation or in woodlands/shrubbery in complete shade. Immatures often not at breeding habitat. |
| Swamp Spreadwing Lestes vigilax | |
| M: 1.7–2.2″ F: 1.7–2.0″ | |
| 5 Jun — 4 Sep Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Vegetated shorelines of bog-edged ponds or slow-moving streams. When not ovipositing, females are usually in forested areas away from sunlight. |
| Eastern Red Damsel Amphiagrion saucium | |
| M: 0.9-1.1″ F: 1.0-1.1″ | |
| 10 May — 23 Jul Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Grasses/sedges. Sunlit grassy seeps, small sunny streams w/ springs, springy bogs at base of hills. Adults fly near ground within shelter of vegetation, not over open fields or water. |
| Blue-fronted Dancer Argia apicalis | |
| M: 1.3-1.6″ F: 1.3-1.5″ | |
| 1 Jun — 17 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Sunny sections of streams, rivers, ponds. Male often perches on exposed sunlit logs or branches protruding form the river. Alights on bare ground. |
| Seepage Dancer Argia bipunctual | |
| M: 1.0-1.2″ F: 1.0-1.2″ | |
| 10 Jun — 23 Aug Very local | |
| Habitat: Sunlit bogs; small populations at small sunlit seepages. Small lakes/ponds. Marshy edges and wet grassy areas. Almost never perches on ground. |
| Variable (Violet) Dancer Argia fumipennis violacea | |
| M: 1.1-1.3″ F: 1.3″ | |
| 22 Apr — 8 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Most abundant along streams. Edges of lakes, ponds/bogs. Rocky lotic waters/smalllakes. Adults prefer sunny spots on or near ground for resting horizontally (distinctive of this genus). Wary/quick to fly when approached. |
| Powdered Dancer Argia moesta | |
| M: 1.5-1.7″ F: 1.5-1.7″ | |
| 30 May — 26 Sep Common | |
| Habitat: Extensive sunlit sections of large rivers/swift streams; gravel bars in full sun. Lakes. Rocky shores of lentic waters. Perches horizontally on ground, rocks, or sticks, frequently flying over open water. Fairly tolerant of polluted waters. |
| Blue-tipped Dancer Argia tibialis | |
| M: 1.2-1.5″ F: 1.2-1.5″ | |
| Jun — 9 Sep Abundant | |
| Habitat: Rivers w/ rapids or riffles. To lesser extent along partly shaded streams. Lone individuals often found away from water or in other aquatic habitats. Perches on vegetation and in shade more than most other Argia species, but also perches on ground. |
| Dusky Dancer Argia translata | |
| M: 1.3-1.5″ | |
| 2 Jun — 11 Sep Widespread | |
| Habitat: Rivers, slow streams w/ shady banks/large stones in streams, ponds; prefers shade/dense vegetation. Clear streams w/ rocky substrate. Not away from water as much as other Argias. Usually uncommon, occasionally abundant. |
| Aurora Dancer Chromagrion conditum | |
| M: 1.3-1.5″ F: 1.2-1.5″ | |
| 30 May — 9 Jul Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Widespread but local, in swamps, spring-fed shady streams, small ponds especially where soil is mucky; mouths of spring-fed tributaries; rarely away from water. Perches near top of emergent vegetation w/ wings half spread like a Lestes. Flight slow and brief. |
| Azure Bluet Enallagma aspersum | |
| M: 1.1-1.3″ F: 1.1-1.3″ | |
| 10 May — 13 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Ponds, bog-margined lakes, marshes usually without fish. Perches horizontally or obliquely on foliage, only occasionally making low brief flights. |
| Double-striped Bluet Enallagma basidens | |
| M: 0.8-1.1″ F: 0.8-1.1″ | |
| 10 May — 17 Oct Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Ponds, especially freshly created ones w/ sparse vegetation. Reservoirs, borrow (gravel) pits, lakes, slow streams/rivers, especially spring-fed streams. Widespread but intermittent. |
| Familiar Bluet Enallagma civile | |
| M: 1.2-1.5″ F: 1.1-1.4″ | |
