DOCSLIB.ORG

Using Dragonflies As Common, Flexible, and Charismatic Subjects for Teaching the Scientific Process

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Using Dragonflies As Common, Flexible, and Charismatic Subjects for Teaching the Scientific Process Eastern Illinois University The Keep Faculty Research & Creative Activity Biological Sciences 1-1-2007 Using dragonflies sa common, flexible, and charismatic subjects for teaching the scientific process Paul Switzer Eastern Illinois University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://thekeep.eiu.edu/bio_fac Part of the Behavior and Ethology Commons, Entomology Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons Recommended Citation Switzer, P.V. (2007). Using dragonflies as common, flexible, and charismatic subjects for teaching the scientific process. The American Biology Teacher 69(3): 158-162. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Biological Sciences at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Research & Creative Activity by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. as Common, Flexible & Charismatic Subjects Using forDragonflies Teaching the Scientific Process P AUL V. S WI T ZER See this article with its beautiful images in full color online at: http://www.nabt.org/sites/S1/File/pdf/069-03-0158.pdf. iology laboratories are usually designed around eat other invertebrates in the jar . Adults are a bit more wary, convenientB and available subjects . For example, for animal yet if students avoid sudden movements or approaches, laboratories Daphnia magna, Drosophila melanogaster, frogs, they can get within inches of many common species . rats, and mice are common animals that are relatively easy Capture requires no more exotic equipment than either to obtain, relatively cheap, and consequently lend them- aerial (for adults) or aquatic (for larvae) nets, and adults can selves well to laboratory experimentation . On many cam- be quickly and cheaply marked with permanent marking puses, however, a body of water exists–either in the form pens or with white correction fluid . Moreover, adults can be of a creek or small pond–and this water attracts numerous used in many projects without capture . In addition, males animals that have tremendous potential as subjects for and females of most common species can be distinguished teaching . Chief among these animals are the dragonflies from a distance . and damselflies . Dragonflies and damselflies occupy differ- Second, dragonflies are very charismatic and are effec- ent suborders of the insect order Odonata, and, although tive ambassadors of the insect/invertebrate world . Probably both make great subjects for teaching, I focus primarily on only butterflies rival dragonflies as the most popular inverte- dragonflies in this article . Below I explain why dragonflies brate in jewelry and clothing, and dragonflies provide inter- make great subjects, give some practical advice for using esting links between the natural world and art and poetry . them in your teaching, and then For example, dragonflies have provide a few specific examples long played an important role for how I have used them in my in Haiku, as a brief Internet classes . My hope is that by giving search for “Haiku” and “drag- a little background information onfly” will demonstrate . Also, INQUIRY and& INVESTIGATION a bit of an admittedly biased in my experience, once stu- push in their direction, dragon- dents acquire just a little infor- flies will become more appreci- mation about dragonflies, only ated and more utilized in science praying mantises (another fas- teaching . cinating insect predator) rival dragonflies for intrinsic “insect Dragonflies as interest .” Because of their ris- ing popularity with the general Teaching Subjects public, dragonfly field guides Dragonflies are ideal teach- have become more common ing and research subjects for a and more “user-friendly,” in number of reasons . First, they the sense that many are now are common and relatively easy designed with the layperson in to work with . Students can mind . Consequently, identify- approach them closely, watch ing the common dragonflies them, and capture, mark, and and, to a lesser extent, the release them . Dragonfly larvae damselflies, is easier than ever . are aquatic, easy to capture using Third, dragonflies have a aquatic nets, and seem content variety of interesting ecologi- to go about their business quite cal roles and behavior in both readily either in the field or in Figure 1. Rainbow bluet damselfly (Enallagma antennatum) the larval and adult stages . the lab . For instance, when held Dragonfly larvae are dominant in jars after capture, the larvae perched on a pond. (Photo by Paul V. Switzer). invertebrate predators in many behave normally and will try to aquatic habitats and can help shape communities . Larvae capture prey by shooting out a modified lower mandible Paul V. SwiTzer is Associate Professor, Department of and grabbing prey, and larvae of larger species may eat Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, small vertebrates (e .g ., amphibian larvae and fish) as well as IL 61920; e-mail: [email protected]. invertebrates . Dragonfly larvae move either by crawling or 158 THE AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER, VOLUME 69, NO. 3, MARCH 2007 by jet propulsion, using water forc- in mind . Students will need good ibly expelled out their anus . Adults aerial nets and their capture suc- are also predaceous, and males of cess will be higher if they minimize many of the most common species their bodies’ projection against the are territorial, exhibiting a variety of plain sky background from the per- conspicuous aggressive and mating spective of the dragonfly . When behaviors . Their chases and fights possible, students should approach can make quite an impression, espe- and swing from behind the dragon- cially once the students figure out fly to decrease the chances of the what they are observing . dragonfly detecting them (again, this presents a possible student project!) . Once captured, the adults Practical of larger species can and will bite, Considerations but if students hold