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)

Broad-winged Damsels/Spreadwings
Broad-winged Damsels/Spreadwings
Pond/River Damsels
Pond/River Damsels
SpeciesCaption

Dragonflies (Anisoptera)

Petaltail and Darners
Petaltail and Darners
Clubtails
Clubtails
Spiketails and Cruisers
Spiketails and Cruisers
Emeralds
Emeralds
Skimmers
Skimmers

Broad-winged Damsels Calopterygidae and Spreadwings Lestidae

Click on the common name to bring up a PDF with additional details.
To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Female June 8, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Female June 8, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Male May 17, 2012 Dorsey Search Annette Allor
Male May 17, 2012 Dorsey Search Annette Allor
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.
Male August 3, 2012 Patuxent Branch Trail Allen Lewis
Male August 3, 2012 Patuxent Branch Trail Allen Lewis
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
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).
Male November 1, 2004 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Male November 1, 2004 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Female September 4, 2004 Wesley Lane June Tveekrem
Female September 4, 2004 Wesley Lane June Tveekrem
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.
Male and Female (ovipositing) April 27, 2006 Schooley Mill Park June Tveekrem
Male and Female (ovipositing) April 27, 2006 Schooley Mill Park June Tveekrem
Female ovipositor (lateral) August 1, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Female ovipositor (lateral) August 1, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
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.
Female (top) and Male June 22, 1996 Manor Woods E.S. Bob Solem
Female (top) and Male June 22, 1996 Manor Woods E.S. Bob Solem
Male (appendages - dorsal) October 4, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem
Male (appendages - dorsal) October 4, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem
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.
Male & Female June 22, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male & Female June 22, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Female (ovipositor) August 15, 1997 Stevens Road Bob Solem
Female (ovipositor) August 15, 1997 Stevens Road Bob Solem
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.
Male July 9, 1997 Gorman NRA Bob Solem
Male July 9, 1997 Gorman NRA Bob Solem
Male July 9, 1997 Gorman NRA Bob Solem
Male July 9, 1997 Gorman NRA Bob Solem
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.
Male July 1, 2011 Manor Woods E.S. Richard Orr
Male July 1, 2011 Manor Woods E.S. Richard Orr
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant
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.
Male July 28, 2012 Dickey Farm Wes Earp
Male July 28, 2012 Dickey Farm Wes Earp
Female August 19, 2012 Dunteachin Farm Bonnie Ott
Female August 19, 2012 Dunteachin Farm Bonnie Ott

