THE DRAGONFLIES and DAMSELFLIES (ODONATA) of HALTON REGION, ONTARIO an Annotated Checklist 2017
THE DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES (ODONATA) OF HALTON REGION, ONTARIO An annotated checklist 2017
First prepared by Carl J. Rothfels for the Halton Natural Areas Inventory 2006 Updated by Brenda Van Ryswyk 2017
INTRODUCTION Jones & Holder 2000); A Preliminary Annotated List of the Odonata of Northern Bruce County The Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) of including Bruce Peninsula National Park (Catling Halton Region have been historically under- et al. 2000b); the surveys of Sandbanks Provincial surveyed, especially when compared with both Park (Catling et al. 2000a; Bree 2001); the surveys odonate work in nearby areas (in 2000 Peel Region of Bon Echo Provincial Park (Bree 2000); and the had 71 documented species, Metropolitan Toronto surveys of Petroglyphs Provincial Park (Bree 2002; had 81, while Halton had only 49 [Catling & Bree 2004b). Brownell 2000]), and with work within Halton on other groups (e.g. birds). Fortunately, Halton was None of these regional and sub-regional works is well positioned to take advantage of the recent within or adjacent to Halton Region, concentrating renaissance in Ontario odonate study, particularly instead on the southern Carolinian Zone and the since 2000. This surge in interest culminated in the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Since the inclusion of Odonata as one of the fauna groups distribution of odonates can vary significantly surveyed for during the Halton Natural Areas between regions, it is particularly important to fill Inventory (HNAI) in 2003 and 2004. this hole in our current understanding of Ontario odonate distributions. The first version of this checklist was the result of the HNAI field surveys and has since been updated It is hoped that this document will aid in the and expanded. The original checklist was the first understanding of an important component of our annotated work for an Ontario municipality to local biodiversity, promote further study and provide status and occurrence lists for its complete interest in these organisms, and provide a known odonate fauna, with a goal of informing foundation for conservation and planning planning and conservation decisions. As such it decisions. As such, it is strongly modelled upon builds on the tradition of the Dragonflies and The Butterflies of Hamilton, Ontario , by damselflies (Odonata) of Peterborough County Wormington and Lamond (2003). (Jones 1999; Jones et al. 2001), the Odonata of Essex County, Ontario (Pratt 2002a), An Annotated Local knowledge of Odonata is particularly Checklist of the Odonata of Renfrew County, important since this is a relatively unknown group Ontario (Jones et al. 2000) and A Preliminary of organisms with a high proportion of provincially Annotated List of the Odonata of Lanark County, rare species (Oldham et al. 2000). Odonates, being Ontario (Catling et al. 2001). The Essex checklist confined to aquatic habitats for their larval life assigns odonate species a county status of stages, can be particularly sensitive to water common, uncommon, or rare, but is not annotated quality, and thus can be used as indicators of and does not supply occurrence data. The Renfrew aquatic ecosystem health (e.g. Catling 2003). Some and Lanark checklists are well annotated, but do groups in particular require specific conditions, and not present a systematic treatment of regional are very sensitive to habitat alteration (Catling abundance data for non-odonatists. 2000; 2001). It is important to consider these sensitivities in conservation and planning Other important inventories include Pratt’s decisions. Regional Lists of Ontario Odonata (2002b), which contains present/absence lists for the southern Included in this document are the regional, Ontario counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Elgin, provincial, and global status for each species, a list Middlesex, Huron, Grey, and Bruce; the of occurrences for locally rare and uncommon Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Park species, information on flight times, and additional and its subsequent amendments (Holder 1996; annotations. Despite the extensive recent surveys,
our knowledge of the dragonflies and damselflies The summer of 2002 marks the beginning of Royal of Halton is may still be incomplete. Additional Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) odonate program. Carl records are always appreciated, and can be sent for Rothfels concentrated on documenting the odonate inclusion in the Ontario Odonata Database via the fauna of RBG properties, with occasionally forays Natural Heritage Information Centre elsewhere in Halton, joined by G. Barrett, K. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/nhic.cfm ): Barrett, A. Kloc, G. Lewer, P.G. O’Hara, S.R. 300 Water Street, 2nd Floor, North Tower Spisani, J.L. Sylvester, I. Vaithilingam, B. Van P.O. Box 7000, Peterborough, ON, K9J 8M5 Ryswyk, and K. VanWyck. The RBG odonate Tel.: (705) 755-2159 Fax: (705) 755-2168 surveys became more systematic with the development of the first Odonate Count for the Significant provincial records and new regional region (Rothfels 2003). records should be documented with a specimen or photograph. For information on the ethical and Additional sources of data utilized in the 2017 effective collection of odonates, see Paulson update include the Ontario Odonata email list, the (2002). Hamilton Odo and leps email list as well as other websites like BugGuide and iNaturalist. Interesting or noteworthy records were gleaned from these INFORMATION SOURCES sources and added to the checklist. There may be, and likely is, additional data that the author is The data used in this checklist come from the unaware of and has not incorporated here. Those Ontario Odonate Database (OOD, 2005) stored at with additional data are encouraged to send records the Natural Heritage Information Centre, from (both noteworthy and common species) to the records generated during the HNAI, and from field Ontario Odonata Database (maintained by Colin surveys since the NAI. The OOD contains most of Jones at the NHIC) to help further our knowledge the HNAI data, except those from the 2004 field of the odonata in both our region and in Ontario. season.
The vast majority of the records contained in the NOMENCLATURE HNAI database are the result of the field surveys in 2003 and 2004, conducted by Robert Curry and Nomenclature follows Paulson (2017). The Alan Wormington. These records are common names derive from a standardized list for complimented with select observations from the North American species formulated by the HNAI Ecological Land Classification crew: Dragonfly Society of the Americas (DSA) and K.Cain, L.Dick, A.Garofalo, B.Jamison, and B. published by Paulson (2017). This list is Van Ryswyk. Brenda Van Ryswyk, in particular, occasionally updated through additions to the fauna spent considerable energy photo-documenting of North America, or through decisions of the significant odonate records during the course of the DSA’s Common Names Committee (for example, HNAI. the decision to change Sympetrum vicinum from Yellow-legged Meadowhawk to Autumn The Ontario Odonata Database is more diverse; it Meadowhawk). is the result of an ambitious effort to consolidate all provincial odonate records in a single location. Its Most odonate field workers are comfortable with first Halton records are from specimens collected both the common and scientific names. While by the legendary E.M. Walker (first in 1935), and knowledge of the common names is sufficient for by the likes of P.G. Mason and R.W. Cameron, and communication of records (and odonate common stored in the insect collections of the Royal Ontario names are often very evocative), learning the Museum and the University of Guelph. Bill and scientific names is a worthwhile exercise, for their Irene McIlveen, two of our most significant beauty, clarity, and because they contain contemporary local enthusiasts, start contributing information about species’ relationships often lost records in the early 1990s; their records are soon in the common names. For those reasons, both joined by those of visiting odonatists, including common and scientific names are included in this D.A. Sutherland, N.W. Godfrey, A. Godfrey, M. checklist. King, D.D. Beadle, J.B. Falls, C.D. Jones, M. Oldham, R. Oldham, K. Brodribb and J. Nancekivell. SPECIES ACCOUNTS FORMAT
Species are included under the main species accounts if they have been documented in the Each species listed is placed in one or more of the region either with a specimen or a photograph. following residency classes: Species that are reported with only sight records are listed after the main accounts in the “Excluded Permanent Resident Species” section. These species may well occur in These are species with long-term populations in the region, and a special effort should be made to Halton, and which over-winter, locally, as document them. Exceptions to this criterion are larvae. They are thus dependent, year-round, on noted under specific species. local aquatic habitats, although the adults may disperse widely. Additional unreported species, which may occur in the region (due to their documented presence in Breeding Immigrants adjacent municipalities), are listed in the “Potential Species” section. Nonetheless fieldworkers should These are the “lay-and-fly” species – those that always be prepared for surprises! Species not listed breed in Halton, but complete their larval on the Potential Species list may well occur. lifestage in a single summer and do not overwinter as larvae. The adults do not Limiting the main species accounts to well- overwinter in Halton either, so their populations documented species provides a clear benchmark are contingent upon the arrival of breeding for species’ inclusion, and avoids the guesswork adults in the spring. Their ecology is thus necessary when extrapolating from our incomplete comparable in many ways to our migratory understanding of provincial odonate distributions. breeding birds. This is a conservative approach that minimizes the potential inaccuracies inherent in field Temporary Resident identification of these organisms, and inherent in Like the Permanent Residents, the Temporary extrapolating from neighboring jurisdictions. The Residents establish over-wintering populations, result, though, is by definition an under-estimate; but these populations are short-lived. These we can expect the Halton species tally or ephemeral populations may be due to the distributions to increase with further fieldwork. presence of specific short-lived habitats, to the population dynamics of the species, or to Species are listed, by family, in the order of The climatic conditions. Odonata of North America (Paulson 2017). Within each family, genera are listed in alphabetic order, and species are alphabetical within genera. Vagrants The Vagrants are those species that occur in RESIDENCY STATUS DEFINITIONS Halton only as adults; they do not successfully reproduce here. The odonates of Halton fall into several different residency classes, each of which has its own REGIONAL ABUNDANCE STATUS management and conservation implications. DEFINITIONS Unfortunately, due both to features of odonate ecology and to our limited understanding of the Regional abundance status designations are based ecology of specific species, it is often difficult to on the number of “stations” recorded for a given place species in particular residency classes, and species since 1980, where a station is a the boundaries between certain classes overlap (see documented record of that species separated from Wormington & Lamond 2004 for similar issues other stations by at least one km. Except for newly with butterflies). recorded, rare or difficult-to-identify species, station records are not necessarily documented Nevertheless, the placement of species in residency with a specimen or photograph. classes is a valuable exercise, and one that will become more useful as our knowledge of local In application, the concept of regional stations is odonate ecology increases. It would be particularly more complicated, since nearly all our records are useful to have information on the distribution of of adults (which are mobile and may be recorded larval odonates (“nymphs” or “naiads”), since the far from their breeding habitat) and many of our presence/absence of larvae is key for establishing records have locational data only to the scale of residency. designated Environmentally Significant Area
(ESA). For example, a species may be recorded as G4 Common — usually more than 100 occurring in ESA#20 – Guelph Junction Woods – occurrences; usually not susceptible to but without a description of where, within that immediate threats. ESA, the species occurred. By necessity, the number of regional stations incorporates an G5 Very Common — demonstrably secure element of estimation and is strongest on the scale under present conditions of ESAs. S1 Critically Imperiled — Critically imperiled Species known from five or fewer stations are in Ontario because of extreme rarity (often 5 or considered Regionally Rare (HR); those with fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) between six and 15 stations are Regionally such as very steep declines making it especially Uncommon (HU); and others are considered vulnerable to extirpation from the Regionally Common. All known stations for state/province. Regionally Rare and Uncommon species are listed. S2 Imperiled — Imperiled in Ontario because HR Regionally Rare — known from five or of rarity due to very restricted range, very few fewer stations populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to HU Regionally Uncommon — known from extirpation from Ontario. six to 15 stations S3 Vulnerable — Vulnerable in Ontario due to PROVINCIAL/GLOBAL ABUNDANCE a restricted range, relatively few populations STATUS DEFINITIONS (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable The Natureserve Global and Subnational to extirpation. Conservation Status Ranks (G-ranks and S-ranks) are included for each species. These ranks are S4 Apparently Secure — Uncommon but not designed to indicate the degree to which a given rare; some cause for long-term concern due to species is at risk of extinction or extirpation, with a declines or other factors. rank of 1 being most imperiled, and 5 the least. Any species from S1 to S3 is considered S5 Secure — Common, widespread, and provincially rare. The G-ranks refer to the global abundant in Ontario. distribution of the species, and the S-ranks refer to the subnational distribution (in our case, the (the description of Conservation Status Ranks Ontario distribution): comes from NatureServe Explorer 2005).
