Monitoring Dragonfly Migration in North America Protocols for Citizen Scientists

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Blank on purpose Monitoring Dragonfly Migration in North America

Protocols for Citizen Scientists

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership

The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership uses research, citizen science, education, and outreach to understand North American dragonfly migration and promote conservation.

MDP steering committee members represent a range of organizations, including: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum; Pronatura Veracruz; Rutgers University; Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; St. Edward's University; U. S. Forest Service International Programs; U. S. Geological Survey; Vermont Center for Ecostudies; and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Project Coordinator, Celeste Mazzacano [email protected] 628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232 Tel (855) 232-6639 Fax (503) 233-6794 www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org

Acknowledgements Funding for the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership's work is provided by the U.S. Forest Service Inter- national Programs. We thank the photographers who generously allowed use of their images. Copyright of all photographs remains with the photographers.

Front and Back Cover Photographs Common Green Darner (Anax junius) male. Photograph © John C. Abbott/Abbott Nature Photography. CONTENTS

Summary Page 1

1. Introduction Page 3 1.1 Objectives and Goals Page 3 Box 1: Citizen Science Projects,page 4. 2. Citizen Science Projects Page 5 2.1 Migration Monitoring Page 5 2.1.1 Fall Migration Observations Page 5 - Objectives, page 5. Box 2: MDP Monitoring Projects, page 6. - Migration Monitoring Guidelines, page 7. Box 3: Sample Migration Observation,Page 8. - Volunteer Requirements and Training, Page 9. - Field Equipment, page 9. 2.1.2 Spring Migration Observations Page 10 - Objectives, page 10. - Monitoring Guidelines, page 10. 2.2 Pond Watch Page 11 - Objectives, page 11. - Monitoring Guidelines, page 11. - Volunteer Requirements and Training, Page 13. - Field Equipment, page 13. 2.3 Additional Projects Page 14 3. Collection & Preservation Procedures Page 15 3.1 Collecting & Preserving Dragonfly Specimens Page 15 - Capturing Adults, page 15. - Preservation of Specimens, page 15. - Adult Specimens, page 15. Box 4: Responsible Collecting Practices for Odonata,page 16. - Exuviae and Nymph Specimens, page 17. Resources Page 18 References Page 19 Media Gallery - Behaviors Page 19 Training and Education Page 20 Glossary Page 21 Appendix 1: Dragonfly Pond Watch Data Sheet Pages 22 & 23 Blank on purpose SUMMARY

Dragonfly migration is one of the most fascinating yet Migrations are seen annually in late summer -and ear least well-known events in the insect world. Dragon- ly fall, when thousands to millions of insects stream fly migration has been seen on every continent except southward from Canada down to Mexico and the West Antarctica, but most people are completely unaware of Indies, passing along both coasts of the United States this phenomenon. The aptly-named Wandering Glider and through the Midwest. Some patterns have been (Pantala flavescens), though less famed a migrant than detected in existing reports of massive dragonfly migra- the Monarch butterfly, easily dethrones the Monarch tions in North America: (1) large migrations to the south as a champion long-distance traveler. In North America, occur between late July and mid-October, with a peak in this widely distributed species is a regular migrant along September observations; (2) flights tend to follow geo- the East Coast, but its annual flights across the Indian graphic leading lines, such as ridges, cliffs, coastlines and Ocean are truly remarkable. Riding the monsoon winds, lake shores; and (3) many documented reports indicate the Wandering Glider island-hops from India to east and large migratory flights after a large-scale cold front has southern Africa; subsequent generations return by fol- passed through an area. Movement of migrants back lowing the continental coastline back to India. This is a north is less obvious, but we know the return trip occurs round trip of more than 11,000 miles (almost 18,000 ki- because mature adult dragonflies appear early in spring lometers)—nearly twice the maximum distance of the at places where residents that overwintered as nymphs Monarch’s migration. have not yet emerged. Only about 16 of our 326 dragonfly species in The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership, a collabora- North America are regular migrants; some make an- tion among scientists, non-governmental organizations, nual seasonal flights while others are more sporadic. academic institutions, and federal agencies from across The major migratory dragonfly species in North America North America, is asking participants throughout the are Common Green Darner (Anax junius), Wandering continent to work with us. The protocols in this manual Glider (Pantala flavescens), Spot-Winged Glider (Pan- will enable citizen-scientists to collect data that will help tala hymenaea), Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata), us unravel some of the many mysteries of dragonfly mi- and Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum). gration.

The aptly-named Wandering Glider Pantala( flavescens), a long-distance migration champion, makes annual flights across the Indian Ocean. (Photograph © John C. Abbott/Abbott Nature Photography.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 1 2 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration 1 INTRODUCTION

To help answer the many questions surrounding dragon- the timing of adult emergence and egg-laying. fly migration in North America, the collaborative Migra- Migrants moving north from their overwintering tory Dragonfly Partnership (MDP) was formed in 2011 grounds arrive at breeding ponds in March–April. There, among dragonfly experts, nongovernmental programs, they lay eggs that hatch into nymphs that grow rapidly academic institutions, and federal agencies from the as the water warms and develop into adults by mid- United States, Mexico, and Canada. The MDP combines summer. Most of these adults leave their emergence site research, citizen science, and education and outreach while still sexually immature and migrate south to spend to better understand North America’s migrating- drag the winter in warmer climes, presumably mating and onflies, and to promote conservation of the vulnerable laying eggs along the way, although this is not known wetland habitats on which they rely. with certainty. Residents that overwintered at the same The Partnership is building a network of volunteers site as nymphs emerge as adults in late June to mid-July; across North America to monitor, collect, and submit they mate, lay eggs, and die by mid-August, and their data on the movements of five of the most common offspring grow to middle instar nymphs that enter a dia- migratory dragonflies in North America: Common Green pause stage which allows them to overwinter at the site Darner (Anax junius), Wandering Glider (Pantala flave- and emerge as adults in late spring of the following year. scens), Spot-Winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea), Black The Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens), which Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata), and Variegated Meadow- is widespread in the Tropics, Asia, and North America, hawk (Sympetrum corruptum). is another common migrant. Migration may be an obli- The best-known and most regular migrant in gate part of the life cycle in this species, as they rely on North America is the Common Green Darner (Anax ju- temporary rain-fed pools for habitat, but the details of nius), especially in the east and Midwest. Each year in its migration have been best worked out in the western mid-August through October reports of large southward Indian Ocean region. flights and aggregations appear in newsletters, articles, Even less is known about the biology of migration and listserves. Migration in this species is not obligatory, in additional species that migrate regularly, such as the however, and Common Green Darner populations in Spot-Winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea), Black Saddle- areas ranging from Ontario, Indiana, and Maryland are bags (Tramea lacerata), and Variegated Meadowhawk known to contain both resident and migratory individu- (Sympetrum corruptum), or in dragonflies that migrate als. These populations overlap in space, but reproduc- only sporadically such as various species of Saddlebags tion between them may be limited due to differences in (Tramea spp.) or Dragonlets (Erythrodiplax spp.).