Pond/River Damsels Coenagrinidae

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To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female May 11, 2013 Rockburn Branch Park Bonnie Ott
Female May 11, 2013 Rockburn Branch Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male July 19, 2009 Vantage Point, Columbia June Tveekrem
Male July 19, 2009 Vantage Point, Columbia June Tveekrem
Female July 31, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
Female July 31, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
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.
Male September 21, 2013 Rockburn Branch Park Bonnie Ott
M and F (tandem) June 5, 2013 Elkridge Bonnie Ott
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.
Male August 5, 2012 Oakland Mills Allen Lewis
Male and Female (in wheel) August 23, 2008 Blooms Lane June Tveekrem
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.
Male June 23, 2012 Patapsco River Kathy Litzinger
Male June 23, 2012 Patapsco River Kathy Litzinger
Female June 4, 2006 Patapsco River June Tveekrem
Female June 4, 2006 Patapsco River June Tveekrem
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.
Male June 16, 2002 Wincopin Trail June Tveekrem
Male June 16, 2002 Wincopin Trail June Tveekrem
Female July 23, 2012 Lake Elkhorn Allen Lewis
Female July 23, 2012 Lake Elkhorn Allen Lewis
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.
Male July 28, 2012 Savage Park Richard Orr
Male July 28, 2012 Savage Park Richard Orr
Female July 31, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
Female July 31, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
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.
Male May 31, 1997 Gaterway Business Park Bob Solem
Male May 31, 1997 Gaterway Business Park Bob Solem
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.
Male June 9, 2013 West Friendship Park (Fox Chase) Bonnie Ott
Male June 9, 2013 West Friendship Park (Fox Chase) Bonnie Ott
Female July 3`, 1997 Old Frederick Road Richard Orr
Female July 3`, 1997 Old Frederick Road Richard Orr
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.
Male March 17, 2007 South Trotter Road Wes Earp
Male March 17, 2007 South Trotter Road Wes Earp
Female May 25, 1997 Warfields Pond Park Bob Solem
Female May 25, 1997 Warfields Pond Park Bob Solem
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.
Male November 19, 2001 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male November 19, 2001 Howard County June Tveekrem
Female (ovipositing) April 21, 20127 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female (ovipositing) April 21, 20127 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
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.
Male (left) and Female June 15, 1996 Patuxent River State Park Bob Solem
Male (left) and Female June 15, 1996 Patuxent River State Park Bob Solem
Atlantic Bluet Enallagma doubledayi
M: 1.1-1.5″ F: 1.1-1.4″
12 Jul Rare
Habitat: Sandy-bottomed ponds, dense shoreline vegetation.
Elkridge
July 12, 2022
Madhuri Shenker
Elkridge July 12, 2022 Madhuri Shenker
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.
Male June 18, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Male June 18, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female (blue form) May 17, 2012 Mount Pleasant Bonnie Ott
Female (blue form) May 17, 2012 Mount Pleasant Bonnie Ott
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.
Male June 12, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male June 12, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male and Female (in tandem) June 12, 2005 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male and Female (in tandem) June 12, 2005 Howard County June Tveekrem
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.
Male May 24, 2008 Schooley Mill Park June Tveekrem
Male May 24, 2008 Schooley Mill Park June Tveekrem
Male and Female (in wheel) May 27, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male and Female (in wheel) May 27, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male June 24, 1997 Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir Bob Solem
Male June 24, 1997 Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir Bob Solem
M and F (ovipositing under water) June 13, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
M and F (ovipositing under water) June 13, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Meadowbrook Park
Meadowbrook Park
28VesperBluet-7625588506_0e2bdae068_o
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.
Male August 1, 2012 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male August 1, 2012 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female April 20, 2003 River Hill H.S. June Tveekrem
Female April 20, 2003 River Hill H.S. June Tveekrem
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.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Female (immature) July 25, 2012 Centennial Park Jo Solem
Female (immature) July 25, 2012 Centennial Park Jo Solem
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.
Male July 3,2005 Fulton Schools Richard Orr
Male July 3,2005 Fulton Schools Richard Orr
Female April 29, 2012 Centennial Park Annette Allor
Female April 29, 2012 Centennial Park Annette Allor
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.
Male September 9, 2012 Centennial Park Bonnie Ott
Male September 9, 2012 Centennial Park Bonnie Ott
Female September 9, 2012 Centennial Park Bonnie Ott
Female September 9, 2012 Centennial Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male May 14, 2007 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Male May 14, 2007 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Female (maturing) May 24, 2002 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Female (maturing) May 24, 2002 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
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.
Male June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female June 9, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
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.
Male August 9, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem
Male August 9, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem

Petaltail Petaluridae and Darners Aeshnidae

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To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Male June 3, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Male June 3, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Male June 7, 2010 Patapsco Valley State Park Sue Muller
Male June 7, 2010 Patapsco Valley State Park Sue Muller
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.
October 7, 1996 Alpha Ridge Landfill Bob Solem
October 7, 1996 Alpha Ridge Landfill Bob Solem
October 7, 1996 Alpha Ridge Landfill Bob Solem
October 7, 1996 Alpha Ridge Landfill Bob Solem
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.
MPEA
October 15, 2020
Pam Franks
MPEA October 15, 2020 Pam Franks
Female October 6, 2013 Font Hill Wetland Park Bonnie Ott
Female October 6, 2013 Font Hill Wetland Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male and Female (ovipositing) March 3, 2012 U of MD Central Farm Richard Orr
Male and Female (ovipositing) March 3, 2012 U of MD Central Farm Richard Orr
Emergence (on exuviae) September 27, 1997 Alpha Ridge Park Bob Solem
Emergence (on exuviae) September 27, 1997 Alpha Ridge Park Bob Solem
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.
Male
June 6, 2020
Elkridge
Jim Wilkinson
Male June 6, 2020 Elkridge Jim Wilkinson
Female (ovipositor) August 18, 2001 Fulton Schools Bob Solem
Female (ovipositor) August 18, 2001 Fulton Schools Bob Solem
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.
Male May 6, 2000 Little Patuxent River Richard Orr
Male May 6, 2000 Little Patuxent River Richard Orr
Female August 7, 2012 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Female August 7, 2012 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
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).
Male August 27, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Male August 27, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female August 31, 1997 Columbia Bob Solem
Female August 31, 1997 Columbia Bob Solem
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.
Male June 26, 2012 Western Regional Park Harry Fink
Male June 26, 2012 Western Regional Park Harry Fink
Female June 13, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Female June 13, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male July 3, 1997 Patuxent River State Park Bob Solem
Male July 3, 1997 Patuxent River State Park Bob Solem
Female September 19, 2003 Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir June Tveekrem
Female September 19, 2003 Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir June Tveekrem

Clubtails Gomphidae

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To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Highland
June 12, 2024
Pamela Franks
Highland June 12, 2024 Pamela Franks
Exuviae May 18, 2000 Meadowbrook Park Jo Solem
Exuviae May 18, 2000 Meadowbrook Park Jo Solem
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.
Male June 23, 2007 Old Frederick Road, PVSP June Tveekrem
Male June 23, 2007 Old Frederick Road, PVSP June Tveekrem
Female August 5, 2007 Big Branch, Triadelphia Reservoir June Tveekrem
Female August 5, 2007 Big Branch, Triadelphia Reservoir June Tveekrem
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.
Male August 14, 2007 Browns Bridge, Rocky Gorge Reservoir Hans Holbrook
Male August 14, 2007 Browns Bridge, Rocky Gorge Reservoir Hans Holbrook
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.
Male June 16, 2006 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem/June Tveekrem
Male June 16, 2006 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem/June Tveekrem
Exuvia June 1, 2013 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Exuvia June 1, 2013 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Richard Orr
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.
Male July 2, 2010 Font Hill Park Russ Ruffing
Male July 2, 2010 Font Hill Park Russ Ruffing
Exuviae Jul 7, 1999 Wincopin Trail Jo Solem
Exuviae Jul 7, 1999 Wincopin Trail Jo Solem
Appalachian Snaketail Ophiogomphus i. incurvatus
1.6-2.0″
E-May — E-Jul Uncommon.
Habitat: Sunlit rapids.
Male June 22, 1999 Font Hill Park Bob Solem
Male June 22, 1999 Font Hill Park Bob Solem
Male June 11, 2013 MPEA Bonnie Ott
Male June 11, 2013 MPEA Bonnie Ott
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.
Male May 15, 2007 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Male May 15, 2007 Centennial Park June Tveekrem
Female June 17, 2006 Marriottsville, PVSP June Tveekrem
Female June 17, 2006 Marriottsville, PVSP June Tveekrem
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.
Male May 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Male May 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Female (teneral) June 5, 2010 Howard County Sue Muller
Female (teneral) June 5, 2010 Howard County Sue Muller
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.
Male June 7, 2007 Woodstock, PVSP June Tveekrem
Male June 7, 2007 Woodstock, PVSP June Tveekrem
Female May 28, 2013 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Female May 28, 2013 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
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.
Emerging May 31, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Emerging May 31, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Male July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Phil Perkins
Male July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Phil Perkins
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.
Sable Clubtail
Sable Clubtail
Exuvia May 28, 2015 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Exuvia May 28, 2015 Daniels, PVSP Bonnie Ott
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.
Male
June 1, 2020
Font Hill Park
Bonnie Ott
Male June 1, 2020 Font Hill Park Bonnie Ott
Female
June 1, 2020
Font Hill Park
Bonnie Ott
Female June 1, 2020 Font Hill Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male July 6, 1998 Woodstock, PVSP Bob Solem
Male July 6, 1998 Woodstock, PVSP Bob Solem
Female July 6, 1998 Woodstock, PVSP Bob Solem
Female July 6, 1998 Woodstock, PVSP Bob Solem
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.
Male September 29, 2004 Marriottsville, PVSP June Tveekrem
Male September 29, 2004 Marriottsville, PVSP June Tveekrem
Female October 14, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
Female October 14, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem

Spiketails Cordulegastridae and Cruisers Macromidae

Click on the photo to bring up a PDF with additional details

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.
Male May 28, 2007 Bon Secours Nancy Magnusson
Male May 28, 2007 Bon Secours Nancy Magnusson
Male June 3, 2012 Hugg-Thomas WMA Bonnie Ott
Male June 3, 2012 Hugg-Thomas WMA Bonnie Ott
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.
Male June 26, 2013 Mount Pleasant Jim Wilkinson
Male June 26, 2013 Mount Pleasant Jim Wilkinson
Exuviae June 23, 2005 Daniels, PVSP Jo Solem
Exuviae June 23, 2005 Daniels, PVSP Jo Solem
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.
Male June 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Male June 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Female June 26, 2008 Middle Patuxent Environmental Area June Tveekrem
Female June 26, 2008 Middle Patuxent Environmental Area June Tveekrem
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.
Female May 5, 2012 Woodstock (Cavey Lane) Harry Fink
Female May 5, 2012 Woodstock (Cavey Lane) Harry Fink
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
Female June 24, 2013 David Force WMA Bonnie Ott
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!
Male July 2, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Male July 2, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Exuviae July 8, 1999 Gorman NRA Jo Solem
Exuviae July 8, 1999 Gorman NRA Jo Solem

Emeralds Cordulidae

Click on the common name to bring up a PDF with additional details.
To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Male June 9, 2001 Western Regional Park Bob Solem
Male June 9, 2001 Western Regional Park Bob Solem
Male Appendages June 4, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
Male Appendages June 4, 2013 Daniels Road, PVSP Bonnie Ott
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.
Male May 11, 2013 Ellicott City Bonnie Ott
Male May 11, 2013 Ellicott City Bonnie Ott
Male May 11, 2013 Ellicott City Bonnie Ott
Male May 11, 2013 Ellicott City Bonnie Ott
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.
Patuxent River State Park
June 17, 1997
Bob Solem
Patuxent River State Park June 17, 1997 Bob Solem
Exuviae June 19, 2001 Patuxent River State Park Jo Solem
Exuviae June 19, 2001 Patuxent River State Park Jo Solem
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.
Exuvia June 1, 2013 Old Frederick Road Richard Orr
Exuvia June 1, 2013 Old Frederick Road Richard Orr
Exuvia May 28, 2015 Daniels Bonnit Ott
Exuvia May 28, 2015 Daniels Bonnit Ott
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.
Male June 6, 2010 North Laurel Park Sue Muller
Male June 6, 2010 North Laurel Park Sue Muller
Male (appendages) August 31, 2008 North Laurel Park June Tveekrem
Male (appendages) August 31, 2008 North Laurel Park June Tveekrem
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.
Gorman NRA
June Tveekrem
9/16/2003
Gorman NRA June Tveekrem 9/16/2003
Female (exuding eggs) October 13, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem
Female (exuding eggs) October 13, 1997 Old Frederick Road, PVSP Bob Solem

Skimmers Libellulidae

Click on the common name to bring up a PDF with additional details.
To see more photos of that species, click on one of the photos.