G1 Extremely Rare — usually 5 or fewer S-ranks for Ontario are maintained by the Natural occurrences in the overall range or very few Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of remaining individuals; or because of some Natural Resources. G-ranks are maintained by the factor(s) making it especially vulnerable to NatureServe head office, located in Arlington, extinction. Virginia. The S-ranks and G-ranks appearing in this checklist come from the NHIC (2016) and are G2 Very Rare — usually between 5 and 20 listed to provide some information on the occurrences in the overall range or with many provincial and global status of each species. individuals in fewer occurrences; or because of Readers should be aware that both S and G-ranks some factor(s) making it vulnerable to are updated when necessary, and should consult the extinction. NHIC website for the most recent ranks (http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/sites/MNR- G3 Rare to Uncommon — usually between 20 PublicDocs/EN/ProvincialServices/Ontario_Damse and 100 occurrences; may have fewer lflies_and_Dragonflies.xlsx ). occurrences, but with a large number of individuals in some populations; may be FLIGHT PERIODS susceptible to large-scale disturbances. Odonate species have particular seasons during which the adults are present; some are spring species, while some don’t emerge until late
summer. The Halton flight period is derived purely from documented records (so observers can expect to regularly encounter species outside of their listed flight period, and thus expand our knowledge of Halton flight times). The Ontario flight period comes directly from Catling and Brownell (2000).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This checklist is the result of hundreds of hours of field work by many skilled observers. Among them, Robert Curry and Alan Wormington deserve particular mention. Colin Jones made available the OOD, identified important local vouchers, and reviewed a draft of this document; his assistance is greatly appreciated. Jill Dwyer, Robert Curry, and Brenda Van Ryswyk also provided very helpful comments on an earlier draft.
DISCUSSION Table 4. Halton’s Provincially Significant Odonata Global/ Table 1. Halton’s Odonate Fauna by Residency Provincial # of Halton Status Species Status Stations Residency Double-striped Bluet Damselflies Dragonflies Total G5/S3 4 Status (Enallagma basidens ) Permanent Slender Bluet 37 52* 89 G5/S1 1 Resident (Enallagma traviatum ) Breeding Harlequin Darner 1 3* 4 Immigrant (Gomphaeschna G5/S3 1 Temporary furcillata ) 0 0t 0 Resident Green-striped Darner G5/S2 1 Vagrant 0 3 3 (Aeshna verticalis ) Total: 38 58 96tt Swamp Darner G5/S2S3 1 *including Anax junius (Epiaeschna heros ) t but possibly L. semifasciata Lilypad Clubtail G5/S3 6 tt excluding the double-counted Anax junius (Arigomphus furcifer ) Unicorn Clubtail G5/S2S3 12 (Arigomphus villosipes ) Harpoon Clubtail G4/S3 2 Table 2. Halton’s Odonate Fauna by Regional (Gomphus descriptus ) Abundance Pronghorn Clubtail Regional G5/S3 5 Damselflies Dragonflies Total (Gomphus graslinellus ) Abundance Arrowhead Spiketail G4/S2 9 Common 8 15 23 (Cordulegaster obliqua ) 18 24 42 Clamp-tipped Emerald Uncommon G5/S2S3 4 Rare 12 19 31 (Somatochlora tenebrosa ) Painted Skimmer Excluded 0 1 1 G5/S2 5 (Libellula semifasciata )
Table 3. Halton’s Odonate Fauna by Provincial KEY RESULTS Abundance Diversity : Halton’s tally of 96 species is Damselflies Dragonflies Total SProvincial Rank impressive for an area of its size. Much of this S1 1 0 1 diversity of odonates is due to the variety of S2 1 2 3 habitats found within Halton, and to the north- S2/S3 0 3 3 south spread of the Region. Some species are S3 3 5 8 typical of more “northern” habitats (e.g. Libellula quadrimaculata) and are absent or rare in Halton S4 13 17 30 below the Escarpment, while others (e.g. S5 19 29 48 Pachydiplax) are largely confined to the southern SNA 1 2 3 areas of the Region.
Species : The two most significant results of the Table 4. Halton’s Provincially Significant Odonata recent odonate investigations are the large local Global/ populations of Unicorn Clubtail ( Arigomphus Provincial # of Halton villosipes) and Arrowhead Spiketail Species Status Stations (Cordulegaster obliqua ). Prior to 2002, there were Amber-winged approximately 13 records of Arigomphus villosipes Spreadwing G5/S3 7 from Ontario, and it was extirpated at some of (Lestes eurinus ) those (Rothfels, 2004). Between 2002 and 2005, Azure Bluet this species was discovered to be locally G5/S3 8 (Enallagma aspersum ) widespread (with five stations in Hamilton and River Bluet eight in Halton). These 13 sites in the two regions G5/S2 2 (Enallagma anna ) doubled the known Ontario records! Since 2005 we
have added even more stations for this species. Our • Systematic surveys for larvae or exuvia. current data suggest that western Lake Ontario is These surveys would grant us much greater the centre of this species’ distribution in Ontario understanding of larval distributions, and (Rothfels 2004). might reveal the presence of species missed by surveys of adults. The Arrowhead Spiketail ( Cordulegaster obliqua ) • Development of local invertabrate data is even rarer; by the end of 2003 there were only 11 management systems. Currently there is no records for the province, none from Halton (Bree local repository for invertebrate occurance 2004a). Unlike the Unicorn Clubtail, the data, or for their verification and Arrowhead Spiketail is not confined to southern dissemination. Ontario. Instead, its records are scattered thinly • Systematic surveys for additional potential across the province from a historic Hamilton record species. New species are likely to be found, in the south, east to the Ottawa area, and northwest especially if directed searches in appropriate to Sudbury. The Halton records are particularly habitats are undertaken. significant in light of Bree’s observation that the • Study of the local status of particular previous recent records were confined to the “problem groups,” especially Sympetrum Canadian Shield, and he was concerned that the (rubicundulum vs. internum ), Lestes Arrowhead Spiketail’s “continued occurrence off (disjunctus vs. forcipatus vs. australis ) and of the Shield [is] doubtful” (Bree 2004a). Enallagma (cyathigerum vs. vernale , and carunculatum vs. civile ). RECOMMENDATIONS • Determination of the local breeding status of certain species (does Libellula semifasciata Our knowledge of Halton odonates is still in its breed? Does Anax junius overwinter?) infancy. Some recommended approaches to • Development of a Halton odonate count, or increasing our understanding of these organisms, other systematic survey technique to give and to promoting their conservation, include: year-to-year information, and
• More fieldwork! • Protection of key odonate habitats. Most important are critical larval habitats, including our river systems, smaller watercourses, and fish-free ponds.
SPECIES CHECKLISTS Ebony Jewelwing The odonate station numbers refer to the NAI site [Calopteryx maculata (Beauvois, 1805)] numbers found in Volume 1 – Site Summaries. G5 S5 (See the appendix for a map of stations and list of Regionally Common station names.) To request a copy of the full Halton Permanent Resident Natural Areas inventory (Volumes 1 and 2) contact Conservation Halton.
DAMSELFLIES
CALOPTERYGIDAE - BROAD-WINGED DAMSEL FAMILY
River Jewelwing [Calopteryx aequabilis (Say, 1839)]
G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Halton flight period : May 17 (W.D. McIlveen) to Permanent Resident September 13 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 14 to October 14
One of Halton’s most distinctive, and common, river and creek species. See the River Jewelwing entry for potential identification pitfalls. First reported, in 1970, by R.W. Cameron.
American Rubyspot [Hetaerina americana (Fabricius, 1798)] G5 S4 Halton flight period: May 26 (I. McIlveen) to HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations). August 5 (J. Nancekivell) Permanent Resident
Ontario flight period : May 12 to September 22
Stations : #10; #16 (three stations); #19; #21; #26; #30A; #36; #25 (two stations); “Sideroad 25 at Guelph Line stream crossing.”