1.1 Objectives and Goals North America's best-known migrant, the Common Green Darner (Anax junius). (Photograph © Walter Chadwick.) Although it spans three countries and has been documented since the mid-nineteenth century, North Ameri- can dragonfly migration is poorly understood. We lack much basic information such as the environmental cues that trigger migratory behavior and the locations of dragonfly over-wintering grounds. More information is needed about the details of migration flights—do individuals that take wing in Canada fly all the way to Mexi- co, or do dragonflies routinely join and leave a migratory flight? How do they navigate along the flight path? Do migrants mate and lay eggs at suitable habitats along their routes—and if so, do their offspring become migrants in their turn? A better understanding of dragonfly migration

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 3 requires long-term, coordinated study by many people across a wide geographic range. The MDP is developing Box 1: Citizen Science Projects an international network of citizen scientists to contribute data to two main areas of investigation: (1) monitoring the spring and fall movements of the five main The primary goal of MDP Citizen Science proj- migratory species in North America; and (2) collecting ects is to build a network of volunteer monitors seasonal information on migratory species at local ponds across Canada, Mexico, and the United States to throughout the year. track the movements of the five most common The protocols presented in this manual will enable migratory species in North America. citizen scientists to collect data related to the migratory The protocols in this document will equip citizen behavior of dragonflies throughout Canada, the United scientists with the tools to collect data on migra- States, and Mexico. North America’s migrant dragonflies tory dragonflies. These data will contribute to are not currently rare or endangered, but our current our knowledge base about dragonfly migration lack of knowledge about migratory cues, flight path- and help promote cross-border conservation ef- ways, and overwintering grounds could put dragonfly forts. migration at risk before we are aware of the dangers. Continuing threats to wetland habitats, coupled with the effects of global climate change, could alter environmental cues for migration, affect the timing of develop- migration, we will better understand the role of this -be ment and adult dragonfly emergence, disrupt migratory havior in the survival of migratory species, and help en- corridors, or render overwintering habitat unsuitable. In sure that dragonflies by the millions remain on the wing finding answers to the many questions about dragonfly across North America for years to come.

Common Green Darner (Anax junius) male (left) holds the female (right) behind the eyes in a tandem linkage as she lays fertilized eggs in pond vegetation. Observations of mating and breeding are integral to advancing our understanding of species' life histories and the relationships between migratory and resident populations. (Photograph © Celeste Mazzacano.)

4 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Introduction 2 CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS

2.1 Migration Monitoring Volunteer monitors across Canada, Mexico, and the ing dragonfly swarms are observed more frequently in United States will track the spring and fall movements this season, while the return of northward migrants in of the five most common migratory dragonfly species in the spring is more diffuse and less noticeable. There is North America – Common Green Darner (Anax junius), evidence that a return spring migration does occur, as Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum), Wan- mature individuals are recorded at northern latitudes in dering Glider (Pantala flavescens), Spot-Winged Glider early spring at times and places where the overwinter- (Pantala hymenaea), and Black Saddlebags (Tramea ing nymphs of resident populations would not yet have lacerata). emerged as adults. Spring migrations are believed to be Observations of dragonfly migrations in North a part of the migrant life cycle that allows for coloniza- America date back at least to the 19th century; some tion of northern localities. Although migrations can be formal research into this phenomenon has been done spectacular, flights are sporadic and unpredictable, and in recent decades, but the biology behind it has not yet our understanding of this behavior will be substantially been fully explained. Much of the focus of study has advanced by widespread and consistent observations been on fall migration, in part because large migrat- from citizen scientists.

2.1.1 Fall Migration Observations Objectives Participants will monitor the timing, duration,- anddi regular migrants; the frequency and timing of migration rection of travel of migratory dragonflies, identify the in different species; the sources, routes and destinations species involved, and note any behaviors observed in a of migrants; and patterns of reproduction, emergence, migratory group such as mating, oviposition, or feeding. and movement among migratory dragonflies along their When gathered across a span of years, these data will flight paths (see Box 2: MDPMonitoring Projects on page provide answers to questions about which species are 6 for an outline of MDP Projects).

Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata). (Photograph © Walter Chadwick.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 5 Box 2: MDP Monitoring Projects

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Participants throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico collect and record valuable data, and learn to identify the five common migrant species covered under this protocol: Common Green Darner (Anax junius), Variegated Meadow- hawk (Sympetrum corruptum), Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens), Spot-Winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea), and Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata).

MIGRATION POND WATCH Collect Spring Fall Collect data on first sightings Collect data on directed Visit the same pond site of dragonflies in your area. flights of migratory species. throughout the year, iden- Record species presence/ab- Observe timing, direction, tify dragonflies, record data sence, location, & date species, numbers or timed on presence/absence along count, & weather with observed behaviors

Observe

Make note of migratory Dragonfly migrations tend Regular visits to your pond dragonflies that you see dur- to follow topographic fea- capture flight dates of mi- ing your daily activities tures such as coastlines, lake grants returning north, local shores, cliffs, and ridges emergence of resident dragonflies and provide data on late flight dates and ability to overwinter or persist Log on

Create an account, regis- Create an account, regis- Create an account, register ter the location where you ter the location where you your Pond Watch site, and made the observation, and made the observation, and submit data submit data submit data

Keep your eyes on the skies

Spring migrants appear in Fall migrants may be ob- Connect with other volun- March with peaks in April served from late July through teers in your area to observe and May mid-October, depending on dragonflies throughout the location flight season

