The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Volunteer Monitoring of Dahl Forest Dragonfly Iden fica on Guide
2 Darners (Aeshnidae)
Species in the Aeshnidae family are commonly known as darners. They have a global distribu on and get their name from their needle-like shape. Darners are larger than other families of dragonflies and are characterized by their brilliant blue, green and brown colours. They have large eyes, a robust thorax, and usually a long, slim abdomen. Darners are high flyers and have been known to make startling, rustling sounds with their wings.1
The darner life cycle of usually takes between two to four years to complete. Metamorphosis emergence is believed to be influenced by air and water temperature cycles.2 Nymphs are characteris c climbers. They do not burrow or wallow in the mud, but instead climb on stems, stumps, and on other submerged rough surfaces. The nymphs are bare skinned, with thin legs and are very ac ve. They are known to be the fiercest of fresh water predators, even to the point of ea ng other nymphs of the same species.1
Black- pped Darner (Aeshna tuberculifera) Habitat Ponds, especially bog ponds Total Body ♂ 72-74 ♀ 71-78 Length Abdomen ♂ 47.5-52.5♀ 45-54.5 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 45.5-49 ♀ 44-50.5 -Broad, straight lateral thoracic stripes Adults -Green-blue dorsal and lateral stripes -No dots between thoracic stripes Flying Dates July 5-September 306
3 Canada Darner (Aeshna canadensis) Habitat Quiet marshy or bog-margined lakes, ponds or sluggish streams Total Body ♂ 64-72 ♀ 66-73 Length Abdomen ♂ 46-51.5 ♀ 45-49 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 43-46.5 ♀ 42.5-47.3 -Blue or green, deeply notched thoracic stripes Adults -Pale blue or greenish face -Female coloura on yellow to greenish Flying Dates June 21-September 276, 7
Broad-winged Damselflies (Calopterygidae)
Species within the Calopterygidae family exhibit a metallic colora on.3 They are found along the banks of permanent streams. Members in this family are commonly found in areas that contain a high level of vegeta on and debris. The males are known to be territorial and become aggressive during ma ng season. This characteris c results in the males chasing and a acking other males that intrude into the ma ng area. The territorial area is usually a 2-meter area located along the water. A mature male within this family can occupy a territory for between 1-8 days, while wai ng for females to approach the area.2
4 Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) Streams and rivers, including streams with intermi ent rapids and emergent Habitat vegeta on Total Body ♂ 38-56 ♀ 38-56 Length Abdomen ♂ & ♀ Unknown (mm) Hind Wing ♂ &♀ Unknown -Green damselfly has dark colored wings Adults -Females have small white spots near ps of wings (s gmas) Flying Dates May-August6, 7
River Jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis) Habitat Small to medium streams and rivers, especially along swi riffles Total Body ♂ >45 ♀ >45 Length Abdomen ♂ & ♀ Unknown (mm) Hind Wing ♂ & ♀ Unknown -Dark bands at the ps of the wings -Metallic green bodies and colored wings -Males have blue reflec ons in the metallic green Adults -Males have clear wings with black ps -Females usually have dark brown wing ps, but the wing bases have yellow- brown shading and anterior wing margins are a contras ng bright white Flying Dates Late May-July5, 6 5 Narrow-winged Damselflies (Coenagrionidae)
Coenagrionidae have a range of colora on pa erns that can include: red, green, blue, purple, orange, or yellow. This family exhibits narrow, transparent wings that are held ver cally above the body during res ng periods. They are widely distributed throughout North America inhabi ng len c habitats. Various species within the Coenagrionidae family can be observed along banks and in riffles of streams. Coenagrionidae species are usually climbers that u lize branches, stems, and rocks to rest while loca ng prey. Coenagrionidae have been associated with natural water condi ons and have a low pollu on tolerance. This characteris c suggests Coenagrionidae presence is a great indicator for bodies of water that have a reduced influence by anthropogenic impact and external disturbance.2
The nymphs of this family inhabit permanent ponds with vegeta ve debris. They can also be found in, swamps, marshes, and li oral lakes, which provide an ideal habitat for this nymph stage of this family.2