| 20 Apr — 11 Nov Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Still or slow-moving water; rare on rivers. Common in newly formed sediment ponds, temporary or permanent waters, vegetated or not. Peak activity in late a.m. into afternoon; leaves water in late afternoon. Forages in flight by gleaning perched insects from vegetation. |
| Turquoise Bluet Enallagma divigans | |
| M: 1.1-1.3″ F: 1.2-1.4″ | |
| 15 Jun — 8 Jul Rare | |
| Habitat: Streams, sloughs, lakes. Perches in sun or shade on foliage. Prefers running water, hovers frequently. |
| Atlantic Bluet Enallagma doubledayi | |
| M: 1.1-1.5″ F: 1.1-1.4″ | |
| 12 Jul Rare | |
| Habitat: Sandy-bottomed ponds, dense shoreline vegetation. |
| Stream Bluet Enallagma exulans | |
| M: 1.2-1.5″ F: 1.1-1.4″ | |
| 17 May — 24 Aug Abundant | |
| Habitat: Sun-loving bluet of rivers/lakes. Hovers near bank. |
| Skimming Bluet Enallagma geminatum | |
| M: 0.9-1.1″ F: 0.7-1.1″ | |
| 11 May — 5 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Most abundant at ponds but found in various aquatic habitats in fertile, well-oxygenated lakes, ponds, slow parts of streams—usually swampy or boggy with floating vegetation/ample shoreline vegetation. Often rests on floating vegetation (like water lilies), 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Skims slowly and gracefully over water very close to surface. |
| Orange Bluet Enallagma signatum | |
| M: 1.1-1.4″ F: 1.1-1.5″ | |
| 2 May — 14 Oct Common | |
| Habitat: Widespread in various still or slow-flowing aquatic habitats. Forested ponds/slow-moving streams. Peak activity late in day. On warm, sunny days, species is semicrepuscular; on cloudy or cool days, male may be active throughout day. In summer, arrives about 4 p.m. w/ peak activity at 7 p.m.; leaves water shortly after sundown. Spring/fall, arrives at water earlier in afternoon. Hovers 2–8 inches over midstream, occasionally perches on vegetation. Often in association w/ water lilies. |
| Slender Bluet Enallagma traviatum | |
| M: 1.1-1.3″ F: 1.2-1.3″ | |
| 2 Jun — 25 Jul Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Shady ponds, usually w/ abundant emergent vegetation; very slow-moving streams. Stays mostly at pond edges. |
| Vesper Bluet Enallagma vesperum | |
| M: 1.1-1.5″ F: 1.2-1.5″ | |
| 14 Jun — 24 Sept Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Ponds/marshes (marsh-bordered lakes), slow streams with abundant emergent/floating vegetation. Semicrepuscular (not flying in forenoon; most active in late afternoon, sometimes not active until dusk). Rests in white pines. Flies close to water surface. |
| Citrine Forktail Ischnura hastata | |
| M: 0.8-1.0″ F: 0.8-1.1″ | |
| 15 Apr — 1 Nov Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Thick emergent sedge, rush, or grassy sunlit areas where water is shallow and warm. Tops of emergent vegetation within the dense concentration of stems. Associated w/ stands of Eleocharis. |
| Lilypad Forktail Ischnura kellicotti | |
| M: 1.3-1.3″ F: 1.0-1.2″ | |
| 15 May — 14 Sep Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Ponds; seldom away from fairly large patches of white or yellow water lilies. |
| Fragile Forktail Ischnura posita posita | |
| M: 0.9-1.1″ F: 0.8-1.1″ | |
| 3 Apr — 7 Nov Abundant | |
| Habitat: Various aquatic habitats, still or slowly moving waters, partially shaded areas w/ thick vegetation. Tolerant of low oxygen levels. |
| Rambur’s Forktail Ischnura ramburii | |
| M: 1.1-1.5″ F: 1.1-1.4″ | |
| 5 Jul – 9 Sep Rare | |
| Habitat: Still or slow-moving water. |
| Eastern Forktail Ischnura verticalis | |
| M: 0.8-1.3″ F: 1.0-1.3″ | |
| 8 Apr — 30 Oct Abundant | |
| Habitat: Widespread on ponds and slow-moving streams with abundant emergent vegetation. Adults perch in the shelter of shoreline vegetation or on floating plants. Open sunny areas. |
| Sphagnum Sprite Nehalennia gracilis | |
| M: 0.9-1.2″ F: 1.0-1.2″ | |
| 14 Jun — 1 Aug Very local | |