This is a distinctive species with its black wingtips, less common and more “northern” in tastes than the Ebony Jewelwing – most of the Halton records are from north of the 401. Unfortunately, none of Halton’s stations are vouchered; this species is Halton flight period : June 15 (C. Rothfels, R. included in violation of the voucher criterion Curry) to September 26 (B. Van Ryswyk) because it is distinctive (at least the males are), and the majority of the records are certainly correct. Ontario flight period : June 13 to October 20 The main identification pitfall, in the Halton area, appears to be female Ebony Jewelwings which Stations : #16 (seven stations); #10 (three stations); develop two-toned wings and could be mistaken for #3. Rivers (as opposed to the situation, in Lam 2004, of female River Jewelwings developing tinted wings This species is locally common along Sixteen Mile and looking like female Ebonies.) It can be locally Creek; the many stations there are reflective of a abundant where found. First reported, by J. more-or-less continuous distribution along sections Nancekivell, in 1996. of the creek, and thus be an overestimate. The American Rubyspot was not found along Bronte
Creek during the course of the HNAI, and was feared extirpated but it has been seen on Bronte in 2005 and 2007. It was also seen in the headwaters of Bronte Creek just over the border in Hamilton in 2017. There are also sightings at the mouth of Grindstone Creek (#3), similar in habitat but a slightly smaller creek. There are a few additional sightings for the species away from these large creeks, two along Indian Creek (#55) and one in #6A but these have been excluded as they are sight records away from typical habitat and should be Halton flight period : July 10 (B. Van Ryswyk) to confirmed with photographs. First reported, in September 17 (B. Van Ryswyk) 1936, by “Atkins.” Ontario flight period : May 30 to September 21 LESTIDAE - SPREADWING FAMILY Stations : #25 (Turner Tract), #16, #21A, #17, #18. Spotted Spreadwing [ Lestes congener (Hagen, 1861)] This species, formally known as the Common G5 S5 Spreadwing ( Lestes disjunctus disjunctus ) has been HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations) split from the Southern Spreadwing ( Lestes Permanent Resident australis , formerly Lestes disjunctus australis ), and hence is now officially the “Northern Spreadwing” (Lestes disjunctus). As of the NAI only one voucher from Halton has been confirmed, and it is a historical record: an undated specimen collected by Walker from Georgetown. The accepted stations in this checklist are from vouchered specimens.
Five stations have specimens collected as vouchers but much work is still needed in this area to clarify the distribution and abundances of this taxa in
Halton Region. Unvouchered sightings of L Halton flight period : July 2 (B. Van Ryswyk) to disjunctus were reported from as early as June 18. October 5 (B. Van Ryswyk). an individual netted and released by J.B. Falls, in 2000, from the Turner Tract. Dr. Falls was Ontario flight period : June 15 to November 2 presumably satisfied, in his examination, that it was Lestes disjunctus. There are twenty-four stations in Stations : #7, #16, #17, #18, #19; 21A, #31; #32B; total with reports of this species, most are #37; “8th Line north of Sideroad 22”; “Dufferin unvouchered reports of “ Lestes disjunctus ,” and Quarry restoration area, Milton.” nine stations with unvouchered reports of “ Lestes forcipatus .” These species are very hard to This is one of the latest-flying damselflies, and as differentiate without a microscope. While it is such it may be under-reported. It can be locally impossible to determine which species (of the three abundant where found (e.g. the Calcium Pits). First choices: Lestes australis, Lestes disjunctus, Lestes reported, in 2002, by Irene McIlveen. forcipatus ) these unvouchered species refer to, both Lestes disjunctus and Lestes forcipatus almost Northern Spreadwing [Lestes disjunctus (Selys, certainly occur more widely than the vouchered 1862)] stations. G5 S5 HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Emerald Spreadwing [Lestes dryas (Kirby, Permanent Resident 1890)] G5 S5 Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Sweetflag Spreadwing [Lestes forcipatus (Rambur, 1842)] G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 23 (B. Van Ryswyk).
Ontario flight period : May 24 to September 19
This species is widespread, but local, and often surprisingly hard to find. First reported by E.M. Walker in 1935. Halton flight period : June 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) Amber-winged Spreadwing [Lestes eurinus (Say, 1839)] Ontario flight period : April 29 to October 5 G4 S3 HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) This species was first reported in 2003 and was Permanent Resident reported for nine stations in the NAI but lacked any confirmations at that time, it was confirmed June 2006 but many stations still lack vouchers. See the entry under Lestes disjunctus for more information.
Elegant Spreadwing [ Lestes inaequalis (Walsh, 1862)] G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 30 (B.Wylie, D.Green, J.Nelson) to August 8 (M. King, D.D. Beadle)
Ontario flight period : April 10 to August 14
Stations : #10; #16; #21A; #24B; #25C; #18; #19.
This is a rare damselfly in southern Ontario, so the presence of six stations in Halton is surprising. It is usually distinctive, with its tinted wings, but this Halton flight period : June 10 (B. Van Ryswyk) to character occasionally shows up on other species, July 19 (BC) especially the Slender Spreadwing. Identifications should be confirmed by examining the claspers of Ontario flight period: May 23 to October 9 the males. Two locations have vouchers (#16, #24B) and two locations were captured and Stations : #27A; #21A. released (#19, #21), it is unlikely this species could be misidentified when captured. The remaining This species was first reported in 2004 from 27A three records are unvouchered records and do not by R. Curry. It has been confirmed in Halton in have any supplemental supporting information. June 2006 when one was photographed at Burns First reported, in 1996, by M. King. Conservation Area by B. Van Ryswyk.
Slender Spreadwing [ Lestes rectangularis (Say, without a date, by E.M. Walker (our next record is 1839)] not until 2001!) G5 S5 Regionally Common Swamp Spreadwing Permanent Resident [Lestes vigilax (Hagen in Selys, 1862)] G5 S4 HU Halton Uncommon (seven stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 11 (R. Curry) to September 29 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 26 to October 21 Halton flight period ; June 30 (R. Curry) to August 23 (B. Van Ryswyk) This is Halton’s most widespread spreadwing, although it is often encountered in small numbers Ontario flight season : May 30 to September 22 whereas the Emerald Spreadwing and Lyre-tipped Spreadwing are often locally abundant. First Stations : #24; #21A; #25B; #23; #7; #35; #30. reported, without a date, by E.M. Walker (our next record is not until 1996!). This species was reported from three sites in 2004 (#23; #24A; #30 – R. Curry) but with no vouchers. Lyre-tipped Spreadwing Confirmed in Halton June 2005 at two locations [Lestes unguiculatus (Hagen, 1861)] and later years at more locations for a total of seven G5 S5 stations. Two 2003 collections (OOD70989 and Regionally Common OOD70990) were re-identified as Emerald Permanent Resident Spreadwing and Slender Spreadwing, respectively, by C.D. Jones.
COENAGRIONIDAE - POND DAMSEL FAMILY
Eastern Red Damsel [Amphiagrion saucium (Burmeister, 1839)] G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 6 (I. McIlveen) to Sep 29 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : June 8 to October 6
This species is able to utilise shallow ephemeral wetlands, in disturbed open areas (gravel pits, etc.), with short emergent vegetation (it seems to be particularly fond of Alisma plantago-aquatica .) It is common in Halton, with populations disappearing and reappearing. First reported,
Halton flight period : May 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) to G5 S5 August 16 (B. Van Ryswyk) Regionally Common Permanent Resident Ontario flight period : May 15 to August 8
Stations : #17; #32; #25; #26 (“Nassagaweya Township, Lot 27, Conc. 7”).
There is an additional historic record of the species by Walker, from “near Campbellville” in 1943. The Eastern Red Damsel inhabits small seeps, including ditches. It is very small, and is often overlooked until it is flushed by slowly sweeping the vegetation with the handle of an insect net. Once the habitat is known this species it can be searched Halton flight period : June 11 (B. Van Ryswyk) to for more efficiently. First reported, by E.M. September 16 (B. Van Ryswyk) Walker, in 1943. Ontario flight period : May 16 to September 28 Blue-fronted Dancer [Argia apicalis (Say, 1839)] G5 S4 This species is widespread, and common, although HR Regionally Rare (two stations) usually encountered in small numbers. It was Permanent Resident known as the Variable Dancer, since the species (Argia fumipennis ) has two very different subspecies. “Violet Dancer” was officially adopted as the common name for the violacea subspecies (Paulson 2004), the only subspecies that occurs in southern Ontario. First reported, in 1995, by D.A. Sutherland, N.W. Godfrey, and A. Godfrey.
Powdered Dancer [Argia moesta (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident Halton flight period : July 2 (R. Curry) to August 15 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : June 6 to Sep 30
Stations : #3 (North end of Long Pond); #17
This species, common further south, is at or near its northern range limit in Halton (Catling & Brownell 2000). There are very few records for this species in Halton with only three sightings at two locations (#3, #17) collected or photographed. There are additional records at #10, #16 and #23B but these Halton flight period : June 16 (R. Curry) to August should be confirmed with a photo or specimen, to 17 (C.D. Jones, D.A. Sutherland) eliminate the potential of misidentifications, especially with mature female Powdered Dancers. Ontario flight period : May 28 to October 11 There are sometimes reports of “Blue-fronted Dancers” with only females seen, in these cases it Stations : #16 (seven stations); #17; #25; #32; #47; is a misidentification of the Powdered Dancer “Milton”. females. First reported, in 2003, by R. Curry. This species is characteristic of rapids in larger Violet Dancer streams and rivers, where it may be locally [Argia fumipennis violacea (Burmeister, 1839)] abundant. It occurs the length of Sixteen Mile
Creek through North Oakville (and likely further upstream, though it lacks surveys in most portions through Milton). They also occur at the large reservoirs in the watershed. First reported, in 1995, by D.A. Sutherland, N.W. Godfrey, and A. Godfrey.
Aurora Damsel [Chromagrion conditum (Selys, 1876)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) Halton flight period : June 6 (C. J Rothfels) to July Permanent Resident 4 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 6 to August 10 (but ending much earlier in southern Ontario)
Stations : #3; #10; #17; #18; #25; #25B; #32.