Aurora Damsel (Chromagrion conditum) Habitat Shady spring-fed brooks and pools Total Body ♂ 33-35 ♀ 32-38 Length Abdomen ♂ 27-29 ♀ 25.5-31 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 20-23 ♀ 20.5-26 -Black and blue damselfly dis nguished by the bright yellow marks on the lower sides of thorax -Wings are partly spread when perched, which is a dis nct characteris c from Adults other damselflies in this family -Female's pa ern is similar to the male's, but light brown to gray compared to blue in the male Flying Dates June 7-August 46, 7
6 Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) Habitat Rocky rivers and lakes with rocky shores Total Body ♂ 37-42 ♀ 37-42 Length Abdomen ♂ & ♀ Unknown (mm) Hind Wing ♂ & ♀ Unknown -Male has a chalky white thorax with dark stripes that blur with age - Abdomen is blackish with a pale gray p - Eyes are dark Adults -Female has blue and brown forms: blue form female has a dark p instead of bright blue p of the abdomen; brown form female is lighter colored in some areas Flying Dates June-August6, 7
Sedge Sprite (Nehalennia irene) Habitat -S ll marshy or boggy waters Total Body ♂ 26-27 ♀ 25-28 Length Abdomen ♂ 21.5-28 ♀ 21.5 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 14-15 ♀ 15-17 -Small size and metallic green thorax without stripes -Male has a bright metallic green thorax with yellowish-green to blue sides -Abdomen is mostly dark iridescent green except for a blue p. Adults -Female is similar to the male, but with yellowish thoracic sides -Abdomen is dark green with the very p pale -Legs are slender -Clear wings are moderately long and narrow Flying End of May-August 286, 7 Dates 7 Stream Bluet (Enallagma exsulans) Habitat Streams and lake shores Total Body ♂ 30.5-37.5 ♀ 31-35 Length Abdomen ♂ 24-30.5 ♀ 25-29 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 16.5-20.5 ♀ 19.5-21.5 -Light blue to yellow-green Adults -Narrow blue rings and blue p -Marked with dark brown and black Flying Dates June 7-September 196
Spiketails (Cordulegastridae)
Cordulegastridae species are known to be burrowers and sprawlers. As they burrow deep into the substrate, they just keep their head exposed. Spiketails prefer clean sand and silt substrates within smaller lo c streams. They are believed to possess a strengthened ability to adapt to new environments. Most species within this family have life cycles las ng 3-5 years. As opportunis c feeders, Cordulegastridae are known to consume all types of prey within their reach, including smaller larvae within the same species. Spiketails are ambush predators, as they capture their prey by extending their labium.2
Nymphs are usually restricted to so beds of muck and silt in flowing waters of woodland streams. Nymphs lie buried in the so mud up to the ps of their high-peaked eyes, with a sensi ve antennae laid out on surface wai ng to sense contact with passing prey.1
8 Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster oblique) Habitat Small rapid streams Total Body ♂ 68-72 ♀ 75 Length Abdomen ♂ 51-53 ♀ 54 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 42-44 ♀ 47 -Dorsal arrowhead markings on slender body Adults -Eyes are green -Female is similar in appearance to the male -Rela vely unknown Flying Dates -Specimens retrieved May 24-July 96, 7
Twin-spo ed Spiketail (Cordulegaster maculata) Habitat Rapid streams in woods Total Body ♂ 65-73 ♀ 68-70 Length Abdomen ♂ 47-53 ♀ 52-55 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 38-40 ♀ 41.5-45 -Yellow abdominal spots in narrow separated pairs Adults -Green eyes -Yellow, bluntly ended, sub-parallel lines on thorax Flying Dates -End of May-Mid-July6
9 Emeralds (Corduliidae)
Corduliidae adults are characteris cally strong flyers. Some of the species within this family are notably large with brilliant metallic colora ons.1 Corduliidae have life cycles that average between 2-4 years in the northern hemisphere with climate having a strong influence on the life span. Their larval distribu on is usually discon nuous and grouped, which will occur in close proximity to the shoreline in shallow water. Adults are most commonly ac ve during midday. Species in this family are carnivorous predators. Larvae will ini ally eat small protozoans and similar-sized metazoans, before ea ng larger prey such as microcrustacea as their mouthparts gradually con nue to morph.2