them by the thorax (under the wings) or by the wings, the dragonflies will not be Identification & able to reach their fingers . Students Seasonality should also be careful with the One of the first things you need wings; dragonfly wings do not have to know for studying dragonflies is scales that will rub off as do but- how to differentiate dragonflies and terflies and moths, but their wings damselflies; one can easily accom- are still fragile . To prevent damage, plish this by noting obvious aspects students should hold more than of their appearance . Adult dragon- one wing at a time, holding them flies have robust bodies, hold their folded over their back . wings out to their sides at rest, and Figure 2. Eastern amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis ten- Adult dragonflies can be often have eyes that meet in the cen- marked with white paper correc- ter of their heads; their larvae tend era) male in an “obelisk” posture. This posture helps them tion fluid, permanent markers, or to be somewhat “cricket-like” and regulate their body temperature during hot summer days. small amounts of acrylic paint on do not have any projections off the (Photo by Paul V. Switzer). their wings or abdomen . Before posterior portion of their abdo- marking any dragonflies, con- mens . Adult damselflies have sider the following . First, dragon- a long, thin abdomen and are flies are flying insects; this means overall more “dainty” looking . that students will want to mini- They hold their wings together mize the amount of correction over their backs at rest and have fluid or paint that they apply . eyes on the sides of their heads Second, after adults are handled that do not meet in the middle . and marked, the dragonflies will Damselfly larvae are likewise often fly away . Many of these thin and have three flat, paddle- individuals will come back with- like gills projecting off the poste- in minutes, a few hours, or by the rior of their abdomens . next day, but there is no guaran- Dragonflies, like most tee . Therefore, if you are doing a insects, will be affected by weath- project that requires individual er conditions, time of day, and identification, capture and mark season . This fact provides some as many as you can well ahead of limitations as well as possible Figure 3. Widow skimmer dragonfly (Libellula luctuosa). The when you intend to collect data . questions for student projects . white color on the wings and bluish color on the abdomen only For many of the territorial spe- cies, however, the males tend to In general, adults are active on appears as the male matures. (Photo by Paul V. Switzer). sunny days as long as it is warm remain in the same location, even enough (above 75˚ F or so) and returning to the same perch after are more active in the middle of the day than morning and flying away . Students can take evening . On overcast days, dragonflies require higher ambient advantage of this behavior to avoid pseudoreplication during temperatures to exhibit typical levels of activity . Furthermore, as relatively brief studies . with many insects, dragonflies (adults and nymphs) are more The territorial behavior of adult male dragonflies provides common in summer and fall than in spring . many possibilities for student research . Perching adults will often use perches you provide; consequently, students can study Handling, Marking & Observing Adults & experimentally the perch characteristics that dragonflies prefer (e .g ., Switzer & Walters, 1999) . If you do provide perches, how- Larvae ever, allow the dragonflies a day or so to become accustomed to Many satisfactory studies can be done without ever han- the change in their habitat . Many dragonflies also pursue spe- dling a dragonfly . However, if your study requires that you cies other than their own, which can make for some interesting capture adult dragonflies, you should keep a few considerations and easy observational studies (e .g ., Schultz & Switzer, 2001) . DRAGONFLIES 159 Some species have relatively clear ter- dragonflies among your students and ritorial boundaries; you can figure out to help identify the species on your where these boundaries are by observ- campus .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • ABSTRACT Gregarine Parasitism in Dragonfly Populations of Central
    ABSTRACT Gregarine Parasitism in Dragonfly Populations of Central Texas with an Assessment of Fitness Costs in Erythemis simplicicollis Jason L. Locklin, Ph.D. Mentor: Darrell S. Vodopich, Ph.D. Dragonfly parasites are widespread and frequently include gregarines (Phylum Apicomplexa) in the gut of the host. Gregarines are ubiquitous protozoan parasites that infect arthropods worldwide. More than 1,600 gregarine species have been described, but only a small percentage of invertebrates have been surveyed for these apicomplexan parasites. Some consider gregarines rather harmless, but recent studies suggest otherwise. Odonate-gregarine studies have more commonly involved damselflies, and some have considered gregarines to rarely infect dragonflies. In this study, dragonfly populations were surveyed for gregarines and an assessment of fitness costs was made in a common and widespread host species, Erythemis simplicicollis. Adult dragonfly populations were surveyed weekly at two reservoirs in close proximity to one another and at a flow-through wetland system. Gregarine prevalences and intensities were compared within host populations between genders, among locations, among wing loads, and through time. Host fitness parameters measured included wing load, egg size, clutch size, and total egg count. Of the 37 dragonfly species surveyed, 14 species (38%) hosted gregarines. Thirteen of those species were previously unreported as hosts. Gregarine prevalences ranged from 2% – 52%. Intensities ranged from 1 – 201. Parasites were aggregated among their hosts. Gregarines were found only in individuals exceeding a minimum wing load, indicating that gregarines are likely not transferred from the naiad to adult during emergence. Prevalence and intensity exhibited strong seasonality during both years at one of the reservoirs, but no seasonal trend was detected at the wetland.