There is one undated historical record from “Georgetown” by Walker. This is a very inconspicuous and early-flying species, so it is easily overlooked. Catling and Brownell (2000), suggest that it may have declined substantially in Halton flight period : May 19 (B. Van Ryswyk) to southern Ontario, perhaps due to climate change. July 27 (B. Van Ryswyk) River Bluet [ Enallagma anna (Williamson, Ontario flight period : May 14 to August 12 1900)] G5 S2 Stations : #18; #20C; #25; #25B; #26 (“Blue HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Springs Scout Camp”); #35; “Plaikner Resource Permanent Resident Management Area”
There is one undated historical record from “near Campbellville” by Walker. Neither of the original NAI records were vouchered; but it has since been photographed at five of the sites. Unvouchered records have been accepted since this species is unlikely to be over-reported (mis-identifications are more likely to be case of Chromagrion being identified as something else, rather than the other way around). All records for this species are near or above the escarpment so it appears to be a more Halton flight period : July 19 (B. Van Ryswyk) to “northern” species in our watershed. First reported Aug 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) in 1996 by M. King. Ontario flight period : June 6 to September 7 Taiga Bluet [ Coenagrion resolutum (Selys, 1876)] Stations : #16; #25 G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) Previously listed as a probable species for Halton, Permanent Resident specimens were captured and photographed (their distinctive cerci combined with the colouring are visible in a good photo) to confirm their presence at both sites. First reported in 2008 by B. Van Ryswyk
Northern Bluet [Enallagma annexum (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (one station) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) to July 19 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 14 to August 21
Stations : #16 (three stations); #17; #18; #15; #35; Halton flight period : May 29 (C.J. Rothfels, G. #37; “Milton”. Barrett, K. Barrett) This beautiful little damselfly was not found in Ontario flight period : May 11 to September 13 Halton until 2004, by R. Curry. It was reported for only two stations in the NAI. Since then it has been Stations : #25 found at more locations and can be found at multiple locations along the Sixteen Mile Creek This species is often lumped together with the from Oakville to Milton. Vernal Bluet ( Enallagma vernale ). Previously they were considered subspecies of Enallagma Azure Bluet [Enallagma aspersum (Hagen, cyathigerum in which case this species is 1861)] Enallagma cyathigerum cyathigerum (and the G5 S3 Vernal Bluet is Enallagma cyathigerum vernale ). HU Regionally Uncommon (eight stations) They have since been separated to two species Permanent Resident Enallagma annexum for the Northern Bluet and Enallagma vernale for the Vernal Bluet. Only vouchered specimens examined by an outside expert (Colin Jones) are accepted in the station summary here (see the Vernal Bluet entry for more information). Excluded are eighteen reports which could be this species, but which have not been examined by an authority. The first properly vouchered record is in 2004, by C.J. Rothfels, G. Barrett, and K. Barrett.
Halton flight period : June 17 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Rainbow Bluet [Enallagma antennatum (Say, August 8 (M. King, D.D. Beadle). 1839)] G5 S4 Ontario flight period : May 30 to September 20 HU Regionally Uncommon (nine stations) Permanent Resident Stations : #5; #10; #16; #17; #18; #23; #28; #32B.
Catling and Brownell (2000) report that, prior to 1953, this species was only known in Ontario from the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, where it inhabited boggy lakes and ponds. Since then, however, it has been found with increasing regularity in artificial ponds (gravel pits, etc.) in southern Ontario. A race adapted to man-made
ponds may have recently spread into Canada Stations : #10; #16; #17; #25; “three kilometres (Catling & Pratt 1997) – these would be the southeast of Speyside.” individuals occurring in Halton, although an investigation of the habitats of our records would There are also two historic records of this species be interesting. First reported, in 1996, by M. King. from Walker (“near Acton” and “Georgetown”); his 1939 record is our first. Double-striped Bluet [ Enallagma basidens (Calvert, 1902)] Tule Bluet [Enallagma carunculatum Morse, G5 S3 1895] HR Regionally Rare (four stations) G5 S5 Permanent Resident HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 14 to Aug 26 Halton flight period : June 11 (R. Curry) to Ontario flight period : May 21 to September 8 September 3 (B. Van Ryswyk).
Stations : #2; #3; #17; #18. Ontario flight period : May 14 to October 14
There are few records of this species in the region, Stations : #7; #17; #18; #19; #25; #26; #31; #35; only one site (#17) has records over multiple years. #41;, “Burlington Beach” It is possible this small damselfly is still overlooked, although its distinctive shoulder stripe Three of our four vouchers are ambiguous, and in should prevent any misidentification. need of further study. Our other stations remain unvouchered, but many were caught and examined Boreal Bluet [Enallagma boreale Selys, 1875] to make the determination and then released again. G5 S5 Only one specimen, from Blue Springs Scout HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Camp, is clearly this species. While the Tule Bluet Permanent Resident and the Familiar Bluet are both common in Ontario (and elsewhere), and are not mentioned in the literature as hybridising, our local individuals often seem to be intermediate between the two species. See the Familiar Bluet entry for more information. First reported, by Walker, undated from “Burlington Beach” then not reported again until 2001, by C.D. Jones, M. & R. Oldham, and K. Brodribb.
Familiar Bluet [Enallagma civile (Hagen, 1861)]
G5 S5 Halton flight period : May 23 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Regionally Common July 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) Permanent Resident
Ontario flight period : May 6 to September 13
Stream Bluet [Enallagma exsulans (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (eight stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 28 (I. McIlveen) to October 6 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : April 13 to October 30
This is one of our most common, mostly-blue Halton flight period : May 30 (R. Curry) to August bluets. It is very tolerant of poor water quality and 19 (K. Konze) can be locally abundant, even in disturbed landscapes. Individuals in our area should be Ontario flight period : May 29 to September 18 identified with caution, however, because there appears to be some morphological overlap between Stations : #3; #10; #16; #17; #24A; #25; #26A; the Familiar Bluet and its close relative, the Tule #32A. Bluet. Under most circumstances, the middle abdomen of the Familiar Bluet is 2/3 blue whereas Original surveys likely did not represent the full the middle abdomen of the Tule Bluet is 2/3 black extent of this species in the region. It is typically a – in several local collections, however, this feature ubiquitous species of shaded creeks and streams in has proven unreliable, and the two species may be southern Ontario. It can be found at multiple hybridising here. First reported, in 2000, by C.D. locations along the main branches of the Bronte Jones and D.A. Sutherland. Creek and Sixteen Mile Creek as well as some of the medium headwater streams. First reported, in 1935, by Walker. Marsh Bluet [Enallagma ebrium (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S5 Skimming Bluet Regionally Common [Enallagma geminatum Kellicott, 1895] Permanent Resident G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (nine stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 22 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) Halton flight period : May 30 (C Rothfels) to Sep 4 Ontario flight period : May 18 to October 12 (B. Van Ryswyk)
This species is common and widespread; our most Ontario flight period : May 26 to September 17 common bluet (with the possible exception of the Familiar Bluet). First reported, undated, by Walker.
Stations : #3 (confined to Hendrie Valley Pond Orange Bluet [Enallagma signatum (Hagen, Four, where it is common); #10; #19; #25; #25E; 1861)] #32C; #35 and the “Milton Mill Pond”. G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) At the time of the NAI only the Hendrie Valley Permanent Resident population had been vouchered. Many of the new locations are vouchered with photographs the remainders are fairly confident sightings as the distinctive features were identified in hand or close observation. While this small black species is quite distinctive, it can be confused with the Steam Bluet (and, less frequently, with the Azure Bluet), so an effort should be made to confirm sightings in hand or with a photograph. It tends to perch offshore on floating plants in ponds and streams, so is easily overlooked. First reported, in 2002, by C.J. Rothfels and J. Shearer. Halton flight period : June 14 (B. Van Ryswyk) to September 16 (C.J. Rothfels, S.R. Spisani). Hagen's Bluet [Enallagma hageni (Walsh, 1863)] G5 S5 Ontario flight period : May 14 to October 8 HU Regionally Uncommon (six stations) Permanent Resident Stations : #3; #7; #17; #19; #21A; #25; #26 and the “Milton Mill Pond”
This species, which favours large, calm, rich, open waterbodies, is likely somewhat overlooked since it is often inactive until late afternoon. A search of eutrophic wetlands in the southern portion of the Region will likely uncover new records. First reported, in 2001, by C.D. Jones, M. & R. Oldham, and K. Brodribb.
Slender Bluet [Enallagma traviatum (Selys, Halton flight period : June 7 (R. Curry) to August 1876)] 22 (C.J. Rothfels, J.L. Sylvester, S.R. Spisani) G5 S1 HR Regionally Rare (one station) Ontario flight period : May 9 to October 1 Permanent Resident?
Stations : #7; #19; #25; #26A; #33; #37
The local rarity of this species is one of the big surprises of this inventory; it’s the fifth-most frequently reported odonate in Ontario (Catling & Brownell 2000). In Halton, however, virtually all the small mostly-blue bluets are Marsh Bluets. When Hagen’s does occur, it is in “northern” habitats, usually in the northern half of the Region (station #33, for example, is from a bog pond). It barely qualifies as “uncommon” with a report in Halton flight period : July 21 (C.J.Rothfels, B.Van 2013 from Lake Medad pushing the sites recorded Ryswyk, C.King, S.Laforest) at up to six. First reported, in 1996, by C.D. Jones, M. & R. Oldham, and K. Brodribb. Ontario flight period : June 12 to Aug 14
Stations : #7
There is only one record of a single individual two groups do not typically occur together (Walker recorded for the Region. Its capture was very 1953). This species complex (Northern Bluets and surprising at the time but with no repeat sightings it Vernal Bluets) needs more investigation in Halton, is unclear if the individual was just a vagrant or if before we have an idea of their relative there may be a breeding population. There are abundances. First reported, in 2003, by R. Curry. breeding locations of this species in the nearby Waterloo Region. Vesper Bluet [Enallagma vesperum (Calvert, 1919)] Vernal Bluet [ Enallagma vernale Gloyd, 1943] G5 S4 G4Q S4 HR Regionally Rare (five stations) HR Regionally Rare (three stations) Permanent Resident Permanent Resident
Halton flight period: May 15 (W.D. & I.McIlveen) Halton flight period : June 10 (R. Curry) to June 25 to August 6 (B. Van Ryswyk) (C.J. Rothfels, P.G. O’Hara).