6 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Migration Monitoring Protocol Migration Monitoring Guidelines The geographic scope of this protocol includes Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Participants are encouraged to keep watch for migratory movements in places where they live, work, or regularly visit, and report their observations in both fall and spring. In spring, - partici pants should report their first sightings of mature adults Common Green Darners are often seen migrating along the east coast of the of the five main migrant species (Common Green Darn- US in the fall. (Photograph © Dan Jackson.).) er, Variegated Meadowhawk, Wandering Glider, Spot- Winged Glider, and Black Saddlebags). In fall, participants report sightings of directional by selecting it from your saved Localities. You can also swarms of migrants and try to identify the species -in edit information or delete a locality by clicking on the volved in the flight. Participants should keep regular site name and using the edit or delete buttons. watch for migratory species as they go about their daily activities. The following data should be recorded on the MDP web site: Species Observed Record the dragonfly species that are part of the migratory flight. If you were unable to identify some or even General Flight Information all of the species, your selection may be as general as To submit an observation, log onto the MDP web site 'dragonfly' or 'darner'. Also indicate whether you have (www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org); if you are a high, medium, or low level of confidence in the accu- a new user, you will need to register on the site with a racy of your identification. To help volunteers, MDP has username and password. On the MDP home page, click developed an identification guide for the main - migra on "Enter Migratory Observation". Record the date that tory species and their look-alikes (www.migratorydragon you observed the flight, as well as your arrival and de- flypartnership.org/index/identificationGuides). If more parture times from the site. You will be asked to indicate than one species is involved in the flight, submit data whether your observation is being vouchered by obser- on the first species and select another "Taxon" from the vation notes, photos, video, or a collected specimen. If list and provide percentages of each of the other spe- you have photo or video records, you can upload your cies observed. For example, a flight may consist of 100% files (2 GB limit) to the web site. Common Green Darners, or of 80% Common Green Darners and 20% Wandering Gliders. If you are unable to identify the individual species within the flight, you can Locality indicate that proportion of the flight as “unknown”, but Participants will be able to create a "locality", the loca- give as much detail as possible about their coloration, tion at which the observation was made. If you have size, markings, and flight characteristics in the- com previously entered any localities on the site, they will be ments section. Voucher photos, videos, and/or -speci available for selection. When you enter a new locality, mens are encouraged as they can also aid in making spe- you will be asked to give it a name, and asked to add cies determinations. any notes that are relevant. If you observed a migratory The pull-down allows you to select only the 5 main swarm in fall or a "first-of-the-year" sighting in spring, migratory species. However, we want to know as much you will be asked to indicate which project the site is as- as possible about any other dragonfly species you may sociated with; click the box that says "Migration Moni- see in a migration flight, so you can also describe other toring". Enter the “Jurisdiction” information for your site species seen in the flight (see Coincident Taxa on page by selecting your country, then choose the state/prov- 9). ince and county from the pop up menus that appear. A At this point you can click "Next" if you have in- GoogleEarth map showing the general vicinity will pop formation to add on behaviors, point counts, coincident up automatically; zoom in and pan to find the exact loca- taxa, or weather. Otherwise click "Finish" to review and tion of your site, click on that spot, and the elevation, submit your record. If you click "Next" you have the op- latitude, and longitude will be filled in automatically. tion to fill in as many or as few of the additional data Alternatively, if you already know the site coordinates lines as you choose. from your GPS unit, you can enter them manually (in decimal degrees only; general format, latitude XX.XXXX, longitude -XX.XXXX). Your site will be saved and you can Flight Behavior enter any associated observations in the future simply Describe the flight characteristics for the species- in

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 7 Box 3: Sample Fall Migration Observation: MDP Data Collection Web Site

http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org

8 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Migration Monitoring Protocol volved in the flight. Fill in the maximum and minimum flight height (select meters or feet as units), and indicate the proportion of the entire flight you were able to observe, how the flight was directed, and from what direction the dragonflies were flying. Indicate any ob- Personnel Requirements & Training served behaviors such as mating, feeding, etc., and fill in any additional notes about behavior. Behavioral data is optional, but please try to provide as much descrip- tive information as you can to help determine if the observed flight is true migration versus a feeding swarm or short-distance relocation to a new habitat after adult emergence. Map of 2013 dragonfly reports throughout North America.

Point Counts Please record either an estimate of the number of in- scattered clouds, overcast, fog, mist, or rain. Estimate dividuals in the flight, or do one or more timed counts the percentage of cloud cover to the best of your abil- (point count). For example, if you see a migratory flight ity. Wind speed may be given as calm, light, moderate, incidentally while out driving, you may report “swarm or strong. Record the direction that the wind is blowing of hundreds seen moving south”. However, if you have from and indicate Celsius or Fahrenheit for the tempera- a few minutes, you can do a more quantitative assess- ture. Weather information is optional, but these data ment. may aid in determining whether certain weather pat- To do a point count, stand in one place, look per- terns correlate with migratory flights. When you are fin- pendicular to the flight path, and count the number of ished entering your observation, be sure to click "save" dragonflies that cross your field of vision during a given so your record will be entered in the database. period. A handheld clicker is helpful for tallying. If the flight is at a great height, you may want to lie on your back to count, and/or use binoculars. Count across a de- Volunteer Requirements & Training fined interval, such as two or three minutes. If you are Anyone interested in dragonflies can make a real contri- at the site for a longer period and the flight continues, bution to our scientific knowledge of dragonfly- migra you may do additional timed counts (e.g., count once -ev tion. Participants should use the MDP migratory species ery 15 or 30 minutes). Enter the number of dragonflies field guidehttp://www.migratorydragonflypartnership. ( counted across your timed interval and add any desired org/index/identificationGuides) that describes the main notes. If you did more than one timed count, you will be migratory species in North America as well as the species able to enter that data as well. When you enter timed most likely to be confused with them. The MDP Virtual counts, the rate per minute is calculated automatically. Image Library of migratory species (http://www.migra torydragonflypartnership.org/index/virtualImag es) can also aid in identification. Observers are strongly encour- Coincident Taxa aged to explore the many excellent regional field guides You may indicate any coincident taxa observed by de- available (see Resources on page 18). Training may be scribing any other dragonfly species seen; additional available in your region; please check the MDP website organisms such as butterflies or birds can also bede- (http://www.mi gratorydragonflypartnership.org ) for scribed. This may be a very general description (e.g., more information on short courses being offered around “additional large darners”) or more specific (e.g., “Mis- North America. Connect with others in your area by join- sissippi Kites migrating through same area”, or “Carolina ing a regional dragonfly Listserve or Facebook group (see Saddlebags feeding in wetland”). Resources on page 18).

Weather Conditions Field Equipment Participants that collect weather information at the site of the migration event may note basic weather condi- Binoculars are helpful for identification of species within tions, including precipitation, percent cloud cover, wind the flight. A camera is useful to provide voucher photos speed, wind direction, and air temperature (participants and/or videos. An aerial net (see Resources on page 18 may enter none, all, or some of the weather informa- for suppliers) will enable capture of dragonflies for iden- tion). Report current precipitation conditions as clear, tification or collection.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 9 A Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) takes flight. (Photograph © Dan Jackson.)

2.1.2 Spring Migration Observations

Spring migration monitoring allows volunteers to submit you observed the flight, as well as your arrival and de- their records of incidental spring observations of the five parture times from the site. You will be asked to indicate main migratory dragonfly species in North America. This whether your observation is being vouchered by obser- protocol captures data from volunteers who observe vation notes, photos, video, or a collected specimen. If migrant dragonflies during their daily activities and who you have photo or video records, you can upload your are not able to commit to regular observation through files (2 GB limit) to the web site. the Pond Watch project.

Locality Objectives To enter the location of your observation, follow theFall Migration Monitoring protocol for entering a "Locality" Return of migrants to the north is spread out much more (page 7) and ensure that "Migration Monitoring" is se- in space and time than the fall migration south. Observa- lected before entering your observation. tions of spring migrants that are returning to the north from their overwintering grounds are recorded through the beginning of June. Species Observed Record any of the five migratory species that were seen Monitoring Guidelines during your observation. Follow theFall Migration Moni- toring protocol (beginning on page 7) for further instruc- The spring migration protocol records the following data: tions on entering species information and additional data on your observation. At this point you can click "Next" if you have information to add on behaviors, point counts, General Flight Information coincident taxa, or weather, otherwise click "Finish" to To submit an observation, log onto the MDP web site review and submit your record. If you click "Next" you (www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org); if you are have the option to "Skip" any of the additional fields and a new user, you will need to register on the site with a the optional information on the pages that follow. When username and password. On the MDP home page, click you are finished entering your observation, click "save" on "Enter Migratory Observation". Record the date that so your record will be entered in the database.