| Habitat: Sedge bogs w/ emergent vegetation. Inconspicuous because of delicate build and habit of flying low through emergent vegetation. |
| Sedge Sprite Nehalennia irene | |
| M: 1.0-1.1″ F: 1.0-1.2″ | |
| 9 Aug [one record] Very local. | |
| Habitat: Still marshy or boggy areas with emergent vegetation. Avoids open water. |
| Gray Petaltail Tachopyteryx thorei | |
| 2.8-3.2″ | |
| E-Jun — E-Jul Rare. | |
| Habitat: Permanent hillside seepages in sunny areas w/ little water in hardwood forests. Tends to land vertically on sunny, gray, dead tree trunks. Known to land on gray clothes. |
| Black-tipped Darner Aeshna tuberculifera | |
| 2.8-3.2″ | |
| M-Aug — M-Oct Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Open ponds, especially acid ones. Cruises over shallow water w/ emergent grasses and rushes in mid to late afternoon. |
| Shadow Darner Aeshna umbrosa umbrosa | |
| 2.7-3.1″ | |
| E-Aug — M-Nov Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Shaded edges of forests; woodland trails. Variety of pond and stream habitats. Hunts forest edges, dirt roads, clearings. In summer feeds over roads about dusk. When overcast, feeds early morning, mid-late afternoon or evening. Late in season flies during sunny periods. |
| Common Green Darner Anax junius | |
| 2.7-3.2″ | |
| M-Mar — E-Nov Common | |
| Habitat: Wide range of habitats; shallow heavily vegetated ponds/slow streams. Flies early a.m. to dark; often perches low among weeds and grass. A fierce predator; spends most of daylight hours on the wing. Migratory. |
| Comet Darner Anax longipes | |
| 3.0-3.4″ | |
| E-May — M-Aug Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Sometimes on ponds; borrow (sterile, shallow, gravel) pits/semi-permanent, usually grassy, ponds; ample shoreline vegetation of rushes, pickerelweed, etc. Larvae do not seem to compete well w/ other dragonflies or fish. Rarely seen at rest. Does not join feeding swarms. |
| Springtime Darner Basiaeschna janata | |
| M: 2.0-2.4″ F: 2.2-2.6″ | |
| E-May — M-Aug Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Rivers and streams w/ riffles. Eutrophic, sheltered, lentic bodies of water. Flies fast several feet above water or shore. Ranges into forest openings. Often flies in shade/until nightfall. |
| Fawn Darner Boyeria vinosa | |
| E-May — E-Nov Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Widespread on slow-moving rivers & streams with rocky substrate; shady edges close to banks; often near rapids. Semi-crepuscular. Male usually seen exploring the edges of rivers or streams, flying close to the surface of the water, and investigating every nook & cranny without hovering. Most of day hangs under twigs in forests (often conifers). |
| Swamp Darner Epiaeschna heros | |
| 3.2-3.6″ | |
| E-Apr — E-Oct Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Widespread over rivers and open areas; shady ponds and forested swamps; slow streams. Feed from 3′ above ground to treetops; perches hanging vertically from high tree branches. Migratory. Forages late afternoon, early evening/dusk. |
| Cyrano Darner Nasiaeschna pentacantha | |
| 2.7-2.9″ | |
| E-May — M-Aug Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Woodland streams, still or slow-moving water; stays close to forests. Perches vertically on trees trunks, etc. Hunts w/ slow flight along/through branches, does not form swarms. Preys on other odonates. |
| Unicorn Clubtail Arigomphus villosipes | |
| 2.0-2.3″ | |
| M-May — E-Jul Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Ponds (usually) or edges of slow-moving Coastal Plain rivers w/ muddy bottom and little submerged vegetation. Commonly perches on lilypads or muddy banks of slow steams or ponds. Tolerates degraded habitats. |
| Black-shouldered Spinyleg Dromogomphus spinosus | |
| 2.1-2.6″ | |
| E-May — E-Sep Common. | |