    [Show full text]
  • A Survey of Odonata of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
    2012. Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science 121(1):54–61 A SURVEY OF ODONATA OF THE PATOKA RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND MANAGEMENT AREA Donald L. Batema* and Amanda Bellian: Department of Chemistry, Environmental Studies Program, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722 USA Lindsey Landowski: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Puxico, MO. 63960 USA ABSTRACT. The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (hereafter Patoka River Refuge or the Refuge) represents one of the largest intact bottomland hardwood forests in southern Indiana, with meandering oxbows, marshes, ponds, managed moist-soil units, and constructed wetlands that provide diverse and suitable habitat for wildlife. Refuge personnel strive to protect, restore, and manage this bottomland hardwood ecosystem and associated habitats for a variety of wildlife. The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) lists many species of management priority (McCoy 2008), but Odonata are not included, even though they are known to occur on the Refuge. The absence of Odonata from the CCP is the result of lack of information about this ecologically important group of organisms. Therefore, we conducted a survey, from May to October 2009, to document their presence, with special attention being paid to rare, threatened, and endangered species. A total of 43 dragonfly and damselfly species were collected and identified. No threatened or endangered species were found on the Refuge, but three species were found that are considered imperiled in Indiana based on Nature Serve Ranks (Stein 2002). Additionally, 19 new odonate records were documented for Pike County, Indiana. The results of this survey will be used by Refuge personnel to assist in management decisions and to help establish priorities for the Patoka River Refuge activities and land acquisition goals.
    [Show full text]
  • By the Lepidoptera (Eg Patterns Are Frequently Used
    Odonatologica 15(3): 335-345 September I, 1986 A survey of some Odonata for ultravioletpatterns* D.F.J. Hilton Department of Biological Sciences, Bishop’s University, Lennoxville, Quebec, J1M 1Z7, Canada Received May 8, 1985 / Revised and Accepted March 3, 1986 series of 338 in families A museum specimens comprising spp. 118 genera and 16 were photographed both with and without a Kodak 18-A ultraviolet (UV) filter. These photographs revealed that only Euphaeaamphicyana reflected UV from its other wings whereas all spp. either did not absorb UV (e.g. 94.5% of the Coenagri- did In with flavescent. onidae) or so to varying degrees. particular, spp. orange or brown UV these wings (or wing patches) exhibited absorption for same areas. However, other spp. with nearly transparent wings (especially certain Gomphidae) Pruinose also had strong UV absorption. body regions reflected UV but the standard acetone treatment for color preservation dissolves thewax particles of the pruinosity and destroys UV reflectivity. As is typical for arthropod cuticle, non-pruinosebody regions absorbed UV and this obscured whatever color patterns might otherwise be visible without the camera’s UV filter. Frequently there is sexual dimorphismin UV and and these role various of patterns (wings body) differences may play a in aspects mating behavior. INTRODUCTION Considerable attention has been paid to the various ultraviolet (UV) patterns exhibited by the Lepidoptera (e.g. SCOTT, 1973). Studies have shown (e.g. RUTOWSKI, 1981) that differing UV-reflectance patterns are frequently used as visual in various of behavior. few insect cues aspects mating Although a other groups have been investigated for the presence of UV patterns (HINTON, 1973; POPE & HINTON, 1977; S1LBERGL1ED, 1979), little informationis available for the Odonata.