10 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Spring Migration 2.2 Pond Watch

MDP is also investigating when, where, and how migra- ner at the top of the page, and select “Manage Locali- tory species develop at the local level. In Pond Watch, ties”. On the page that appears, click on the “Create New volunteers visit the same wetland or pond site on a regu- Locality” link (if you have existing localities registered, lar basis, and record their observations on the presence these will also appear). When you enter a new locality, OR absence of the five main migratory species. Partici- you will be asked to give it a name, and to add any rel- pants will be able to note the arrival dates of the first evant notes (e.g., "created pond in local park", "restored migrant dragonflies moving north in the spring, and to wetland at wildlife refuge", etc.). It would also be useful record when the resident adults of the five main migra- here to record either an estimate of the size of the wet- tory species begin to emerge at their local ponds. land, or of the area that you will generally be monitoring (e.g., “2 acre lake”, or “1/2 mile walk along shore line”). You can also enter a new locality directly by click- Objectives ing "Enter Pond Watch Observation" and entering your observation. Participants have the option to search for Participants monitor the presence, emergence, and and select a "Shared Locality" in their vicinity to collect behaviors of the five main migratory dragonfly species data and coordinate monitoring efforts with volunteers at their site. Be aware that depending on your location at a shared site. If your site has public access, you may these species may be present at different times of the decide to save your site as a "Shared" locality to allow year and some may be rarer or less abundant in your other volunteers in your area to contribute observations region. at that site. When gathered across a span of years, this sea- Under “Projects”, indicate which project the site is sonal information at local ponds will increase our knowl- associated with by selecting "Pond Watch". Under “Ju- edge of the life histories of these species, expand our risdiction”, select your country, followed by your state/ understanding of the relationship between migratory province, and then county. A GoogleEarth map showing and non-migratory members of the same species, and the general vicinity will pop up automatically; zoom in help us better understand the timing of dragonfly migra- and pan to find the exact location of your site, and click tion across North America. on that spot, and the elevation, latitude, and longitude will be filled in the appropriate boxes automatically. -Al ternatively, if you already know the site coordinates from Monitoring Guidelines your GPS unit, you can enter them manually (in decimal degrees only). The geographic scope of this protocol includes Canada, Your site will be saved and you can enter any as- the United States, and Mexico. Participants are encour- sociated observations in the future simply by selecting it aged to select wetlands or ponds near places where they live, work, or regularly visit, and report their observations of the five main migrant species (Common Green A short course participant displays a Common Green Darner (Anax ju- Darner, Variegated Meadowhawk, Wandering Glider, nius). (Photograph © Alexa Carleton.) Spot-Winged Glider, and Black Saddlebags).

Site Selection Select a pond, marsh, swamp, or other local wetland to monitor. Because we are asking for ongoing data collection from these sites, choose a wetland close to where you live, work, or recreate, to make it easier to visit your site regularly.

Locality - Site Registration When you have selected your site (or sites—you can monitor as many as you wish!), register it as a locality on the MDP web site. To do this, log onto the MDP web site; if you are a new user, you will need to register with a username and password. Click on “Localities” in the ban-

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 11 for exuviae, as this tells us when adults are emerging at the pond. An exuvia is the cast-off skin of the final- instar nymph, left behind when it transforms into an adult. When ready to emerge, nymphs stop feeding, switch to aerial respiration, and climb out of the water onto surrounding vegetation or structures. The nymph’s outer skin splits open and the adult pulls itself free. Exu- viae are generally found close to the water; search on emergent vegetation, rocks, tree trunks, logs, and bridge abutments. They can be somewhat hard to see, as they are small and a dull tan/brown color. Identification of dragonfly exuviae is more- chal lenging than identifying adults. Because of this, the main focus is on Common Green Darner exuviae. Any observations of exuviae submitted to MDP must be accompanied by a photo voucher! Common Green Darner exu- Common Green Darner (Anax junius) nymph. Before emerg- viae are relatively large, with an elongated (30-50 mm ing as adults, dragonflies spend months to years in this aquat- [1.2-2 in]), cylindrical, spindle-shaped abdomen that ta- ic stage. (Photograph © John Abbott/Abbott Nature Photog- pers to a point at the end. Their hinged lower lip (labium) raphy.) is flat (not scoop- or spoon-shaped, as in skimmers), and they have slender antennae with 6-7 small slender seg- ments, all about equal in length. If you find exuviae and from "Localities". You can also edit information or delete suspect that they are Common Green Darner, take pho- a locality by clicking on the site name and using the edit tos that show top, underside, and side views and upload or delete buttons. them along with the rest of your observations on the MDP web site. Check out a 3-D image of a Common Green Darner Site Visits on the MDP web site (http://www.migratorydragonfly Make regular visits to your selected site; the frequen- partnership.org/index/virtualImages ) to aid in identifica- cy of site visits is your choice, but please try to make tion. observations at least once per month. Record data on your location, as well as the presence OR absence of target species at your site, and if possible, capture pho- to vouchers to upload to the web site along with your data. A data sheet that reflects the data entry on the MDP web site is in Appendix 1 to assist you in the field with data collection. A Spanish version of the datasheet is available on the MDP web site (http://www.migrato rydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/File/Drag onfly_Pond_Watch_data_sheet_Espanol_July_1_2014. pdf).

Data Collection The entries on the data sheet guide you through the monitoring method. Simply visit your local pond(s) and make observations of the target species during the time you have available. Be sure to record your arrival and departure times, as well as the estimated abundance, life stages, gender, and behaviors seen for any of the focal species that are present. If none of the target species are observed during a particular site visit, please indicate that these species were absent in the abundance Common Green Darner (Anax junius) exuvia attached category, because it is just as important to know when a to vegetation. This cast-off nymphal skin is evidence that species is NOT present as when it is. dragonflies are successfully breeding at your pond. (Photo- We are also asking people to be on the lookout graph © Dennis Paulson.)

12 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Dragonfly Pond Watch A Common Green Darner (Anax junius) female deposits eggs in pond vegetation. (Photograph © Walter Chadwick.)