| Habitat: Clean rivers and streams (tolerates some pollution); sand substrate. Secretive, flies in woodlands away from breeding areas. Perches on logs and rocks w/ clear view of nearby water. Can occur in degraded habitat. |
| Eastern Ringtail Erpetogomphus designatus | |
| 1.7-2.2″ | |
| E-May — E-Sep STRAY | |
| Habitat: Potomac River (northern limit); feeds at edges of cornfields near river. Shallow rivers and streams w/ gravel or sand bottoms, riffles. Perches on low vegetation along shore on bank or rocks. |
| Cobra Clubtail Gomphurus vastus | |
| 1.9-2.2″ | |
| E-May — L-Jun Uncommon | |
| Habitat: Larger rivers. Alternating sand/gravel; brush near water’s edge. Sun-shade interface, hovers 8–20 inches above water w/ abdomen raised. |
| Dragonhunter Hagenius brevistylus | |
| 3.0-3.4″ | |
| E-Jun — M-Sep Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Slow-moving rivers; occasionally streams with nearby woodlands. May hunt along forest edges. |
| Appalachian Snaketail Ophiogomphus i. incurvatus | |
| 1.6-2.0″ | |
| E-May — E-Jul Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Sunlit rapids. |
| Lancet Clubtail Phanogomphus exilis | |
| 1.5-1.7″, shorter than G. lividus | |
| E-May — E-Jul Common. | |
| Habitat: Ponds (mostly), streams, open areas; sandy bottomed waters. Rests on ground, logs, or rocks. Flight sometimes like roller-coaster. |
| Ashy Clubtail Phanogomphus lividus | |
| 1.8-2.2″, longer than G. exilis | |
| E-Apr — E-Jul Common. | |
| Habitat: Slow rivers, streams w/ mud bottom/in open areas; often lands on ground. Hunts near ground level in forest clearings and fields. Unwary, roller-coaster flight. |
| Rapids Clubtail Phanogomphus quadricolor | |
| 1.7-1.8″ | |
| E-Jun — E-Jul Rare. | |
| Habitat: Rapid streams/rivers w/ projecting rocks. Rests on rocks, tips of vegetation in rapids, or river bank. Silt intolerant. Juveniles often rest on ground or on leaves and broad grasses in sunlight. |
| Common Sanddragon Progomphus obscurus | |
| 2.0-2.2″ | |
| E-May — E-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Small to medium streams. Adults wander; sometimes found perching from weed tops to treetops far from larval habitats. Predominantly on sandy sections of Patuxent/Little Patuxent Rivers on mud/sandbars. Wary. |
| Sable Clubtail Stenogomphus rogersi | |
| 1.9″ | |
| L-May — E-Jun Very Rare. | |
| Habitat: Rocky streams w/ some silt below impoundment. Stream clear/free flowing. Prefers shade. |
| Eastern Least Clubtail Stylogomphus albistylus | |
| 1.2-1.4″ | |
| E-May — E-Jul Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Large sunny areas of rivers and streams; shallow riffles w/ rocks in sun; often forages from tree leaves. |
| Laura’s Clubtail Stylurus laurae | |
| 2.2-2.5″ | |
| E-Jun — E-Sep Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Medium rivers and tributaries. 5-7 p.m. in Sept over riffles. Adult male rests on vegetation near swifter parts of slow-moving streams; seems to prefer shade. |
| Arrow Clubtail Stylurus spiniceps | |
| 2.1-2.7″ | |
| E-Jun — M-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: In grasses and willows along banks of rivers or high in treetops. Sand-bottomed areas of medium to fast streams. Flies late in day (4-5 p.m.); likes 90º weather. In middle of river at night or on sand banks. |
| Brown Spiketail Cordulegaster bilineata | |
| 2.3-2.7″ | |
| M-May — M-Jun Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Seepage areas, streams. Trickles, often sandy or boggy, usually sunny. Forages along sunlit edges of roads/woods. Somewhat wary. |
| Tiger Spiketail Cordulegaster erronea | |
| 2.6-3.0″ | |
| E-Jun — M-Aug Rare. | |
| Habitat: Streams and seeps (w/ forest cover). Shaded fast-flowing steams 3′ wide, 3″ deep with a rocky bottom. Forage late in day to dusk. |
| Twin-spotted Spiketail Cordulegaster maculata | |