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.
Male June 8, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Male June 8, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Immature Male
June 4, 2016
MPEA
Bonnie Ott
Immature Male June 4, 2016 MPEA Bonnie Ott
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.
Male July 25, 2012 Mount Pleasant Annette Allor
Male July 25, 2012 Mount Pleasant Annette Allor
M and F (in wheel) July 5, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
M and F (in wheel) July 5, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
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.
Male July 5, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Male July 5, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Male August 4, 1999 Font Hill Park Bob Solem
Male August 4, 1999 Font Hill Park Bob Solem
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.
Male July 1, 2012 Lake Elkhorn Allen Lewis
Male July 1, 2012 Lake Elkhorn Allen Lewis
Female July 28, 2012 Rockburn Branch Park Annette Allor
Female July 28, 2012 Rockburn Branch Park Annette Allor
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.
Male. April 21, 2022. Elkridge. Sean Maloney.
Male. April 21, 2022. Elkridge. Sean Maloney.
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.
Male April 25, 2012 Guilford Park Annette Allor
Male April 25, 2012 Guilford Park Annette Allor
Female April 2, 2012 Mount Airy (H.C.) Wes Earp
Female April 2, 2012 Mount Airy (H.C.) Wes Earp
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.
Male June 1, 1998 Centennial Park Bob Solem
Male June 1, 1998 Centennial Park Bob Solem
Male June 1, 1998 Centennial Park Bob Solem
Male June 1, 1998 Centennial Park Bob Solem
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.
Male 2002 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male 2002 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male (immature) June 3, 2012 Font Hill Park Bonnie Ot
Male (immature) June 3, 2012 Font Hill Park Bonnie Ot
Spangled Skimmer Libellula cyanea
1.5-1.9″
E-May — M-Sep Uncommon.
Habitat: Well-vegetated ponds. Forages in fields. Perches obliquely.
Male 2006 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male 2006 Howard County June Tveekrem
Female June 3, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Female June 3, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
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.
Male July 4, 1998 Wesley Lane Bob Solem
Male July 4, 1998 Wesley Lane Bob Solem
June 14, 2020
Oxford Square
Jim Wilkinson
June 14, 2020 Oxford Square Jim Wilkinson
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.
Male July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Annette Allor
Male July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Annette Allor
Exuviae June 20, 1998 Vantage Point, Columbia Jo Solem
Exuviae June 20, 1998 Vantage Point, Columbia Jo Solem
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.
Male May 29, 2012 Waverly Pond Russ Ruffing
Male May 29, 2012 Waverly Pond Russ Ruffing
Female July 4, 2005 Font Hill Park ZoAnn Lapinsky
Female July 4, 2005 Font Hill Park ZoAnn Lapinsky
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.
Male June 30, 2000 Clarksville Bob Solem
Male June 30, 2000 Clarksville Bob Solem
Female 2004 Howard County June Tveekrem
Female 2004 Howard County June Tveekrem
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.
Male August 17, 2011 Font Hill Park Ralph Geude
Male August 17, 2011 Font Hill Park Ralph Geude
Female June 2, 2012 Mount Pleasant Bonnie Ott
Female June 2, 2012 Mount Pleasant Bonnie Ott
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.
Male May 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Male May 26, 2013 Henryton Road, PVSP Richard Orr
Wincopin Trail
Wincopin Trail
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.
Female June 22, 2013 Harpers Choice Linda Hunt
Female June 22, 2013 Harpers Choice Linda Hunt
Male May 30, 2012 Woodstock Russ Ruffing
Male May 30, 2012 Woodstock Russ Ruffing
Hyacinth Glider Miathyria marcella
1.3-1.7″
M-Jul STRAY
Habitat: Found where there are water hyacinths. Southern species.
Male July 9, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem/Richard Orr photo
Male July 9, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem/Richard Orr photo
Male (abdomen) July 9, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
Male (abdomen) July 9, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
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.
Male July 18, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