Volunteer Requirements & Training consult one of the many excellent regional field guides available (see Resources on page 18). Training may be Anyone interested in dragonflies can make a real con- available in your region; please check the MDP web site tribution to our scientific knowledge of the life histories (www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org) for more in- of migrant dragonflies. Observations of non-migratory formation on Migratory Dragonfly Short Courses being species at your Pond Watch site can also be submit- offered around North America. ted to OdonataCentral ([OC] www.odonatacentral.org). OC is a sister-site to the MDP and is a volunteer-based project to catalog odonate diversity and distribution Field Equipment in the New World. Be aware that records submitted to OC MUST be accompanied by a photo! Participants Binoculars are helpful for identification of species at a should use the MDP migratory species field guide distance, whether flying around a pond or on a perch. (http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/index/ A camera is useful to provide voucher photos and/or identificationGuides) that describes the main migratory videos. A sturdy aerial net (see Resources on page 18 species in North America as well as the species most for a list of suppliers) will enable capture of dragonflies likely to be confused with them. The MDP Virtual Im- for identification or collection. A glassine envelope (the age Library of migratory species (http://www.migra type used for stamps) or paper envelope can be used torydragonflypartnership.org/index/virtualImages) can for voucher collection, along with paper clips to hold the also aid in identification. Observers are encouraged to envelope closed. A 3x5 card can be used as a label.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 13 2.3 Additional Projects

MDP may also institute a variety of different studies exuviae of Common Green Darners by volunteers, to conducted across a shorter time span than Pond Watch gain a clearer understanding of regional breeding and and Migration Monitoring, to address specific research emergence patterns. Please visit the MDP web site and questions as they arise. For example, an analysis of sta- sign up for our monthly e-newsletters to receive up-to- ble hydrogen isotope ratios in Common Green Darner date information about the timing of these shorter-term (Anax junius) wings collected by volunteers is helping projects as they are initiated. to determine the distance each specimen traveled from the wetland in which it developed. These ratios are giv- ing us a better picture of migration distances and timing. Photo or Video Vouchers Despite the broad geographic area over which dragonfly Participants are strongly encouraged to take photos or migration occurs, the degree of connectivity among mi- videos of dragonflies when possible to facilitate and con- gratory populations remains essentially unknown. Stable firm identification. When recording your data online, you isotope analyses help researchers understand connec- will be able to select photo or video upload; follow the tivity among migratory dragonfly populations and the site prompts as indicated. Photos should be accompa- geographic scale of migration. nied by all of the information that would be included on Similar projects involve monitoring and collecting a specimen label (date, locality, and collector’s name).

Hydrogen isotope ratios sampled from wings provide clues to the distance adult dragonflies travel from natal ponds. (Photograph © John C. Abbott/Abbott Nature Photography.)

14 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Additional Projects COLLECTION & PRESERVATION 3 PROCEDURES

3.1 Collecting & Preserving Dragonfly Specimens Capturing Adults with the other; the dragonfly will usually fly up into the top portion of the net. If it’s fluttering a lot, wait a few Participants may wish to capture individuals involved in seconds for it to settle down and cling to the net. migratory events and/or migrant species observed in Gather the net bag below the insect loosely into the field to identify the species in-hand and to takea one hand, then reach in with the other hand and care- photographic voucher. Collecting and preserving speci- fully grasp the insect. To remove it from the net and hold mens is NOT required to participate, but if you wish to it in a way that prevents it from injuring itself, grasp the collect and preserve specimens for future projects, MDP dragonfly gently at the base of the wings, holding the encourages responsible collecting practices as outlined wings together over the thorax with your forefinger and by the Dragonfly Society of the Americas (1996) [http:// thumb. You are not likely to be bitten; at worst, you may www.odonatacentral.org/index.php/PageAction.get/ experience a sharp pinch from the jaws of a large drag- name/DSACollectingPolicy], and reproduced on page 16. onfly. Successful netting of dragonflies is something of an art, as they have excellent vision, acrobatic flight, and are -of ten wary or unwilling to perch. Don’t be discouraged if Preservation of Specimens you miss—your success will improve with practice! To collect a dragonfly in flight, use a sturdy, light- Responsible collecting includes ensuring the specimens weight, long-handled net (see Resources on page 18 for are preserved properly, so they will be educational and a list of suppliers). Approach the dragonfly slowly, and informative for years. Proper preservation is straightfor- when close enough to catch it, swing the net sideways ward and the materials needed are easily obtained. to scoop up the insect, then immediately flip the net bag over so the excess hangs over the rim and traps the dragonfly inside. Swing from behind and below if pos- Adult Specimens sible, as dragonflies’ vision is poorest in this area. For a perched dragonfly, sweep the net sideways and over the Preserving Specimens top of the insect, then quickly grab the net around the Fold the live specimen’s wings above the abdomen in base near the rim so it can’t fly out. With either tech- the same way you would hold any adult odonate and nique, once the dragonfly is in the net, hold the net bag slide it into a small glassine envelope of the type used at the base with one hand and lift up the top of the net for stamps or coins. Envelopes can be purchased at

Common Green Darner (Anax junius) nymphs (on the left) and other darner nymphs have elongated, spindle-shaped abdomens that taper to a point at the end, while Black Saddlebag (Tramea lacerata) nymphs (on the right) and other skimmer nymphs look quite different with broad, wedge-shaped abdomens. (Photographs © John Abbott/Abbott Nature Photography.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 15 Box 4: Dragonfly Society of the Americas - Responsible Collecting Practices for Odonata

Purpose 1.1 To create a reference collection for study and apprecia- tion. 1.2 To document regional diversity, frequency and variabil- ity of species, and as voucher specimens for published records. 1.3 To document faunal representation in environments undergoing, or threatened with, alteration by human or natural forces. 1.4 To participate in the development of regional checklists and institutional reference collections. 1.5 To complement a planned research endeavor. 1.6 To aid in dissemination of educational information. 1.7 To provide specimens for taxonomic studies. 1.8 To provide information for ecological studies. Swamp Darner (Epiaeschna heros); a known migrant. (Photo- 1.9 To provide a resource for DNA material for genetic analy- graph © Dennis Paulson.) ses. Restraint As To Numbers 2.1 Collection of adults or immatures should be limited to 5.5 Importation and movement of exotic species must be in sampling, not depleting the population concerned. compliance with international, national, or regional laws 2.2 Numbers collected should be consistent with, and not prior to importing or exporting live or dead material. excessive for, the purpose of the collecting. Responsibility for Collected Specimens 2.3 Where the extent and/or fragility of the population is unknown, caution and restraint should be exercised when 6.1 All specimens should be preserved with full data attached, collecting. including percentage of immatures when known. 6.2 All specimens should be protected from physical dam- Collecting Methods age and deterioration, as by light, molds, and museum 3.1 Field collecting should be selective and should minimize pests. harm to non-target organisms. 6.3 Collections should be made available for examination by 3.2 Field collecting should be conducted in such a manner so qualified researchers. as not to cause undue damage to fragile habitats such as 6.4 Collections or specimens, and their associated written, seeps and fens. electronic, photographic and other records, should be Live Odonata willed or offered to the care of an appropriate scientific institution, if the collector lacks space or loses interest, 4.1 Rearing to elucidate life histories and to obtain series or anticipates death. of immature stages and adults is encouraged, provided 6.5 Type specimens, especially holotypes or allotypes should that collection of the rearing stock is in keeping with the be deposited in appropriate institutions. guidelines. 4.2 Reared individuals in excess of need should be released, Related Activities of Collectors but only in the region where they originated, and in suit- 7.1 Collecting should include permanently recorded field able habitat. notes regarding habitat, conditions, and other pertinent 4.3 Concerns about the introduction of disease and the information. dispersal of non-indigenous genetic material, makes 7.2 Recording of observations of behavior and other biologi- it critical that release of excess individuals in areas re- cal interactions are encouraged. moved from the larvae's origin be conducted only with 7.3 Fully documented photographic records are encouraged. a planned restoration program under the supervision of 7.4 Education of the public about collecting and conserva- knowledgeable biologists. tion, as reciprocally beneficial activities, should be- un Environmental and Legal Considerations dertaken whenever possible. 5.1 Protecting the supporting habitat must be recognized as Traffic In Odonata Specimens essential to the protection of a species. 8.1 Collection of specimens for exchange should - beper 5.2 Collecting should be performed in a manner that mini- formed in accordance with these guidelines. mizes trampling or other damage to the habitat. 8.2 Rearing of specimens for exchange should be from stock 5.3 Property rights and sensibilities of others must be re- obtained in a manner consistent with these guidelines, spected (including those of nature photographers and and be so documented. observers). 8.3 The sale of individual specimens or the mass collection 5.4. All collecting must be in compliance with regulations re- of Odonata for commercial purposes (e.g. fish bait), and lating to public lands (such as state and national parks, collection or use of specimens for creation of market- monuments, recreational areas, etc.) and to individual able artifacts, are not included among the purposes of species and habitats. the Dragonfly Society of the Americas.