| 2.5-3.0″ | |
| L-Apr — E-Jul Rare. | |
| Habitat: Rapid, small to medium-sized woodland streams w/ sand or gravel substrates; feeds along forest edges. Patrols from 9 a.m. to dusk, peak about 6 p.m., flies near surface of water. Perches on weed stems or twigs at oblique angle, usually within 3′ of ground. |
| Stream Cruiser Didymops transvera | |
| 2.0-2.4″ | |
| L-Apr — M-Jun Common. | |
| Habitat: Rivers and sandy forest streams. Usually flies along edges of river 1-2′ above surface. Perches just above the ground. Slower reaches of rivers, stream edges, lakes. Forages low over roads/powerlines. Flies in and out of vegetation. |
| Swift River Cruiser Macromia illinoiensis | |
| 2.0-2.4″ | |
| L-May — L-Aug Common. | |
| Subspecies and hybrids can only be distinguished in hand! Habitat: Rivers and streams; rocky,gravel-bottomed creeks and rivers. More active in morning. Forages along forest edges and dirt roads at 3-6′. Late afternoon feeding swarms.M.i. georgina (Georgia River Cruiser): From eastern MD to Piedmont/Coastal Plain interface. M. i. illinoiensis (Illinois River Cruiser): From western MD to Piedmont/Coastal Plain interface. Hybrids occur in Howard County! |
| Slender Baskettail Epitheca costalis | |
| 1.4-1.8″ | |
| M-Jun — L-Jun Rare. | |
| Habitat: Clear sand-bottomed lakes; stream pools. Hawks 6-10′ above roads; hovers in sunny glades. |
| Common Baskettail Epitheca cynosura | |
| 1.5-1.7″ | |
| M-Apr — L-Jun Abundant. | |
| Habitat: High numbers at edge of dirt road; ponds, swamps, slow-moving sections of streams and rivers; permanent quiet waters. Peak activity in late afternoon. Forages 4-10′ over sunny forest openings, fields, and water. Perches obliquely on stems of low vegetation. |
| Prince Baskettail Epitheca princeps | |
| 2.3-3.1″ | |
| E-Jun — L-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, occasionally ponds; clear or muddy water. Seldom seen perching, but when it does it hangs under a twig, often w/ the wings somewhat raised. May form feeding swarms in the evening. Few wing beats followed by a short sail on slightly raised wings. Dawn to dusk. |
| Umber Shadowdragon Neurocordulia obsoleta | |
| 1.7-1.9″ | |
| E-Jun — L-Jul Rare. | |
| Habitat: Appears on rivers at dusk but before sunset, continues flying into darkness. Flight fast, low over water investigates edge nooks. More common over swift water. Freshly emerged in herbacious vegetation. |
| Mocha Emerald Somatochlora linearis | |
| 2.2-2.8″ | |
| L-Jun — L-Sep Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Usually feeds 7-10 a.m. over roads and clearings at 6-10′, but also in forested undergrowth. Deeply shaded intermittent small forest streams w/ shallow riffles. Most active in early morning/late afternoon to dark. Adults may land on shaded tree trunks. |
| Clamp-tipped Emerald Somatochlora tenebrosa | |
| 1.9-2.5″ | |
| L-Jun — M-Oct Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Usually feeds 7-10 a.m. over roads and clearings at 6-10′, but also in forested undergrowth. Deeply shaded intermittent small forest streams w/ shallow riffles. Most active in early morning/late afternoon to dark. Adults may land on shaded tree trunks. |
| Calico Pennant Celithemis elisa | |
| 1.1-1.3″ | |
| M-May — L-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Weedy ponds w/ emergent grass; bulrush beds in fresh, shallow water. Forages from tips of weeds in open fields often far from water. |
| Halloween Pennant Celithemis eponina | |
| 1.4-1.7″ | |
| M-Jun — L-Sep Common. | |
| Habitat: Marsh-loving; ponds, lakes/marshes: adults often found in adjacent fields where they feed. Tolerates windy conditions. Most butterfly-like dragonfly; forages from the tips of tall weeds in open fields. Often perches w/ FWs vertical, HWs horizontal on tops of emergent rushes. Active in the morning. |