    [Show full text]
  • Spatial Learning in Dragonflies Perri K
    Eastern Illinois University The Keep Faculty Research & Creative Activity Biological Sciences January 2006 Spatial learning in dragonflies Perri K. Eason Paul Switzer Eastern Illinois University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://thekeep.eiu.edu/bio_fac Part of the Behavior and Ethology Commons, Entomology Commons, and the Evolution Commons Recommended Citation Eason, Perri K. and Switzer, Paul, "Spatial learning in dragonflies" (2006). Faculty Research & Creative Activity. 239. http://thekeep.eiu.edu/bio_fac/239 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Biological Sciences at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Research & Creative Activity by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2006, 19, 268-281. Copyright 2006 by the International Society for Comparative Psychology Spatial Learning in Dragonflies Perri K. Eason University of Louisville, U.S.A. Paul V. Switzer Eastern Illinois University, U.S.A. Spatial learning is evident in dragonflies on a variety of spatial scales. Mature dragonflies must be able to locate a variety of features in the habitat that are critical to survival and reproduction, includ- ing sites for breeding, foraging, roosting, and thermoregulating. In many species, these sites do not coincide in space. Because individuals may repeatedly use particular sites for different activities, they must learn both the locations of these sites and routes among them. Further evidence of spatial mem- ory in dragonflies is provided by their site specificity on a finer scale. Breeding males, for example, often are faithful not only to a particular area, but to a specific territory site within that area.
    [Show full text]
  • Insects Carolina Mantis Mayfly
    I l l i n o i s Insects Carolina mantis mayfly elephant stag beetle widow skimmer ichneumon wasp click beetle black locust borer birdwing grasshopper large milkweed bug (adults and nymphs) mantisfly walking stick lady beetle stink bug crane fly stonefly (nymph) horse fly wheel bug bot fly prairie cicada leafhopper robber fly katydid alderfly syrphid fly Order Ephemeroptera mayfly Species List Order Coleoptera black locust borer click beetle This poster was made possible by: nsects and their relatives (arthropods) make up nearly 80 percent of the known animal species. Scientists elephant stag beetle lady beetle Illinois Department of Natural Resources Order Plecoptera stonefly currently estimate that 5 to 15 million species of insects exist. In contrast, 5,000 species of mammals are Order Orthoptera birdwing grasshopper Carolina mantis Division of Education found on our planet. In Illinois, we have more than 20,000 species of insects, and many more likely katydid Illinois Natural History Survey I Order Hemiptera large milkweed bug Illinois State Museum occur, as yet undetected in our state! The scientific study of insects is known as entomology. Entomologists stink bug wheel bug Order Diptera bot fly study insects for many reasons, including their incredible number of species and their wide variety of sizes, crane fly horse fly colors, shapes, and lifestyles. The 24 species depicted on this poster were selected by Michael R. Jeffords of robber fly syrphid fly Order Homoptera leafhopper the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, to represent the variety of prairie cicada Order Phasmida walking stick insects occurring in our state.
    [Show full text]
  • Variations in the Dragonfly Microbiome Through Life Stages and Its Ability to Harbor Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
    University of Mississippi eGrove Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2019 Variations in the Dragonfly Microbiome Through Life stages and Its Ability to Harbor Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Sarah Russell University of Mississippi Follow this and additional works at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd Part of the Biology Commons Recommended Citation Russell, Sarah, "Variations in the Dragonfly Microbiome Through Life stages and Its Ability to Harbor Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1678. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/1678 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at eGrove. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of eGrove. For more information, please contact [email protected]. VARIATIONS IN THE DRAGONFLY MICROBIOME THROUGH LIFESTAGES AND ITS ABILITY TO HARBOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA A Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master’s of Science in the Biology Department The University of Mississippi by Sarah Russell May 2019 Copyright Ó 2019 by Sarah Russell All rights reserved Abstract Juvenile dragonflies (nymphs) may possess the ability to pass their microbiome to the adult life stage through metamorphosis. If this is so, the environment in which the nymph develops may have an effect on the adult microbiome. In this study, the gut microbiomes of 13 species of dragonfly were compared across life stages and when collected from environments at different levels of urbanization. The gut of each dragonfly was removed, DNA extracted, and a portion of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplified and sequenced.