Ontario flight period: May 31 to October 4 Ontario flight period : April 29 to August 25.
Stations: #7; #21A; #25, #32; #35 Stations : #10; #25 (Turner Tract); #32.
Although there were apparently sightings of this This species was previously often included within species from 2002 and 2003 it was excluded from the Northern Bluet (as Enallagma cyathigerum the original list and listed as “probable” until vernale – in which case the Northern Bluet is confirmed in Halton and backed with a photograph Enallagma cyathigerum cyathigerum ), but they in June 2006. This species is likely under have since been separated to two species represented (and usually overlooked) because it is a Enallagma annexum for the Northern Bluet and crepuscular species (only flying at dawn or dusk). Enallagma vernale for the Vernal Bluet. But the two taxa cannot be consistently differentiated in the Citrine Forktail [ Ischnura hastata (Say, 1839)] field. For that reason, only vouchered records are G5 SNA included in this station tally and further vouchers HR Regionally Rare (two stations) are needed to further understand their distribution Breeding Immigrant? in our region. Even this approach may not be conservative enough; Colin Jones recommends that all Enallagma vernale and Enallagma annexum specimens be sent to a taxonomic expert for verification. There is an additional sight record of Vernal Bluet (at the Dufferin Restoration Area by W.D. and I. McIlveen) and approximately 20 records (of an unknown number of stations) of Enallagma annexum / Enallagma vernale (or the former Enallagma cyathigerum in the broad sense) in the database – these could either be Northern or Vernal Bluets (provided that they are correctly Halton flight period : July 22 (B. Curry) to identified as far as E. annexum ...). One of our September 18 (B. Van Ryswyk) Vernal Bluet specimens comes from a mixed collection with Boreal Bluets; this is unusual as the
Ontario flight period : June 30 to October 11 Eastern Forktail [Ischnura verticalis (Say, 1839)] G5 S5 Stations : #5; #16 Regionally Common Permanent Resident This species seems to be able to disperse widely and will show up apparently at random in new locations only to disappear a short time later. It is possible it could breed successfully at these temporary locations in Halton but this has not yet been documented. First reported by B. Curry in 2013.
Fragile Forktail [Ischnura posita (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (fourteen stations) Permanent Resident Halton flight period : May 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) to September 29 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : April 26 to October 14
Even more common than the Marsh Bluet! Surprisingly, the first report in Halton was not until 1996 by M. King.
Sedge Sprite [Nehalennia irene (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (fifteen stations) Halton flight period : May 21 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Permanent Resident Sep 13 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 6 to September 24
Stations : #3; #4; #7; #10; #17; #25 (Turner Tract); #47; #19; #21A; #29; #31; #35; a spring along the CNR tracks “0.5km e. of Scotch Block Reservoir” and Milton.
This species may still be overlooked due to its inconspicuousness, and its resemblance to the common Eastern Forktail. Some Eastern Forktails Halton flight period : June 3 (R. Curry) to August 8 may have broken shoulder stripes; this is not a (D.D. Beadle) reliable feature to distinguish Fragiles (look, instead, for the absence of a blue “tail light” in I. Ontario flight period : May 19 to October 24 posita males, or examine their appendages). First reported, in 1943, by Walker. Stations : #1; #3; #5; #16; #17; #18; #23B; #24A; #25 (including Turner Tract); #25A; #25C; #29; #27; #32A; #37; #47;
It is likely that this species was underreported in the past. It is a small damsel and easily missed. At the writing of the first Halton list it was stated that “It is surprising that this species is not more common; in much of Ontario it is one of the most abundant damselflies.” Perhaps they are inconspicuous here and tend to be found in small numbers. First reported, undated, by Walker.
DRAGONFLIES
AESHNIDAE - DARNER FAMILY
Canada Darner [Aeshna canadensis Walker, 1908] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident Halton flight period : July 13 (R. Curry) to September 30 (C.J. Rothfels)
Ontario flight period : July 4 to October 24
This is certainly our “common” darner. First reported in 1970 by Cameron.
Variable Darner [Aeshna interrupta interrupta Walker, 1908] G5 S5 Halton flight period : July 23 (B. Curry) to HR Regionally Rare (five stations) September 13 (B. Van Ryswyk). Permanent Resident
Ontario flight period : June 4 to October 16
Stations : #5; #16; #16B; #18B; #18C; #20; #22A; #24; #25 (Turner Tract) #26; #32; “Milton.”
This is a tricky species to summarize, as the adults are very mobile and may be reported far from their larval habitats, Mason’s original record is vouchered, few of the other records are supported by a photograph and darner identification is tricky. Canada Darners are easily confused with Lance- Halton flight period : July 16 (R. Curry) to August tipped Darners and Green-striped Darners, 20 (B. Van Ryswyk) especially the females. The situation is confounded by the fact that these darners cannot be identified Ontario flight period : June 12 to October 1 on the wing, and thus must be captured (they are very hard to capture). In the absence of supporting Stations : #10B; #27A; #41; #47; #25. data, all records of this species have been accepted, but some are possibly mis-identifications. There is None of our records of this species were supported also the opposite tendency with the darners – the by a specimen or photo until 2009, but all records tendency to under-estimate – since they must be are included because this species is distinctive caught for identification, which takes effort, and among the darners, so the identifications are almost almost always end up being Lance-tipped Darners, certainly correct. First reported in 1996 by D.D. anyway (so potential observers tend to ignore Beadle. darners when given the opportunity). First reported in 1974 by Mason.
Lance-tipped Darner [Aeshna constricta Say, 1839] G5 S5 Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Black-tipped Darner [Aeshna tuberculifera (Walker, 1908)] Stations : #1; #3; #5; #7; #16A; #23; #25 (Turner G4 S4 Tract); #26; “North of No.1 Sideroad, West of HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Cedar Springs Road”; “Milton” Permanent Resident This darner tends to fly later in the evening than our other species, and is more likely to have dark tinting on the wings. First reported in 1978 by C.M. Francis.
Green-striped Darner [Aeshna verticalis Hagen, 1861] G5 S3 HR Regionally Rare (one station) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period: Aug 14 (M. King, D.D. Beadle) to Aug 26 (C.J. Rothels, B. McIlven, et al.)
Ontario flight period: June 19 to October 2
Stations : #25 (unvouchered); #41
There are three sight records, all from the Turner Tract in ESA 25, by M. King and D.D. Beadle. One of the main characters for this species (the absence Halton flight period : July 19 (A. Wormington) of light markings on the last segment of the abdomen) can be misleading, as Lance-tipped Ontario flight period : June 21 to October 17 Darners may also feature dark abdominal-ends. This species was originally excluded from the Stations : #18A. Halton list due to lack of vouchers but this species presence in Halton was confirmed June 2006 when There is an additional sight record of this species, it was found at Balinifad Bog by Carl Rothfleds et from the Turner Tract, by M. King and D.D. al. First reported in 1996 by M. King and D.D. Beadle. This species, however, can be very difficult Beadle. to distinguish from Canada Darners, especially the females. First reported in 2004 by A. Wormington. Shadow Darner [Aeshna umbrosa Walker, 1908 ] G5 S5 Common Green Darner [Anax junius (Drury, HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations) 1773)] Permanent Resident G5 S5 Regionally Common Permanent Resident(?) and Breeding Immigrant
Halton flight period : June 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) to
September 16 (C.J. Rothfels, S.R. Spisani).
Ontario flight period : May 14 to October 26
Halton flight period : April 17 (G. Lewer; W.D. & could meet this description is the Harlequin Darner I. McIlveen) to Nov 4 (I. McIlveen). (Gomphaeschna furcillata ), a provincially rare darner. First reported in 2003 by A. Wormington. Ontario flight period : March 27 to December 5 Fawn Darner [Boyeria vinosa (Say, 1839)] This is a very conspicuous, charismatic species, G5 S5 and one that even most non-naturalists recognize. It HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations) also has a very interesting ecology, not least Permanent Resident because there appear to be two types of life history. The first involves migrants from the south that arrive in Ontario as adults (usually in April or early May), and lay eggs. Their larvae undergo rapid development and emerge later in the summer or early autumn and fly south (the Breeding Immigrant or “migrant” life history); in the other type of life history (Permanent Resident) individuals spend the winter as larvae, before emerging as adults in the spring (usually May or
June) to find a mate and breed. More work (especially larval surveys) needs to be done in Halton flight period : July 3 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Halton to confirm whether larvae overwinter here. August 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) First reported in 1970 by Cameron. Ontario flight period : May 21 to October 11 Springtime Darner [Basiaeschna janata (Say, 1839)] Stations : #7; #8; #16; #16A; #17; #18C; #26; #25; G5 S5 “southeast of Campbellville.” and “Milton”. HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations) Permanent Resident First reported by M. King and D.D. Beadle (independently, it seems) on August 14, 1996.
Swamp Darner [ Epiaeschna heros (Fabricius, 1798)] G5 S2S3 HR Regionally Rare (one station) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) to July 8 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : April 16 to July 27
Stations : #5; #7A; #16; #18; #19; #20; #21A; #25;
#29; #41. Halton flight period : June 20 (B. Van Ryswyk) to None of the Halton records were documented with Aug 23 (B. Van Ryswyk) a photograph or specimen until 2006, but this species is unusual among the darners in its early Ontario flight period : May 5 to September 21 flight period, so these records are almost certainly correct. Interestingly, many of the early records are Stations : #3; #7B; #16; #18; #24B; #25. of “smallish darners flying in mature woods” (A. Wormington, pers. comm.), including an While the first report from 2003 was not collected observation of 25 individuals one kilometre south or photographed, this record was well-described of Guelph Junction. The only other species that
and is almost certainly correct. Most of the subsequent reports of this species were photographed or caught and released and therefore expected to be correct. One record (7B) may be just outside of Halton as the location description is vague but is included here due to the proximity and the habitat across the Halton-Hamilton border at this sighting location is continuous. This is a difficult species to find, as the adults are often well away from open water foraging in wooded swamps and forest. The larvae are usually found in small Halton flight period : August 29 (L. Wallis) woodland pools. First reported in 2003 by R. Curry. Ontario flight period : May 22 to Sep11
Harlequin Darner [Gomphaeschna furcillata Stations : #32 (Say, 1839) ] G5 S3 The first and so far only record of this species in HR Regionally Rare (one station) Halton is an individual photographed by Leanne Permanent Resident Wallis in Silver Creek Conservation Area in 2012.