16 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Collection Procedures hobby stores or through BioQuip (see Resources). Place mice. Avoid packing the envelopes together so tightly only one specimen in an envelope to prevent damage that they will be damaged or difficult to flip through. and avoid confusion in labelling. Mating pairs should be preserved together, but with their heads facing away from each other to avoid predation. Label the envelope Exuviae & Nymph Specimens in pencil with the date, locality, your name, and the species. Use a soft pencil or a pen with ink that will not dis- Collecting Exuviae and Nymphs solve in acetone. Place enveloped specimens in a small Exuviae, the skins of final-instar nymphs left behind af- box while you are out in the field to protect them from ter adult emergence, are found close to the water on damage, direct sunlight, and extremes of temperature. emergent vegetation, rocks, tree trunks, logs, and bridge By the time you return home, specimens will likely have abutments. Be careful when detaching exuviae, as they voided their guts; this is good, because it removes fats are fragile and easily crushed, and the legs may still be that can interfere with preservation. grasping the surface. For exuvia on vegetation it may be Adults are preserved in acetone, which is available easiest to snip the plant above and below and collect it at hardware stores. Acetone is preferable to ethanol be- with a small piece of its perch. Exuviae should be placed cause it removes more of the fats and oils and preserves in small jars or plastic containers while in the field to colors to some extent, though not completely. Working protect them. Label the container with date and locality in a well-ventilated area, remove the specimen from the using a Sharpie. envelope and drop it in a small jar of acetone. This will Nymphs are collected by sweeping an aquatic kill them within 1 minute. Remove the specimen from dipnet or a small sieve or large tea strainer through the jar and position it by straightening the abdomen and aquatic vegetation and along the bottom of a stream or arranging the legs so they are pointing downwards and pond. Some stream nymphs can be found by lifting rocks don’t obscure the abdomen. If possible, gently rotate or disturbing the sediment while holding the net down- the head so that you are looking down at the top of the stream to collect any nymphs carried by the current. head as the specimen lies on its side in the envelope. Line up the wings and separate the forewings and hind- wings slightly so you can see the veins in each. Replace Preserving Exuviae and Nymphs the specimen in its labeled envelope and snip off a small Exuviae are preserved in 70% ethanol and nymphs in part of each bottom corner to let the acetone flow in 80% ethanol, in well-sealed glass or plastic vials. Labels and out more easily (a small snip will do; don’t make a should be written on archival or Rite-in-the-Rain water- hole the specimen could slip out of!). Use a paper clip to proof paper in soft pencil and placed inside the vial. The hold the flap of the envelope closed. Multiple specimens label should indicate date, locality, your name, and when can be processed at once if the jar is large enough to known, the family, genus, and/or species. You can also fully immerse them all. keep exuviae specimens dry and pin them through the A jar of acetone can be re-used but should be base of the wing cases; put a small drop of white glue at discarded if it appears discolored, as this is a sign that the point where the pin exits the base of the thorax on fats and oils are building up. Submerge the envelopes the underside to prevent it from slipping down. in acetone overnight then remove each, allow as much acetone as possible to drain out, and dry completely in a well-ventilated area (about 1 day). Using a fan can speed Identification of Nymphs and Exuviae up the drying process but do not heat them. Once dried Identifying dragonfly exuviae and nymphs is challenging the specimens are quite brittle, so handle them gently. and generally requires a sophisticated dichotomous key. Identification to genus requires mature nymphs, as diag- nostic characteristics may be absent or very difficult to Storing Specimens see in younger/smaller specimens, and requires using a Glassine envelopes don’t permit easy viewing, so the taxonomic key (Merritt et al.; seeReferences page 19). A final step is to CAREFULLY move the dried specimen to dissection microscope is needed for magnification; you a clear plastic envelope that also contains a white data can also convert your smartphone into a microscope, card with locality (include GPS coordinates and eleva- using $10 of materials and the detailed instructions at tion where possible), date, collector, and species name http://www.instructables.com/id/10-Smartphone-to- and gender (if known). Habitat notes like "stormwater digital-microscope-conversion. There are currently no wetland" or “ovipositing in shoreline mud” can also be easy-to-use published field guides for nymphs or exu- of value. Store specimens vertically (like a card file) in viae in North America, but see the Resources section on a sturdy and well-sealed container in an area protected page 18 for a list of existing nymph identification guides from humidity and pests such as carpet beetles, ants, or to help get you started.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 17 RESOURCES