    [Show full text]
  • The Proventriculus of Immature Anisoptera (Odonata) with Reference to Its Use in Taxonomy
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses Graduate School 1955 The rP oventriculus of Immature Anisoptera (Odonata) With Reference to Itsuse in Taxonomy. Alice Howard Ferguson Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses Recommended Citation Ferguson, Alice Howard, "The rP oventriculus of Immature Anisoptera (Odonata) With Reference to Itsuse in Taxonomy." (1955). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 103. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/103 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE PROTENTRICULUS OF IMMATURE ANISOPTERA (ODONATA) WITH REFERENCE TO ITS USE IN TAXONOMY A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of Zoology, Physiology, and Entomology Alice Howard Ferguson B. S., Southern Methodist University, 193& M. S., Southern Methodist University, I9U0 June, 1955 EXAMINATION AND THESIS REPORT Candidate: Miss Alice Ferguson Major Field: Entomology Title of Thesis: The Proventriculus of Immature Anisoptera (Odonata) with Reference to its Use in Taxonomy Approved: Major Professor and Chairman Deanpf-tfio Graduate School EXAMINING COMMITTEE: m 1.1 ^ ----------------------------- jJ------- --- 7 ------ Date of Examination: May6 , 195$ PiKC t U R D C N ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I want to express ny appreciation to the members of ny committee, especially to J.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument
    A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument Top left: Melanoplus akinus Top right: Vanessa cardui Bottom left: Elodes sp. Bottom right: Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae) by David Lightfoot Compiled by Theresa Murphy Nov 2012 In collaboration with Collin Haffey, Craig Allen, David Lightfoot, Sandra Brantley and Kay Beeley WHAT ARE ARTHROPODS? And why are they important? What’s the difference between Arthropods and Insects? Most of this guide is comprised of insects. These are animals that have three body segments- head, thorax, and abdomen, three pairs of legs, and usually have wings, although there are several wingless forms of insects. Insects are of the Class Insecta and they make up the largest class of the phylum called Arthropoda (arthropods). However, the phylum Arthopoda includes other groups as well including Crustacea (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, barnacles, etc.), Myriapoda (millipedes, centipedes, etc.) and Arachnida (scorpions, king crabs, spiders, mites, ticks, etc.). Arthropods including insects and all other animals in this phylum are characterized as animals with a tough outer exoskeleton or body-shell and flexible jointed limbs that allow the animal to move. Although this guide is comprised mostly of insects, some members of the Myriapoda and Arachnida can also be found here. Remember they are all arthropods but only some of them are true ‘insects’. Entomologist - A scientist who focuses on the study of insects! What’s bugging entomologists? Although we tend to call all insects ‘bugs’ according to entomology a ‘true bug’ must be of the Order Hemiptera. So what exactly makes an insect a bug? Insects in the order Hemiptera have sucking, beak-like mouthparts, which are tucked under their “chin” when Metallic Green Bee (Agapostemon sp.) not in use.