Lilypad Clubtail [Arigomphus furcifer (Hagen in Selys, 1878)] G5 S3 HU Regionally Uncommon (six stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 11 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 9 to Aug 7
Stations : #20
A single record for this species was recorded in Halton flight period : June 12 (B. Curry) to July 3 2012 when an individual was captured and (B. Curry) photographed by B. Van Ryswyk on Twiss Road inside ESA #20. Ontario flight period : May 20 to Sep 4
Stations : #10; #17; #20B; #21A; #25; #31
This is an elusive, wary clubtail, which often GOMPHIDAE - CLUBTAIL FAMILY perches on floating vegetation out of reach of
shore. First reported in 2003 by R. Curry. Zebra Clubtail [Stylurus scudderi (Selys, 1873)]
G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (one station) Unicorn Clubtail Permanent Resident [Arigomphus villosipes (Selys, 1854)] G5 S2S3 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident
Found in two locations in Halton; quite separate from each other. One on the Credit River and one on Bronte Creek, but both sites do have other sightings on stretches of the same rivers outside of Halton. First reported by J. Holdworth in 2014.
Lancet Clubtail [Gomphus exilis (Selys, 1854) ] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations)
Permanent Resident Halton flight period : June 1 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Aug 1 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 28 to Aug 2
Stations : #3; #10; #16; #17; #18; #19; #20B; #21; #23; #24; #25; #26.
The presence of eight stations for Unicorn Clubtail in 2006 in Halton was considered phenomenal resulting in twelve stations in Halton; previous to 2000, there were only eight locations reported for Halton flight period : May 14 (B. Van Ryswyk) to this species in Ontario (none of them were in July 14 (B. Van Ryswyk) Halton). The Hamilton/Halton area appears to be the centre of the Canadian populations of this Ontario flight period : May 18 to August 26 species (C.J. Rothfels 2004). Unlike the Lilypad Clubtail, which is similar in appearance, the Stations : #10; #17; #18; #19; #21A; #25; #28; #31; Unicorn Clubtail prefers to perch on muddy edges #47; #26. of slow streams and rich ponds (including sewage lagoons), but it will use overhanging vegetation or First reported in 2003 by R. Curry. floating mats of algae at times. First reported in 2003 by C.J. Rothfels and P.G. O’Hara. Midland Clubtail [Gomphus fraternus (Say, 1839)] Harpoon Clubtail [Phanogomphus descriptus G5 S4 (Banks, 1896)] HR Regionally Rare (one station) G4 S3 Permanent Resident HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 12 (R. Curry)
Halton flight period : June 1 (C. Cheatle) to June 6 Ontario flight period : May 21 to August 18 (J. Holdworth) Stations : #10 Ontario flight period : May 21 to July 30 Halton’s one record was caught in a field adjacent Stations : #10B and #31 to Bronte Creek, north of Dundas St. This species is easiest to detect during the first few weeks of its
adult life when it tends to perch in fields away from Halton flight period : May 21 (B. Van Ryswyk) to the creeks and rivers that are its larval habitat (C.D. July 2 (B. Van Ryswyk) Jones, pers. comm.) First reported in 2004 by R. Curry. Ontario flight period : May 21 to July 28
Pronghorn Clubtail Stations : #1; #3; #10; #16; #17; #18; #20; #20B; [Gomphus graslinellus (Walsh, 1862)] #20C; #21A G5 S3 HR Regionally Rare (five stations) This species is sometimes under reported, due to Permanent Resident identification challenges with the Dusky Clubtail (Gomphus spicatus ). Most our records are confirmed with photographs and/or specimens but some are caught, examined and released. Unvouchered stations with records of “ Gomphus lividus/Gomphus spicatus ” are excluded as unconfirmed. First reported in 2004 by B. Van Ryswyk.
Dusky Clubtail [Gomphus spicatus (Hagen in Selys, 1854)] G5 S5 Halton flight period : May 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) to HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations) June 24 (A. Wormington) Permanent Resident
Ontario flight period : May 18 to August 14
Stations : #10; #16; #20C; #21; #21A.
This rare species was one of the surprises of the NAI inventory, prior to that there were no records of this species in Halton. All records in the NAI are of adults roosting or foraging away from their larval habitats: “all records I have pertain to individuals landing on flat rocky areas with streams and/or ponds nearby” (A. Wormington, pers. Halton flight period : May 15 (I. McIlveen) to July comm. 2005). Some of the newer records are of 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) individuals in potential breeding habitat. First reported, in 2004, by A. Wormington. Ontario flight period : May 11 to August 14
Ashy Clubtail [Gomphus lividus (Selys, 1854)] Stations : #17; #18; #19; #20C; #21A; #25; #31; G5 S4 #41; #42;; “Dufferin Quarry.” HU Regionally Uncommon (ten stations) Permanent Resident Apparently one of Halton’s more common local Gomphus – still scarce and encountered in small numbers, with the exception of 15 individuals reported from the Calcium Pits by A. Wormington. See the Ashy Clubtail entry for more information. First reported in 2001 by I. McIlveen.
Rusty Snaketail [Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis (Walsh, 1862)] G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Permanent Resident
Twin-spotted Spiketail [Cordulegaster maculata (Selys, 1854)] G5 S4 HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 28 (B. Van Ryswyk) to July 13 (R. Curry)
Ontario flight period : May 20 to September 11
Stations : #10 and #16. Halton flight period : May 29 (B. Van Ryswyk) to This beautiful species is characteristic of rapids on June 18 (R. Curry) larger creeks and rivers. First reported (undated) by J.G. Oughton. Ontario flight period : May 27 to August 22
CORDULEGASTRIDAE - SPIKETAIL Stations : #20C; #25; #29; #31; “Scotch Block FAMILY Woods”
Delta-spotted Spiketail Generally the most common spiketail species in [Cordulegaster diastatops (Selys, 1854)] Ontario, this is the least-reported member of this G5 S4 impressive genus in Halton. Three of the five HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) records are vouchered. First reported in 2003 by R. Permanent Resident Curry.
Arrowhead Spiketail [Cordulegaster obliqua (Say, 1839)] G4 S2 HU Regionally Uncommon (nine stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 1 (R. Curry, B. Van Ryswyk) to July 9 (R. Curry)
Ontario flight period : May 21 to August 18
Stations : #7A; #9; #17; #18; #32; #32B; #34. Halton flight period : May 25 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Only one of Halton’s records is vouchered with a July 2 (A. Wormington; B. Jamieson, K. Cain.) specimen (“Snow's Creek Woods Bruce Trail; Bruce Trail between Trafalgar Road and 8th Line”; Ontario flight period : May 25 to July 23 R. Curry); two sites are vouchered with a photograph (Kelso and Rattlesnake Point) and the Stations : #1; #4; #19; #20B; #20C; #21A; #42; others are sight records. First reported in 2003 by “Scotch Block Reservoir, 0.5km east of.”; 25 R. Curry. (Currie Tract, Hilton Falls CA, Trion Tract)
One of the most significant findings of the Halton Racket-tailed Emerald [Dorocordulia libera Natural Areas Inventory was the discovery of this (Selys, 1871)] species at six local stations by 2005. As of 2000, G5 S5 there were only seven reported locations for this HR Regionally Rare (four stations) species in the entire province, none of them in Permanent Resident Halton, and Bree (2004) suggested that it was likely extirpated in Ontario south of the Canadian Shield. First recorded in 1999 by B. Yukich (but the record did not make it to the OOD until 2004). Since then it has become regularly sighted in Halton Region and the number of locations has risen to nine. Of these nine stations almost all have a voucher (seven as photographs, one collected), only one has no voucher, but the species is distinctive and not easily mistaken. Halton appears to be a stronghold for the species in Ontario. Halton flight period : June 1 (B. Van Ryswyk) to CORDULIIDAE - EMERALD FAMILY July 19 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 9 to August 18 American Emerald [Cordulia shurtleffi (Scudder, 1866)] Stations : #19; #25; #25B; #35 G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations) This species was first reported in 2006 but does not Permanent Resident appear to have any confirmation with a photo until 2011.The males are distinctive with their flared abdomen so it is unlikely these records are misidentifications. First reported (unvouchered) in 2006 by C. J. Rothfels, R. Curry
Beaverpond Baskettail [Epitheca canis (McLachlan, 1886)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : April 17 (B. Van Ryswyk) to July 21 (B. Curry)
Ontario flight period : April 8 to August 3
Stations : #9; #18; #19; #21A; #25; #25E; #29; #32; #33; #39; #41
This species was originally excluded from the
Halton List because none of the records had any confirmation with a specimen or a photograph. Halton flight period : April 20 (W.D. McIlveen) to Photographic confirmation for this species in July 27 (A. Wormington) Halton came in 2009. American Emeralds can be confused with Racquet-tailed Emeralds Ontario flight period : April 20 to August 3
(Dorocordulia libera ), especially the females, Stations : #3; #17; #18; #19; #20; #20C; #21A; #25; therefore they should be caught (and/or photographed) to confirm. First reported (without #25A; #26; #32; “Dufferin Quarry”. voucher, but likely correct) in 2003 by B. Curry Only two of our stations (#25; #32) have collected
vouchers; some stations have a photograph voucher
and many were caught and had close investigation to determine them. There are a few that are sight records only. These sight record observations may be in error, as this species needs to be captured to differentiate it from the Common and Spiny Baskettails (with which it often flies), especially since Common Baskettails in our region often have very reduced dark patches on their wings (Jones et all. 2008), and thus resemble the other two species. The Beaverpond Baskettail is one of our earliest- flying resident dragonflies. First reported in 1996 Halton flight period : June 1 (B. Van Ryswyk) to by M. King. August 15 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Common Baskettail [Epitheca cynosura (Say, Ontario flight period : May 30 to October 2 1839)] G5 S5 Stations : #3; #7; #8; #16; #17; #18; #19; #21; Regionally Common #21A; #25; #27A. Permanent Resident Field workers looking for this distinctive species are well-advised to keep one eye skyward; it often soars high over the ground. First reported in 2003 by R. Curry.