Information Online 2. Rose Entomology (www.roseentomology.com): high- 1. Migratory Dragonfly Partnership: quality insect nets. www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org 1. 2. OdonataCentral: www.odonatacentral.org Listserves & Facebook Pages 3. Dragonfly Society of the Americas: http://www.odo An increasing number of states have initiated Odonata natacentral.org/index.php/PageAction.get/name/ surveys, which are often accompanied by an online DSAHomePage photographic catalog of species found. Search for your 4. Slater Museum of Natural History, Dragonflies: www. state's name and “odonate survey” on the internet to pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/ see if one is available for where you live. Some state sur- slater-museum/biodiversity-resources/dragonflies/ vey projects also have an accompanying Facebook page. 5. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation MDP pages: Regional & National Odonata Listserves: http://www.xerces.org/dragonfly-migration/ 1. British Columbiadragonflies: 6. International Odonata Research Institute: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/bcdragonflies www.iodonata.net/ 2. California Odonata: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CalOdes Online Dragonfly Nymph Identification Guides 3. Great Lakes Odonata: 1. Identification key to NE US dragonfly nymphs: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gl_odonata http://www.parkcitizenscience.org/dragonfly and 4. Northeast Odonata: http://www.odenews.org/NEAnisopteraSpeciesKey. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEodes pdf 5. Northwest Odonata: 2. Odonate guide to nymphs of ALlabama & Mississip- 6. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/nw_odona- pi: http://www.haysophill.com/Odonate_Nymphs. ta/info html 7. Odonata-L (US national): 3. Identification guide to odonate nymphs of Michigan: https://mailweb.ups.edu/mailman/listinfo/odonata-l http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/MICHODO/test/ 8. Ontario Odes: Anisop.htm http://groups.google.com/group/Ont-Odes 9. Southeast Odonata: Field Guides http://groups.yahoo.com/group/se-odonata Many excellent field guides are available. This list shows 10. Southwest Odonata: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/ books that cover larger geographic regions, but there groups/SoWestOdes/info are also many additional region-specific guides. Most 11. Texas Odonata: are easily available through your local bookstore or via http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TexOdes the internet. 1. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas and the South- Major Odonata Facebook Pages: Central United States: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, 1. Dragonfly Society of the Americas: https://www.face Oklahoma, and New Mexico (John Abbott). book.com/DragonflySocietyAmericas 2. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Georgia and the 2. Minnesota Dragonfly Society:https://www.face Southeast (Giff Beaton). book.com/groups/182224674277/ 3. Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and 3. Northeast Odonata: https://www.facebook.com/ the Yukon (Rob Cannings). groups/241657275954604/ 4. Dragonflies Through Binoculars: A Field Guide to 4. Odonata Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/ Dragonflies of North America (Sidney Dunkle). groups/168301833304412/ 5. Libélulas de Mesoamérica y el Caribe (Carlos Esquiv- 5. Odonata of the Eastern U.S.: https://www.facebook. el). com/groups/OdonataoftheeasternUS/ 6. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Dennis Paul- 6. Southeastern Odes: https://www.facebook.com/ son). search/str/Southeastern+Odes/groups-named 7. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West (Dennis 7. Western Odonata: https://www.facebook.com/ Paulson). groups/WesternOdonata/ 8. Wisconsin Dragonfly Society:https://www.facebook. Equipment com/groups/wisconsindragonflysociety/ 9. World Dragonflies:https://www.facebook.com/ 1. BioQuip (www.bioquip.com): wide range of general groups/odonata/ entomology supplies & books. 18 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Resources REFERENCES

1. Corbet, P.S. 1999. Dragonflies: behavior and ecology 4. May, M.L. 2012. A critical overview of progress in of Odonata. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New studies of migration of dragonflies (Odonata: Anisop- York. 829 pp. tera), with emphasis on North America. Journal of 2. Hobson, K.A., D.X. Soto, D.R. Paulson, L.I. Wassenar, Insect Conservation 17(1): 1-15. and J.H. Matthews. 2012. A dragonfly (δ2H) isoscape 5. Merritt, R.W. and K.W. Cummins. 1996. An introduc- for North America: a new tool for determining natal tion to the aquatic insects of North America. Kendall origins of migratory aquatic emergent insects. Meth- Hunt, Dubuque, IA. 862 pp. ods in Ecology and Evolution 3(4): 766-772. 6. Wikelski, M., D. Moskowitz, J. S. Adelman, J. Cochran, 3. Matthews, J.H. 2007. Research in Motion: Patterns of D. S. Wilcove, and M. L. May. 2006. Simple rules Large-scale Migration in Dragonflies and Birds. Ph.D. guide dragonfly migration. Biology Letters 2(3): 325- dissertation, University of Texas. 329.

MEDIA GALLERY—BEHAVIORS

Emergence Perching 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtWVncvuFoA 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82uLreoSfeY 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYsiz_m03AU

Emergence sequence: On right, the dragonfly emerges from Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) (left) perched hori- the split nymphal skin (exuvia) and the newly emerged (ten- zontally. Common Green Darner (Anax junius) (right) eral) adult dragonfly is then perched on the "skin" of the final vertically perched. (Photographs © Dennis Paulson.) stage nymph. (Photographs © Peg Serani.)

Mating Feeding 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w5_xgxLBEo 1. Dragonfly feeding swarm: 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZPuLFF3_ho http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6L1VV_2gMI 2. Slow motion of dragonflies feeding in flight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uFeo_fh3uA

Migration 1. Migrating Variegated Meadowhawks: http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=jw2p-j9QlmM 2. TED Talk on dragonfly migration: http://www.ted. com/talks/charles_anderson_discovers_dragon flies_that_cross_oceans.html

Patrolling Male and female Common Green Darners 1. http://www.andrewmountcastle.org/media/dragonfly.mov (Anax junius) in the "wheel" position as they 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UVUxjbhYA0 mate. (Photograph © Dennis Paulson.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 19 MEDIA GALLERY—BEHAVIORS

Ovipositing 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmXwg0OpNHE 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkRldM-ecaE

Male (left) Common Green Darner Anax( junius) holds the female in a tandem linkage as she lays eggs. (Photograph © Den- nis Paulson.)

TRAINING & EDUCATION Natural Resources Conservation Service: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1LiBs8lgFs&list=UUv Z7D7GDAoIo7eFlKuoqE-g MDP YouTube & Google+ Videos: 1. MDP basic website navigation: https://www.you tube.com/user/MigratoryDragonfly/videos 2. Migratory Dragonfly Short Course recorded MDP Short Course Training Modules in Vermont June 2013: https://plus.google. 1. English & Spanish Versions available: http://www. com/u/0/103068082207263161480/posts migratorydragonflypartnership.org/index/addition 3. Dragonfly Conservation webinar hosted by the USDA alResources?execution=e1s9