    [Show full text]
  • Happy 75Th Birthday, Nick
    ISSN 1061-8503 TheA News Journalrgia of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas Volume 19 12 December 2007 Number 4 Happy 75th Birthday, Nick Published by the Dragonfly Society of the Americas The Dragonfly Society Of The Americas Business address: c/o John Abbott, Section of Integrative Biology, C0930, University of Texas, Austin TX, USA 78712 Executive Council 2007 – 2009 President/Editor in Chief J. Abbott Austin, Texas President Elect B. Mauffray Gainesville, Florida Immediate Past President S. Krotzer Centreville, Alabama Vice President, United States M. May New Brunswick, New Jersey Vice President, Canada C. Jones Lakefield, Ontario Vice President, Latin America R. Novelo G. Jalapa, Veracruz Secretary S. Valley Albany, Oregon Treasurer J. Daigle Tallahassee, Florida Regular Member/Associate Editor J. Johnson Vancouver, Washington Regular Member N. von Ellenrieder Salta, Argentina Regular Member S. Hummel Lake View, Iowa Associate Editor (BAO Editor) K. Tennessen Wautoma, Wisconsin Journals Published By The Society ARGIA, the quarterly news journal of the DSA, is devoted to non-technical papers and news items relating to nearly every aspect of the study of Odonata and the people who are interested in them. The editor especially welcomes reports of studies in progress, news of forthcoming meetings, commentaries on species, habitat conservation, noteworthy occurrences, personal news items, accounts of meetings and collecting trips, and reviews of technical and non-technical publications. Membership in DSA includes a subscription to Argia. Bulletin Of American Odonatology is devoted to studies of Odonata of the New World. This journal considers a wide range of topics for publication, including faunal synopses, behavioral studies, ecological studies, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Common Whitetail
    Beneficial Species Profile Photo credit: (1) "File:Common Whitetail - Plathemis lydia, Pohick Creek Park, Newington, Virginia - 28426200266.jpg" by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (2) "Common Whitetail 09a, Governors Bridge Road" by Bottlesplus is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 Common Name: Common Whitetail Scientific Name: Plathemis lydia Order and Family: Odonata / Libellulidae Size and Appearance: Length (mm) Appearance Egg Larva/Nymph Medium in size, rounded abdomen, 21-24 mm one rear facing spine on each side of segments 8 & 9, pointed hook on segments 2-6. Adult Females with short abdomen and white to pale yellow spots on the 1.7-1.9 in sides. Dark brown in color, wings with 42-48 mm 3 black evenly spaced spots. Immature males have the same body pattern as females, but wing patterns match mature males. Abdomens turn blue-white with age. Male wings have one large dark spot on each, and a smaller spot closer to the body. Pupa (if applicable) N/A Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Biting/Chewing mouthparts Host/s: Flying insects are food sources for adults. Larvae feed on aquatic larvae and insects. Will also eat small fish, tadpoles, or shrimp. Description of Benefits (predator, parasitoid, pollinator, etc.): Predator; consumes soft bodied flying insect pests, such as mosquitoes. Also consumes their larvae as naiads. References: Species Plathemis lydia - Common Whitetail. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://bugguide.net/node/view/603 Program, M. (2020, October 26). Common Whitetail - Plathemis lydia. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=IIODO45190 Lung, M., & Sommer, S.
    [Show full text]
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Dragonflies and Damselflies Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Dragonfly and damselfly at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge There are twenty-five dragonfly and damselfly species listed at the 37,515 acre Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, one of more than 540 refuges throughout the United States. These National Wildlife Refuges are administered by the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service mission is to work with others “to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat.” General Information Havasu National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 37,515 acres adjacent to the Colorado River. Topock Marsh, Topock Gorge, and the Havasu Wilderness constitute the three major portions of the refuge. Dragonflies, an important Male blue-ringed dancer sedula indicator of water quality, can be found © Dave Welling Photography on the refuge, primarily in Topock Marsh Libellula luctuosa Tramea onusta and Topock Gorge. Dragonflies can be Widow Skimmer Red Saddlebags viewed on the refuge year-round, with hot, sunny days providing some of the L. pulchella Pond Damsels–Dancers (Coenagrionidae) best viewing. Sixty-three dragonfly and Twelve-spotted Skimmer Argia moesta damsel species have been identified in Powdered Dancer Mohave County, Arizona. Visitors are L. saturate encouraged to contact refuge staff with a Flame Skimmer Argia sedula description or photograph, if an unlisted Blue-ringed Dancer species is observed. Pachydiplax longipennis Blue Dasher Enallagma civile Family Familiar Bluet Scientific
    [Show full text]
  • Panama, by Nick Donnelly
    ISSN 1061-8503 TheA News Journalrgia of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas Volume 23 14 October 2011 Number 3 Published by the Dragonfly Society of the Americas http://www.DragonflySocietyAmericas.org/ ARGIA Vol. 23, No. 3, 14 October 2011 In This Issue .................................................................................................................................................................1 DSA is on Facebook ....................................................................................................................................................1 Calendar of Events ......................................................................................................................................................1 2011 Annual Meeting of DSA held in Fort Collins, Colorado, by Dave Leatherman ...............................................2 Northeast Regional DSA Meeting, by Joshua Rose ...................................................................................................8 2011 Annual Oregon Aeshna Blitz Sets New Records, by Steve Gordon .................................................................10 2012 Annual DSA Meeting: Baldcypress Swamps, Sandy Ponds, Blackwater Rivers, and Clubtails, by Chris Hill ....................................................................................................................................................................12 Northeast Meetings Update, by Bryan Pfeiffer .........................................................................................................12
    [Show full text]