Male July 18, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
Male July 18, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
Male July 18, 1999 Lake Elkhorn Bob Solem
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.
Male August 21, 2011 Rockburn Branch Park Bonnie Ott
Male August 21, 2011 Rockburn Branch Park Bonnie Ott
Female (emerging) June 7, 2012 Woodmark Mike McClure
Female (emerging) June 7, 2012 Woodmark Mike McClure
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.
Male July 22, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
Male July 22, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
Female (exuding eggs) May 31, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem
Female (exuding eggs) May 31, 1997 Gateway Business Park Bob Solem
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.
Male July 28, 2012 Alpha Ridge Park Phil Perkins
Male July 28, 2012 Alpha Ridge Park Phil Perkins
Female September 9, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
Female September 9, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
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.
Male June 4, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Male June 4, 2004 Font Hill Park June Tveekrem
Female June 22, 2013 Schooley Mill Park Nancy Magnusson
Female June 22, 2013 Schooley Mill Park Nancy Magnusson
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.
Male August 17, 2011 Font Hill Park Ralph Geuder
Male August 17, 2011 Font Hill Park Ralph Geuder
Female April 21, 2012 High Ridge Park Annette Allor
Female April 21, 2012 High Ridge Park Annette Allor
Blue-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum ambiguum
1.2-1.5″
E-Jun – L-Oct Uncommon.
Habitat: Temporary or permanent ponds (with fluctuating levels), intermittent streams.
Male August 30, 2008 Meadowbrook Park Richard Orr
Male August 30, 2008 Meadowbrook Park Richard Orr
Male (hamules) August 22, 2011 Waterford Farm Wes Earp
Male (hamules) August 22, 2011 Waterford Farm Wes Earp
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.
Male September 19, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male September 19, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male September 19, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male September 19, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
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.
Male October 1, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Male October 1, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female (exuding eggs) September 29, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
Female (exuding eggs) September 29, 2013 Fox Chase Bonnie Ott
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.
Male June 23, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male June 23, 2013 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male and Female July 1, 2011 Manor Woods E.S. Richard Orr
Male and Female July 1, 2011 Manor Woods E.S. Richard Orr
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.
Male July 17, 2004 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male July 17, 2004 Howard County June Tveekrem
Female (exuding eggs) August 1, 1997 Wesley Lane Bob Solem
Female (exuding eggs) August 1, 1997 Wesley Lane Bob Solem
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.
Male October 8, 2011 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male October 8, 2011 Meadowbrook Park Bonnie Ott
Male and Female (in wheel) 2001 Howard County June Tveekrem
Male and Female (in wheel) 2001 Howard County June Tveekrem
Carolina Saddlebags Tramea carolina
1.9-2.1″
E-Apr – M-Oct Common.
Habitat: Shallow grassy ponds w/ thick emergent underwater vegetation.
Male June 9, 2012 U of MD Central Farm Bonnie Ott
Male June 9, 2012 U of MD Central Farm Bonnie Ott
Male and Female (in tandem) July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Phil Perkins
Male and Female (in tandem) July 28, 2012 Meadowbrook Park Phil Perkins
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.
Male August 12, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
Male August 12, 2006 Western Regional Park June Tveekrem
Male and Female (in tandem) July 20, 2007 South Trotter Road Wes Earp
Male and Female (in tandem) July 20, 2007 South Trotter Road Wes Earp
Red Saddlebags Tramea onusta
1.6-2.0″
E-Jun – L-Sep STRAY
Habitat: Locally common in southern U.S.
October 2, 1999 Measowbrook Park Nancy Magnusson/Bob Solem Photo
October 2, 1999 Measowbrook Park Nancy Magnusson/Bob Solem Photo

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.