20 Monitoring Dragonfly Migration Training & Education GLOSSARY

Diapause: a state of dormancy and delayed develop- Migration: a directed movement from the site where ment that occurs in response to regularly occurring the insect emerged to a new reproductive habitat, cov- adverse conditions; for example, nymphs of some drag- ering a distance of tens to thousands of kilometers onfly species undergo diapause to survive winter conditions Nymph: also known as larva or naiad; young stage of dragonfly; fully aquatic; develop for anywhere from one Emergence: final molt, where the late stage nymph to several years, depending on species, undergoing nu- climbs out of the water onto a supporting surface, the merous molts as they grow skin splits along the back, and the new adult (teneral) pulls itself free of the old nymphal skin (called an exu- Oviposition: the act of egg-laying; depending on spe- via); the wings and abdomen expand, the skin hardens, cies, eggs are laid on the water, or inserted into live or and the teneral adult is ready for its first flight dead plant material or into the sediment. A female laying eggs may be guarded by the male as she flies, or he Exuvia (pl: exuviae): cast-off skin left behind when the may continue to hold her behind the eyes as they fly in final-instar nymph emerges as an adult tandem. An ovipositing female may be seen flying low along the water and touching the tip of her abdomen Feeding: hunting and consuming prey, which consist of down at intervals to release eggs, or perched on veg- small insects (including other dragonflies and damsel- etation with her abdomen curved and the tip pressed flies!); a feeding dragonfly may fly up from a perch to down against the plant material into which she is insert- grab its prey, or snatch its prey while in flight. Small prey ing her eggs may be eaten on the wing; consuming larger prey may require the dragonfly to land first. Large feeding swarms Patrolling: behavior exhibited by some male dragon- of dragonflies may form where prey is abundant flies, seen flying back and forth as they defend a fixed territory, or flying continuously around and over the Hydrogen isotope ratio: ratio of different atomic forms water’s surface, sometimes diving at and attempting to of hydrogen atoms, known to vary characteristically at scare off other males different latitudes; the hydrogen isotope fingerprint of the water body in which a nymph develops remains Perching: resting on the substrate (rocks, plants, twigs, locked in the wing tissue of the adult tree branches, etc.). Different species may perch in a characteristic pose, and perching position may change Immature: a young adult dragonfly that has not devel- as the dragonfly attempts to regulate its body tempera- oped its mature coloration or become sexually mature ture (i.e. hanging vertically, wings drooped, abdomen pointed straight up, etc.) Instar: a developmental stage in larval or nymphal insects; at the completion of one instar, the nymph sheds Pond: a small body of standing water surrounded by its skin (molts) and begins the next instar; most dragon- land; may be natural or artificial; water depth is shal- flies go through 10-13 instars low enough that light penetrates to the bottom, rooted plants can grow throughout, and wave action on the Lake: a large body of water surrounded by land; gen- shoreline is lacking erally permanent in the landscape except in periods of extreme and prolonged drought Tandem: the wheel formation of mating has opened, but the male continues holding the female behind her Mating: mating dragonflies form a characteristic and eyes as they fly, perch, or lay eggs together unmistakable shape called the “wheel”, in which the male holds the female behind the eyes with structures Teneral: a newly-emerged adult; exhibits weaker flight, at the tip of his abdomen, and the female curves her ab- less pigment development, shiny wings, and is sexually domen upwards to contact the sperm-transfer organs immature on the underside of the male abdomen, closer to the thorax, and often holds on to the end of the male’s ab- Wetland: area of transition between terrestrial and domen with her legs. A mating pair may fly or perch in aquatic systems; soils are saturated with or covered the wheel formation shallowly by water at some time during the growing season each year, but generally do not contain visible Mature: reproductive adult with full characteristic pig- water year-round; also called swamps, marshes, bogs, ment development or fens

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 21 Download the Spanish version of this data sheet: http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/File/Dragonfly_Pond_Watch_data_sheet_Espanol_July_1_2014.pdf Appendix 1 Dragonfly Pond Watch Data Sheet

22 The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership I www.MigratoryDragonflyPartnership.org

Observer Site Name Please record data on the 5 migratory dragonfly target species. E-mail Address County PHOTOS: Photos are encouraged when State/Province possible for records of adults; photos are required for exuviae observations. Latitude (dd.ddddd) Longitude (-ddd.ddddd) HabitatObs Habitat Type:  Natural wetland/pond  Restored wetland/pond  Created wetland/pond  Other Habitat Comments:

Check abundance of each species seen Observations and check all attributes that apply to members of the species that occur on Species code: Common Green Darner (Anax junius ) [Aj]; Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata ) [Tl]; Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum the date observed. corrumptum ) [Sc]; Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea ) [Ph]; Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens ) [Pf]

Date Date Date

Species Code Aj Tl Sc Ph Pf Aj Tl Sc Ph Pf Arrival Time Departure Time absent (0) e nc uncommon (1-4) common (5-20) Abunda very common (21 +) male           female           Sex unknown          

exuvia          

Monitoring DragonflyMigration * teneral           Stage adult           mating Pond Watch Sheet Data          

egg-laying          

* emerging           perching          

Behavior feeding           patrolling           other Comments:

*See next page for definitions of life stages and behaviors Contact information: e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/index/dragonflyPondWatch Page 1 of 2

Modified 4/2/2013 Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Migratory Dragonfly Pond Watch Data Sheet

Glossary

Stages

exuvia: (pl: exuviae): cast-off skin left behind when the final-instar nymph transforms into and emerges as an adult.

teneral: a newly emerged adult; has weak fluttery flight, incomplete color development, shiny wings, and is not sexually mature; tenerals are fragile and should not be handled.

adult: reproductive individual with full characteristic pigment development.

Behaviors

mating: mating dragonflies form a characteristic and unmistakable shape called the “wheel”, in which the male holds the female behind the eyes with structures at the tip of his abdomen, and the female curves her abdomen upwards to contact the sperm-transfer organs on the underside of the male abdomen, closer to the thorax, and often holds on to the end of the male’s abdomen with her legs. A mating pair may fly or perch in the wheel formation.

egg-laying/oviposition: depending on species, eggs are laid on the water, or inserted into live or dead plant material or into the sediment. A female laying eggs may be guarded by the male as she flies (the male flies closely above and/or behind her), or she may lay her eggs as they fly in tandem (i.e., the wheel formation of mating has opened, but the male continues holding the female behind the eyes as they fly together). An ovipositing female may be seen flying low along the water and touching the tip of her abdomen down at intervals to release eggs, or perched on vegetation with her abdomen curved and the tip pressed down against the plant material into which she is inserting her eggs.

emerging: final molt, where the late stage nymph climbs out of the water onto a supporting surface, the skin splits along the back, and the new adult pulls itself free of the old nymphal skin (called an exuvia); the wings and abdomen expand, the skin hardens, and the teneral adult is ready for its first flight.

perching: an adult resting on the substrate (rocks, plants, twigs, tree branches, etc.). Different species may perch in a characteristic pose, and perching position may change as the dragonfly attempts to regulate its body temperature (i.e. hanging vertically, wings drooped, abdomen pointed straight up, etc.).

feeding: hunting and consuming prey, which consist of small insects (including other dragonflies and damselflies!); a feeding dragonfly may fly up from a perch to grab its prey, or snatch its prey while in flight. Small prey may be eaten on the wing; consuming larger prey may require the dragonfly to land first. Large feeding swarms of dragonflies may form where prey is abundant.

patrolling: behavior exhibited by some male dragonflies, seen flying back and forth as they defend a fixed territory, or flying continuously around and over the water’s surface, sometimes diving at and attempting to scare off other males. 23 Page 2 of 2

Modified 4/3/2013 Notes

Migratory Working to Understand and Conserve Dragonfly North American Dragonfly Migration Partnership

628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232 Tel (855) 232-6639 • Fax (503) 233-6794 www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org

MonDragonfliesMDP_Nov2014