Spiny Baskettail [Epitheca spinigera (Selys, 1871)] G5 S5 HU Regionally Uncommon (eight stations) Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 20 (B. Van Ryswyk) to July 19 (B. Van Ryswyk).
Ontario flight period : May 3 to August 24
This species is the most common of our baskettails (Epitheca sp). Only one of our stations (#25) is documented with a voucher; most record are noted as “caught and released” – a few of the remaining appear to be sight records, and thus may be in error. See the Beaverpond Baskettail entry for more Halton flight period : May 9 (W.D McIlveen) to information. First reported in 2000 by J.B. Falls. June 14 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Prince Baskettail [Epitheca princeps Hagen, Ontario flight period : May 9 to August 6 1861] G5 S5 Stations : #7A; #9A; #17; #18; #21A; #42; 25 HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations) (Currie Tract & the CA); #25A “South end of Permanent Resident Nassagaweya-Esquesing Line near Dufferin Quarry, (Milton).”
Only one of our stations (Currie Tract – C.J. Rothfels, G. Barrett, K. Barrett) is documented with a collected specimen voucher, most others caught and released. See the Beaverpond Baskettail entry for more information. First reported in 2001 by W.D and I. McIlveen.
Clamp-tipped Emerald [Somatochlora tenebrosa (Say, 1839)] Stations : #23A; #26; #35; #37; “Sideroad 15 0.3 G5 S2S3 km west of Guelph Line, Nassagweya.” HR Regionally Rare (four stations) Permanent Resident Listed as “Uncommon” in the original NAI checklist due to one site being counted twice. Two records in #26 were reported separately as “#26” and “Blue Springs Scout Camp”, which are one and the same. The scout camp is inside #26 and both records were at close proximity to each other within the scout camp, therefore should only count as one station, not two. Only two stations in Halton (#26; #35;) are documented with a voucher; the others are sight records. This species is unique in its size (among our species), but should be caught to differentiate as they can easily be confused with Halton flight period : July 13 (I. McIlveen) to the American Emerald ( Cordulia shurtleffi ) or August 29 (B. Van Ryswyk) Williamson’s Emerald ( Somatochlora williamsoni ) when on the wing. First reported in 2002 by W.D. Ontario flight period : June 23 to September 18 and I. McIlveen.
Stations : “Kilbride Gravel Pit”; #17; #18; #26 Williamson's Emerald (Blue Spring Scout Camp). [Somatochlora williamsoni (Walker, 1907)] G5 S4 First reported, undated, by E.M. Walker, from HU Regionally Uncommon (six stations) “Limehouse” (an historic record). There is an Permanent Resident additional sight record of Clamp-tipped Emerald from Halton, from #26 about 3km from the scout camp (“Nassagaweya Township”), (W.D. & I. McIlveen). This record, in the absence of supporting information, is excluded, but could well be correct; the males of this species are distinctive in the hand. More work needs to be done to investigate all the Somatochlora species in our area.
Brush-tipped Emerald [Somatochlora walshii (Scudder, 1866)] Halton flight period : June 21 (C.J. Rothfels, B. Van G5 S4 Ryswyk, et all) to Aug 25 (B. Van Ryswyk) HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Permanent Resident Ontario flight period : June 11 to September 13
Stations : #3; #7; #21A; #25; #25A; #33.
Up to 2005 there was a single sight record of this species from #25 (Turner Tract) in 1996, by M. King. This species presence in Halton was confirmed June 2006 with an individual netted and photographed at #7. After that it surged to five stations having observations. Records at #21A and #25A also have photographic documentation. #3 and #33 were caught and released, #25 remains a Halton flight period : July 12 (W.D. McIlveen, I. sight record but had a sighting of a female McIlveen) to August 7 (A. Wormington) ovipositing, with the observer having a good view of the ovipositor. It is likely underreported; Ontario flight period : May 29 to August 31 Williamson’s and the Brush-tipped Emerald are
the most common Somatochlora species in habitats. Some of the newer records from the southern Ontario but can be difficult to differentiate Mount Nemo area (8 and 8A) are occurring in non- and must be caught. breeding habitats and may not truly represent a new station and are therefore excluded as stations. First LIBELLULIDAE - SKIMMER FAMILY reported from “Milton” in 1974 by R.W. Stokes.
Calico Pennant [Celithemis elisa (Hagen, 1861) ] Eastern Pondhawk G5 S5 [Erythemis simplicicollis (Say, 1839)] Regionally Common G5 S5 Permanent Resident Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 2 (B. Van Ryswyk) to September 28 (I. McIlveen) Halton flight period : May 30 (C.J. Rothfels) to September 19 (C.J. Rothfels ) Ontario flight period : May 22 to September 30 Ontario flight period : May 20 to October 2 Usually present in small numbers. Scarce in the southern portions of the region. First reported, in First reported in 1996 by M. King. 1999, by W.D. McIlveen. Chalk-fronted Corporal [Ladona julia (Uhler, Halloween Pennant [Celithemis eponina (Drury, 1857)] 1773)] G5 S5 Regionally Common G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (eight stations) Permanent Resident Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 2 (W.D. McIlveen, I. Halton flight period : June 13 (B. Van Ryswyk) to McIlveen) to July 28 (A. Wormington) August 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) Ontario flight period : May 10 to September 12 Ontario flight period : June 1 to September 21 This species is only ‘common’ in the right habitats Stations : #3; #7; #16; #18; #20; #20C; #55 and and most often found in the northern habitats of “Milton”. Halton and is scarce in the southern portions of the region. Previously known as the “Chalk-fronted This is a species of eutrophic ponds; more records Skimmer” ( Libellula julia ). First reported in 1996 might result from further exploration of these by M. King.
Slaty Skimmer [ Libellula incesta (Hagen, 1861)] Dot-tailed Whiteface G5 S4 [Leucorrhinia intacta (Hagen, 1861)] HR Regionally Rare (one station) G5 S5 Permanent Resident Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : August 15 (B. Van Ryswyk, K. Cain, A. Garofalo) Halton flight period : May 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 8 (D.D. Beadle) Ontario flight period : May 28 to September 21
Ontario flight period : May 4 to August 26 Stations : #7
Extremely common. First reported (undated) by Our one record is a photograph of a recently- Walker. emerged adult. First reported in 2004 by B. Van Ryswyk, K. Cain, A. Garofalo. Belted Whiteface [Leucorrhinia proxima (Calvert, 1890)] Widow Skimmer G5 S5 [Libellula luctuosa (Burmeister, 1839)] HR Regionally Rare (three stations) G5 S5 Permanent Resident Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 27 (A. Wormington) to August 6 (A. Wormington) Halton flight period : May 22 (B. Van Ryswyk) to September 22 (C.J. Rothfels) Ontario flight period : May 13 to August 24 Ontario flight period : May 20 to September 27 Stations : #19; #23B; #35 First reported in 1995 by D.A. Sutherland, N.W. The common name of this species was recently Godfrey, and A. Godfrey. changed from Red-waisted Whiteface to Belted Whiteface (Paulson 2004), to reflect the fact that in Twelve-spotted Skimmer populations in eastern North America “Red- [Libellula pulchella (Drury, 1773)] waisted” is not very descriptive since the red waist G5 S5 becomes covered in white pruinosity with maturity. Regionally Common First reported in 2003 by R. Curry. Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 20 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Halton flight period : May 6 (W.D. McIlveen ) to September 29 (B. Van Ryswyk). July 23 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : May 15 to October 11 Ontario flight period : May 15 to August 29
This is our most frequently reported Libellula . First Stations : #5; #10; #16; #25; #25E reported (undated) by Walker. This species could be a Temporary Resident (or Four-spotted Skimmer even a Permanent Resident, but the latter is [Libellula quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1758)] unlikely); more work needs to be done to determine G5 S5 whether this species breeds in Halton. The first Regionally Common records are from 2004, which was a year that Permanent Resident featured a large incursion of this species into Ontario. First reported in 2004 by B. Van Ryswyk.
Blue Dasher [Pachydiplax longipennis (Burmeister, 1839)] G5 S5 Regionally Common Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 4 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 4 (M. King).
Ontario flight period : April 22 to September 2
Based on its apparent scarcity in Hamilton, it is surprising that this species is common in Halton. The majority of the Halton records are from the Halton flight period : June 15 (C.J. Rothfels, portion of the Region above the Niagara R.Curry) to September 16 (C.J. Rothfels, S.R. Escarpment (with that area being dominated by Spisani). more “northern”-feeling habitats). First reported in 1974 by Mason. Ontario flight period : May 19 to October 8
Painted Skimmer This species is more common in the southern [Libellula semifasciata (Burmeister, 1839)] portions of the Region than the north. First reported G5 S2 in 1995 by D.A. Sutherland. HR Regionally Rare (five stations) Vagrant? Wandering Glider [Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798)] G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (eleven stations) Breeding Immigrant?
relative, the Wandering Glider, Spot-winged Glider adults range widely. There is not yet evidence that this species breeds in Halton, although it could well be a Breeding Immigrant. See the Wandering Glider entry for more information.
