Autumn Meadowhawk
We are really at the end of the insect season now, and here was likely the last Autumn Meadowhawk dragonfly of the season for me last week. Our warm stretch allowed life to flourish a little longer than usual, a continuing impact of our changing climate. Each year we seem to be setting new records for the earliest spotted and latest recorded individuals of species of butterflies, birds, and sometimes even flowers. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAutumn Meadowhawk
Here is that other fall dragonfly I was talking about earlier this week – the Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum). Their common name certainly reflects when they are sighted, and fiery red males like this one add a little pop to the decaying leaves as they devour the last of the flying insects, from moths to mosquitoes. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreShadow Darner
This Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) dragonfly was a great surprise to find last week on a warm autumn afternoon. The number of dragonflies in the air is certainly decreasing along with the rest of the insects, but there were several Shadows in the grasslands and woodland edges near a pond. Do you know what the dragonfly we most often see late in the fall season is? I saw one of those on the same day, and I will post that later this week. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSpot-winged Glider
I finally captured a Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) on the wing, and in this case it while the dragonfly was ovipositing – laying eggs in this pool. You can clearly see the basal spots on the inside of the hindwings along with some wear. Flying around the world must get a bit tiring… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBlue Dasher
Let’s kick off the first week of August with a ridiculously well-placed Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) dragonfly, a common species offering an uncommonly superb look and dazzling design for all to enjoy. It may be the vacation season but you do not have to go far to get away from it all when you are out in nature.
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