Larvae emergence of some species is commonly observed to be synchronized, which leads to large swarms a er emergence.2 Nymphs are usually sprawlers on the bo om, but several species have been known to be climbers in the presence of bo om trash and waterweeds.1 Larvae in their res ng state usually burrow into detritus deposits in streams.2 The species within this family that lie on the silted bo om are generally hairy. This is contrasted by the climbers which are o en pa erned in green and brown pa erns.1
Clamp- pped Emerald (Somatochlora tenebrosa) Habitat Small forest streams Total Body ♂ 48-55 ♀ 51-64 Length Abdomen ♂ 32.5-38 ♀ 38-45.5 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 34-38 ♀ 35.5-40.5 -Dark brown, with pale markings on thorax and abdomen -Unique circular gap of appendages from side view Adults -Two yellow, lateral stripes on thorax -Brilliant green eyes Flying Dates July 1-September 96, 7
10 Prince Baske ail (Epitheca princeps) Habitat Lakes and rivers in quiet waters Total Body ♂ 59-61.5 ♀ 63-68 Length Abdomen ♂ 39-42 ♀ 42-48 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 40-42 ♀ 40.5-48 -Large brownish dragonfly has dis nc ve markings on the wings - Markings Adults on the wings, it may be confused with the Twelve-Spo ed Skimmer, except it has no white on its wings Flying Dates June 6-August 206, 7
Racket-tailed Emerald (Dorocordulia libera) Habitat -Bog ponds, bog or marsh-bordered lakes and sluggish streams Total Body ♂ 37-41 ♀ 38-43 Length Abdomen ♂ 26-28 ♀ 28-30 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 27-27 ♀ 28-31 -More slender and fragile-looking than most other emeralds -Metallic green thorax with brown hairs, black legs, and clear wings Adults -Eyes are metallic green, seemly luminous -Abdomen is thinly haired bronze-green - Black abdomen is almost shaped like a spatula with a narrow p Flying Dates June 1-Start August6, 7
11 Williamson’s Emerald (Somatochlora williamsoni) Habitat Quiet, shady forest streams Total Body ♂ 53.5-59 ♀ 55-59.5 Length Abdomen ♂ 36-40 ♀ 38.5-42 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 35-40 ♀ 38-39 -Some pale markings on thorax Adults -Black legs, clear wings, brilliant green eyes -Metallic sheen on thorax and abdomen Flying Dates June-September6
Clubtails (Gomphidae)
Gomphidae are globally distributed. They are dis nct from all other species in both adult and larval stages. A wide distance between the eyes on top of the head indicates that this family has inherited primi ve characteris cs. This family also mostly has clear wings with sprawling legs, which suits their low sprawling characteris c. The adults usually spend their me res ng on stones, logs or leaves, while occasionally moving between res ng places. The Gomphidae family has extremely effec ve black, yellow, or greenish camouflage pa erns, which make them extremely difficult to spot. Larger species within this family can inhabit muddy or sandy streams, while smaller species will inhabit cleaner streams, spring fed rills, and pools.1
Species within the Gomphidae family have over-wintering eggs, which may require 2-4 years to complete a life cycle. Life cycle dura on is highly effected by water temperature and availability of food. Larvae commonly burrow in the sand and silt in streams. Nymphs in the Gomphidae family are ambush predators, which can hide in decaying debris on the bo om of lakes, ponds, and streams where they wait for passing prey.2 While emerging, this family characteris cally lies flat on the sand on the shore, sprawl over mats of grass, or climb onto the rough sides of logs and stones.1 Emergence of these species has been known to last up to two months, with a correla on to local temperature varia ons.2 12 Common Sanddragon (Progomphus obscurus) -Sand bars in small streams Habitat -Shallows of wide lakes -Sand-bo omed streams and rivers Total Body ♂ 51-54 ♀ 53-55.3 Length Abdomen ♂ 37-38 ♀ 39-41 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 30.5-31 ♀ 32-34 -Brown and yellow -Two dorsal thoracic stripes which usually create a yellow "W" on the shoulders - Yellow stripes on sides of the thorax - Wings have a brown spot Adults at base with the top edge of the wing yellow - Eyes generally are olive green-yellow in males and brown in females - Face is greenish - Females are similar to the males but with duller colora on and a thicker abdomen Flying Dates Mid June-Late July6, 7
Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) -Forest streams with more or less percep ble current Habitat -Rocky channels between precambrian lakes Total Body ♂ 71-79 ♀ 74-84.5 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 51-54 ♀ 56-57 Hind Wing ♂ 47-50 ♀ 49-50 -Powerful wings and legs - Feeds largely on other dragonflies - Black and yellow- Adults green with a rela vely small head, a stout abdomen, and long legs Flying Dates 3rd week June-Early July6, 7 13 Eastern Least Clubtail (Stylogomphus albistylus) -Shallow rapids Habitat -Clear streams with projec ng stones Total Body ♂ 34-35 ♀ 34-36 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 24-26 ♀ 25-27 Hind Wing ♂ 20-21 ♀ 22-22.5 -Thorax mostly pale green in males and greenish yellow in female - Face and Adults thorax are striped with black - Slender body - Black abdomen o en has narrow rings - Legs are black. Flying Dates June 21-August 146, 7
Mustached Clubtail (Gomphus adelphus) -Rapid Streams Habitat -Exposed shores of lakes Total Body ♂ 41-48 ♀ 41-44.5 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 28-33.5 ♀ 28-32 Hind Wing ♂ 24-26 ♀ 27-28 -Yellow and black pa erning -Yellow face heavily crossbanded with black on borders of labrum, on sutures, and on sides of postclypeus Adults -Top of head all black except front of occiput -Synthorax yellow, heavily striped with black in front -All black legs with small yellow spot on knee joint -Clear wings Flying Dates Mid June-Mid July6, 7 14 Rusty Snaketail (Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis) Habitat Ontario Flying Dates Unknown-End of July Total Body ♂ 48-49 ♀ 45.5-49 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 33-34 ♀ 33-35 Hind Wing ♂ 27-29 ♀ 29-31.5 -Greenish with brown shoulder stripes, slightly amber nted wings, and abdomen pped with rusty red Adults -Face and occiput yellow -Middorsal and midlateral stripes of thorax wan ng Flying Dates Unknown-End of July6, 7
Zebra Clubtail (Stylurus scudderi) Habitat Forest streams with intermi ent rapids Total Body ♂ 52.5-59 ♀ 57-61 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 37-41.5 ♀ 41.5-43.5 Hind Wing ♂ 29-35 ♀ 35-39 -Blackish with slender middle abdominal segments ringed with paler, and broadly dilated end segments brightly marked with yellow Adults -Face dull yellow with three wide cross stripes of black -Easily recognised by ringed abdomen and flare of leaf-like expansion of segments of its club Flying Dates June-Early September6, 7 15 Spreadwings (Les dae)
The Lestes genus is one of only two Les dae genera found in North America. The nymph of the Lestes genus usually inhabits len c environments, including vernal pools, marshes, and even occasionally in slow moving streams. They exhibit a high tolerance level to a wide-range of water quali es, which allows them to out-compete predators in a range of water quality condi ons. Nymphs prey on so -bodied organisms, and have been observed as being such effec ve predators, that they have to ability to significantly reduce mayfly popula ons. Les dae nymphs are also cannibalis c predators as they feed on smaller organisms within the same species. Fish and insects are also a threat as they prey upon species within the Les dae family.2 The nymphs in the Les dae family undergo a rapid 2-3 month developmental period before emerging as they mature into adults.
Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis) Partly shaded pools or backwaters of quiet streams, more generally distributed Habitat in marshy waters southward Total Body ♂ 44-47 ♀ 37-42 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ 34-40 ♀ 29-34.5 Hind Wing ♂ 20-21.5 ♀ 21-24 -Long slender abdomen, which is nearly twice as long as the wings -Male's thorax is dark with green iridescence above with pale greenish shoulder stripes and lemon-yellow sides -Abdomen is bronzy green above without a blue-gray p like other spreadwing Adults males at maturity -Colors are obscured by pruinosity as the spreadwings age, especially in males -Female's thorax is brown above pale shoulder stripes and yellow sides -Abdomen is dark above and stockier than males Flying Dates June 8-September 56, 7
16 Skimmers (Libellulidae)
The species within the Libellulidae family are commonly known as the skimmers. The Libellulidae family inhabits most types of dragonfly-type habitats throughout North America. This diversity of the Libellulidaes is so large that there is no single defining characteris c typical for the family.+1 There is a high variety of body shape and colora on. This family includes about half of all North American Odonata.4