| Banded Pennant Celithemis fasciata | |
| 1.1-1.5″ | |
| L-May — E-Sep Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Marshes, ponds, new borrow (gravel) pits. Feeds in treetops or high shrubs. Male more active 10 a.m.–noon, spends much time perching on tips of emergent plants near shore. May roost overnight in pine trees. |
| Common Pondhawk Erythemis simplicicollis | |
| 1.4-2.0″ | |
| E-May — M-Oct Abundant. | |
| Habitat: Ponds; quiet weedy or slowly flowing waters, usually w/ plants on water surface. Perches anywhere: on bare ground or twigs/floating trash; roosts overnight in tall weeds or brush. |
| Little Blue Dragonlet Erythrodiplax minuscola | |
| 0.9-1.5″ | |
| 21 Apr Rare. | |
| Habitat: Shallow ponds. Adults perch on low vegetation near shore or away from water. |
| Blue Corporal Ladona deplanata | |
| 1.3-1.5″ | |
| M-Apr — L-Jun Rare. | |
| Habitat: Ponds/gravel pits.; perches on low stems/sloping banks, on ground, or on fallen logs. Both sexes perch w/ wings cocked. |
| Golden-winged Skimmer Libellula auripennis | |
| 2.1-2.3″ | |
| L-May — M-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Nearly impossible to distinguish from Needham’s Skimmer (L. neehami) unless you have it in hand! Habitat: Grassy edges of freshwater ponds. Forages in open fields near water. M perches conspicuously but is wary, swift on wing, difficult to approach at rest. |
| Bar-winged Skimmer Libellula axilena | |
| 1.9-2.4″ | |
| E-Jun — L-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Temporary pools, marshy edges of ponds. More often in forested habitats than other Libellula. |
| Spangled Skimmer Libellula cyanea | |
| 1.5-1.9″ | |
| E-May — M-Sep Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Well-vegetated ponds. Forages in fields. Perches obliquely. |
| Yellow-sided Skimmer Libellula flavida | |
| 1.7-2.0″ | |
| M-Jun — M-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Grassy seeps and sunny bogs w/ sphagnum. Small sand-bottomed streams. Adults perch near nymphal habitat. Forages in clearings. |
| Slaty Skimmer Libellula incesta | |
| 1.7-2.3″ | |
| M-Jun — M-Aug Common. | |
| Habitat: Sunny sections of permanent ponds. Perches on tops of weeds or twigs. Male most active over water in morning. May approach/ investigate humans. Forages along forest edges. |
| Widow Skimmer Libellula luctuosa | |
| <1.7-2.0″/td> | |
| L-May — E-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Ponds, small lakes, marshes. Forages in fields/open habitat. Perches obliquely on stems. |
| Needham’s Skimmer Libellula needhami | |
| 1.9-2.2″ | |
| E-Jul — L-Aug Uncommon. | |
| Nearly impossible to distinguish from Golden-winged Skimmer (L. auripennis) unless you have it in hand! Habitat: Ponds, small lakes, marshes. Forages in fields/open habitat. Perches obliquely on stems. |
| Twelve-spotted Skimmer Libellula pulchella | |
| 1.9-2.2″ | |
| M-May — M-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Temporary or new sediment ponds. Often returns to same perch. Wary. |
| Painted Skimmer Libellula semifasciata | |
| 1.4-1.9″ | |
| L-Apr — L-Aug Common. | |
| Habitat: Grassy seepage areas and ponds. Ponds and marshes in forested areas and upland areas far from water. Wary. |
| Great Blue Skimmer Libellula vibrans | |
| 2.2-2.5″ | |
| L-Apr — L-Aug Common. | |
| Habitat: Forest dragonfly of shaded slow-moving or still waters; shrub-swamp, bottomlands. Unwary. |
| Hyacinth Glider Miathyria marcella | |
| 1.3-1.7″ | |
| M-Jul STRAY | |
| Habitat: Found where there are water hyacinths. Southern species. |
| Roseate Skimmer Orthemis ferruginea | |
| 1.8-2.2″ | |
| M-Jul STRAY | |
| Habitat: Muddy ponds, ditches. Forages in fields. Wary but returns to favorite perches. Southern species. |
| Blue Dasher Pachydiplax longipennis | |
| 1.1-1.8″ | |
| M-Jul Abundant. | |