This family predominately exhibits perching habits. It has been observed that they only hang by their feet at night; otherwise, they perch on long thin, easily bunched legs in an upright posi on.1 A large number of Libellulidae species inhabit ponds and skim through the air along the shoreline, or sit on reed ps. It is evident that the res ng posi ons for these species simultaneously allows for food discovery, while avoiding enemies.4
Libellulidae nymphs are usually stocky, and are characteris cally indis nguishable from Cordulinae nymphs.1 The nymphs can be found in a wide range of habitats, but are most commonly found in ponds and lakes. The nymphs are known as sprawlers as they usually lie within debris on the bo oms of streams, lakes, and ponds as they wait for prey to approach. Nymph colora on is typically brown to camouflage into bo om debris and sediments.4
Band-winged Meadowhawk (Sympetrum semicinctum) Habitat Spring fed pools and marshes Total Body ♂ 24.5-31 ♀ 24-29 Length Abdomen ♂ 15-19.5 ♀ 15-19 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 18.5-22.5 ♀ 18-22 -Red-brownish with amber patches at the bases of the hindwings -Females are similar but lighter in color than the males Adults -Two female forms: a red form with a red abdomen, and a yellow form with a yellow abdomen Flying Dates June 19-August6, 7
17 Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) Habitat Marshy lakes and ponds Total Body ♂ 30-34 ♀ 28-32 Length Abdomen ♂ 18-21 ♀ 18-20 (mm) Hind Wing (mm) ♂ 24-27 ♀ 27-28 -Males are reddish-brown to black with red-brown marks on its wings that Adults become darker as they age -Female is yellow and black with reddish eyes and black marks on its wings Flying June 18-August 236, 7 Dates
Chalk-fronted Corporal (Ladona julia) -Ponds, swamps, marshes, lakes, and bogs Habitat -Seems to like slow water with emergent vegeta on Total Body ♂ 40-45 ♀ 40-45 Length (mm) Abdomen ♂ & ♀ Unknown Hind Wing ♂ & ♀ Unknown -Wide pale shoulder bars on top of the thorax that are white in males, gray in females, and tan in juveniles Adults -Male has white on the basal half of the abdomen and the female has a limited amount of white there as well -Wings are clear Flying Dates June-July6, 7 18 Common Whitetail (Plathemis Lydia) -Non-moving or slow waters, including marshes and ponds Habitat -Seems to tolerate disturbed habitats Total Body ♂ 43-48 ♀ 43-48 Length Abdomen ♂ & ♀ Unknown (mm) Hind Wing ♂ & ♀ Unknown Stocky male has a pruinose white abdomen and a brown thorax -Wings have wide dark bands and small basal marks -Brown female is similar to the female Twelve-Spo ed Skimmer with 12 Adults dark markings on the wings -Female has some white markings on its abdomen, crea ng a zigzag appearance down the sides Flying Dates June-August6, 7
Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta) -Marshy bays, ponds and slow streams Habitat -O en in farm ponds Total Body ♂ 30-36.2 ♀ 31.6-33.2 Length Abdomen ♂ 19.8-23.1 ♀ 20.1-21.5 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 24.2-28.8 ♀ 25.2-27 -Small black dragonfly -Males have white faces and a single yellow dorsal dot on the 7th segment Adults of the abdomen – Immature whitefaces have yellow markings on the thorax -Female has yellow markings on the abdomen with the same prominent, square dorsal spot on the 7th segment Flying Dates May 20-August 266, 7 19 Four-spo ed Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata) Habitat S ll waters in marshy or boggy ground, especially peaty waters Total Body ♂ 40-43.8 ♀ 39.3-44.1 Length Abdomen ♂ 24-26.8 ♀ 24-28 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 33.2-36.7 ♀ 31.7-38.1 -Abdomen is gray-brown with narrow lateral yellow stripes -Thorax is gray-brown with hairs Adults -Small dark marks on the wings at the nodus and near the base -Females lack the flange of the male, near the end of the abdomen Flying Dates May 8-August 286, 7
Frosted Whiteface (Leucorrhinia frigida) Habitat Bog lakes and ponds - Glacial relict Total Body ♂ 29.9-31.1 ♀ 27.4-29.4 Length Abdomen ♂ 18.9-20.6 ♀ 18-19.6 (mm) Hind Wing ♂ 23.5-25.1 ♀ 22.9-24.5 -Small black dragonfly Adults -Female has a white face and yellow markings on its back -Male is black with some white on its basal abdominal segments Flying Dates May 30-June 296, 7
20 References
1 Needham, J.G & Wes all, M.J. 1955. ‘Dragonflies of North America’, University of California Press, California.
2 Thorp, J.H. & Covich, A.P. 2010. ‘Ecology and Classifica on of North American Freshwater Invertebrates’, Elsevier Inc. Boston, pp 587-657.
3 Paseka, J. M. 2010. ‘Nebraska Dragonflies and Damselflies’, University of Nebraska State Museum, viewed 10-01-2013,