| Habitat: Almost anything w/ water. Still or slow-moving weedy water. Often seen perched on tips of stems or twigs, sun or shade w/ lowered wings. May defend a feeding perch. |
| Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens | |
| 1.7-2.0″ | |
| L-Apr – L-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Widespread migrant, usually seen hawking in open areas summer and fall; also still water. Infrequently perchesvertically. Unwary when perched, otherwise difficult to capture. |
| Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea | |
| 1.7-2.0″ | |
| M-May – M-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Open areas; ponds/pools. Feeds from dawn to dusk, often fast/erratic 2-5 m above ground. Unwary when perched—but seldom perches, then vertically on twigs. |
| Eastern Amberwing Perithemis tenera | |
| 0.8-1.0″ | |
| M-May – E-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Still waters of deeper ponds and slow parts of streams and rivers. Perches on tips of weeds or twigs; mimics wasps. Prefers sunshine. |
| Common Whitetail Plathemis lydia | |
| 1.7-1.9″ | |
| M-Apr – E-Nov Abundant. | |
| Habitat: Anywhere. Shallow sunny seepages; trickles w/ soft mud bottoms, sediment ponds; rivers. Does well in water w/ high organic content. Perches conspicuously on ground, logs, weed stems. |
| Blue-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum ambiguum | |
| 1.2-1.5″ | |
| E-Jun – L-Oct Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Temporary or permanent ponds (with fluctuating levels), intermittent streams. |
| Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum internum | |
| 1.2-1.4″ | |
| M-Sep – Oct Rare. | |
| Habitat: Ponds & slow shady streams w/ associated meadows. Weedy ponds w/ burreed (Sparganium) marshes. |
| White-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum obtrusum | |
| 1.2-1.4″ | |
| M-Jul – M-Sep Rare. | |
| Habitat: Small (temporary) ponds; borrow pits and marshes w/ associated meadows; streams, tolerates acid water. Dried-up section of ponds. Forages from tips of low weeds. |
| Ruby Meadowhawk Sympetrum rubicundulum | |
| 1.1-1.5″ | |
| E-Jun – L-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Ponds, small temporary ponds, vegetation near ponds (almost never over open water). Forages from weed stems. |
| Band-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum semicinctum | |
| 1.0-1.2″ | |
| M-Jun – L-Oct Uncommon. | |
| Habitat: Running water; marshes. Perches low in tall grasses. Forages in morning from tips of plants in marshy areas. |
| Autumn Meadowhawk Sympetrum vicinum | |
| 1.0-1.2″ | |
| L-Jun – E-Dec Abundant. | |
| Habitat: Widespread at permanent ponds. Tandem adults often cluster at specific sites to oviposit. | |
| Carolina Saddlebags Tramea carolina | |
| 1.9-2.1″ | |
| E-Apr – M-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Shallow grassy ponds w/ thick emergent underwater vegetation. |
| Black Saddlebags Tramea lacerata | |
| 1.9-2.1″ | |
| E-May – M-Oct Common. | |
| Habitat: Widespread, hawking in open areas or near permanent ponds; often common at new sediment ponds; quiet waters; slow-moving streams. Migratory. |
| Red Saddlebags Tramea onusta | |
| 1.6-2.0″ | |
| E-Jun – L-Sep STRAY | |
| Habitat: Locally common in southern U.S. |
Acknowledgements
Much of the data shown is based on records provided by Bob and Joanne Solem from 1995 to the present. Richard Orr has been exceedingly helpful not only with identfications, but with habitat, life histories, special tips, and photographs. Other contributors of dates, locations, or photos are Annette Allor, Scott Berglund, Sue Earp, Wes Earp, Harry Fink, Ralph Geuder, Linda Hunt, Beth Johnson, ZoAnn Lapinsky, Allen Lewis, Kathy Litzinger, Nancy Magnusson, Mike McClure, Sue Muller, Bonnie Ott, Phil Perkins, Russ Ruffing, June Tveekren, and Jim Wilkinson.