Eastern Amberwing [ Perithemis tenera (Say, 1839)] G5 S4 HU Regionally Uncommon (twelve stations) Permanent Resident Halton flight period : June 7 (W.D. & I. McIlveen) to Oct 16 (B. Van Ryswyk)
Ontario flight period : June 7 to October 20 Stations : “Kilbride Gravel Pit”; #1; #3; #5; #7; #8; #8A; #16; #17; #25; 24A.
Large numbers can occur during migratory surges along the Escarpment and Lake Ontario, in Hamilton and these occasionally can be reflected in
Halton but seem to be much less pronounced. As its name suggests, the adults of this species are Halton flight period : June 9 (B. Van Ryswyk) to extremely wide-ranging, although the record from September 16 (C.J. Rothfels, S.R. Spisani). the Kilbride Gravel Pit, at least, suggests that this species may be breeding in Halton. First reported in Ontario flight period : May 27 to October 1 2002 by G. Lewer and C.J. Rothfels. Stations : #3; #6A; #7; #8; #8A; #10; #10B; #17; Spot-winged Glider [ Pantala hymenaea (Say, #21; #23; #25; #32. 1839)] G5 S4 The only sizeable populations appear to be the HR Regionally Rare (four stations) Grindstone Creek estuary (which is, to some extent, Vagrant contiguous with the Carroll’s Bay population in Hamilton) and Lake Medad; all others are of single individuals or low numbers, and many of these reports may represent dispersing adults rather than breeding populations. The record from #6A, 8, and 8A, for example, were far from appropriate breeding habitats. They are surely breeding at sites other than #3 and #7 but further investigation may be needed to clarify the extent of breeding in the region. First reported in 2000 by W.D. McIlveen.
Common Whitetail [ Plathemis lydia (Drury, Halton flight period : August 5 (C.J. Rothfels, R. 1773)] Rivet, B. Pomfret) to Sep 12 (B. Van Ryswyk) G5 S5 Regionally Common Ontario flight period : June 6 to October 12 Permanent Resident
Stations : #3, #16; #17; #25
The individuals flying over the RBG Rose Garden in 2002 were first found by K. Van Wyck, and remained foraging in that area for several days. There were two sightings in 2005 and then no sightings reported again until 2016. Like its
G5 S5 Regionally Common? Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : May 1 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Oct 3 (B. Van Ryswyk).
Ontario flight period : April 29 to October 3 Halton flight period : July 7 (W.D. McIlveen, I. Very common. The females of this species and of McIlveen) to August 31 (B. Van Ryswyk, K. Cain, the Twelve-spotted Skimmer are quite similar, and L. Dick) should be identified with caution. Formerly known as Libellula lydia . First reported (undated) by Ontario flight period : June 12 to November 7 Walker. There are only three vouchered stations of 54 Saffron-winged Meadowhawk reports; there are many additional records of [Sympetrum costiferum (Hagen, 1861)] “Sympetrum sp.” (i.e. these records were identified G5 S4 as meadowhawks, but they were not identified to HU Regionally Uncommon (seven stations) species). The meadowhawks in this group (Cherry- Permanent Resident faced; Ruby; and White-faced) are notoriously difficult to identify, and further research needs to be undertaken to determine their relative distribution (especially between the more “northern” Cherry-faced and more “southern” Ruby). First reported by Walker (undated).
White-faced Meadowhawk [Sympetrum obtrusum (Hagen, 1867)] G5 S5 Regionally Common Permanent Resident Halton flight period : July 18 (R. Curry) to Oct 1 (P.M. Catling, B. Kostiuk)
Ontario flight period : June 22 to October 13
Stations : #8A; #16; #17; #18; #25; “Kilbride Gravel Pit”; “Dufferin Quarry”
This species may, in fact, be a Temporary Resident – it favours sandy ephemeral habitats like gravel pit ponds. This species is relatively rare in the watershed with its rank only just barely reaching Halton flight period : June 25 (B. Van Ryswyk, L. the “uncommon” status, half of the sightings are Dick) to Oct 10 (B. Van Ryswyk). single individuals in meadows away from breeding habitat (#8A, #16, #18, #25). First reported in 2000 Ontario flight period : May 20 to October 29 by I.McIlveen. This is the most common and widespread local Cherry-faced Meadowhawk meadowhawk, and fortunately mature males are [Sympetrum internum (Montgomery, 1943)]
easily recognized by their white faces. First reported in 1996 by J. Nancekivell. First reported in 1974 by P.G. Mason.
Ruby Meadowhawk Autumn Meadowhawk [Sympetrum rubicundulum (Say, 1839)] [Sympetrum vicinum (Hagen, 1861)] G5 S5 G5 S5 Regionally Common? HU Regionally Uncommon (thirteen stations) Permanent Resident Permanent Resident
Halton flight period : June 27 (P.G. Mason) to Halton flight period : July 17 (B. Van Ryswyk) to August 22 (J.L. Sylvester, C.J. Rothfels, S.R. Nov 15 (W.D. McIlveen, Irene McIlveen). Spisani) Ontario flight period : May 30 to December 6 Ontario flight period : June 4 to October 18 Stations : #3; #5; #16; #17; #18C; #19; #22A; There are 82 records in the database, but only three #24A; #25; #25C; #36; “Dufferin Quarry” stations are supported with a voucher. See the “Milton.” Cherry-faced Meadowhawk entry for more information. This species, long known as the Yellow-legged Meadowhawk, now the Autumn Meadowhawk (see Band-winged Meadowhawk Paulson 2004), is locally common. As our latest- [Sympetrum semicinctum (Say, 1839)] flying species, it is likely under-reported. First G5 S4 reported in 1996 by J. Nancekivell. HU Regionally Uncommon (Fourteen stations) Permanent Resident Carolina Saddlebags [Tramea carolina (Linnaeus, 1763)] G5 SNA HR Regionally Rare (two stations) Breeding Immigrant
Halton flight period : June 30 (B. Van Ryswyk) to September 17 (K. Konze).
Ontario flight period : June 30 to October 29 Halton flight period : June 2 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Stations : #3; #7; #8; #8a; #16; #17; #18C; #19; Sep 29 (B. Van Ryswyk) #22A; “Kilbride Gravel Pit”; “Milton”; “Sideroad 27 at Silver Creek Outdoor Education Center”; #25 Ontario flight period : April 20 to September 26 (Turner Tract, Curry Tract, and the conservation area); #25A Stations : #16; and “Waterdown”
Due to the highly mobile nature of the adults (see During the NAI in 2004 the same individual the Pantala entries) it is difficult to isolate breeding dragonfly was seen on two dates, at the same site in locations for this species, although they certainly 20B – “Glen Alford property, pond, mixed breed in Halton. First reported in 1996 by M. King. deciduous forest” – June 27 (A. Wormington; HNAI396) and July 1 (A. Wormington; HNAI398). Red Saddlebags [Tramea onusta (Hagen, 1861)] The individual was well-described, and very likely G5 SNA Carolina Saddlebags, but since it eluded capture, HR Regionally Rare (one station) Red Saddlebags ( Tramea onusta ) cannot be Vagrant completely eliminated as a possibility and this record must be excluded.
Since then individuals have been photographed in Halton including one recently emerged individual over its exuvia (an adult who had emerged unsuccessfully from its exuvia and was unable to fly) photographed in 2014 thus showing successful breeding of this species in Halton. The Carolina Saddlebags is the more likely of the “red coloured saddlebags” to be encountered in our region but close examination is needed to ensure correct Halton flight period : July 13 (B. Van Ryswyk et identification. First confirmed report was B. Van all.) Ryswyk in 2014. Ontario flight period : May 28 to October 12
Black Saddlebags [ Tramea lacerata Hagen, 1861] Stations : #3 G5 S4 Regionally Common This species only has one vouchered record for the Breeding Immigrant region. An individual was caught and photographed by B. Van Ryswyk during the Royal Botanical Gardens odonata count in 2012.
EXCLUDED SPECIES
The residency status of this species is unconfirmed.
Frosted Whiteface [Leucorrhinia frigida (Hagen, 1890)] G5 S5
Halton flight period : May 23 (B. Van Ryswyk) to Regional Status : We have two sight records of this Oct 6 (B. Van Ryswyk). small black-and-white whiteface. The first is from “Hilton Falls Complex: South from end of Fifth Ontario flight period : May 12 to October 31 Line,” by R. Curry in 2003, followed by a 2004 record by A. Wormington from the Calcium Pits.
POTENTIAL SPECIES
Lestes australis (Walker, 1952) - Southern Spreadwing Argia tibialis (Rambur, 1842) - Blue-tipped Dancer Nehalennia gracilis (Morse, 1895) - Sphagnum Sprite Aeshna clepsydra (Say, 1839) - Mottled Darner Aeshna eremita (Scudder, 1866) - Lake Darner Anax longipes (Hagen, 1861) - Comet Darner Nasiaeschna pentacantha (Rambur, 1842) - Cyrano Darner Dromogomphus spinosus (Selys, 1854) - Black-shouldered Spinyleg Gomphus quadricolor (Walsh, 1863) - Rapids Clubtail Hagenius brevistylus (Selys, 1854) - Dragonhunter Stylurus amnicola (Walsh, 1862) - Riverine Clubtail Stylurus laurae (Williamson, 1932) - Laura's Clubtail Stylurus spiniceps (Walsh, 1862) - Arrow Clubtail Didymops transversa (Say, 1839) - Stream Cruiser Macromia illinoiensis (Walsh, 1862) - Swift River Cruiser Neurocordulia yamaskanensis (Provancher, 1875) - Stygian Shadowdragon Somatochlora forcipata (Scudder, 1866) - Forcipate Emerald Somatochlora linearis (Hagen, 1861) - Mocha Emerald Celithemis fasciata (Kirby, 1889) - Banded Pennant Leucorrhinia glacialis (Hagen, 1890) - Crimson-ringed Whiteface Leucorrhinia hudsonica (Selys, 1850) - Hudsonian Whiteface Sympetrum corruptum (Hagen, 1861) - Variegated Meadowhawk Sympetrum danae (Sulzer, 1776) - Black Meadowhawk
LITERATURE CITED
Bree, D. 2000. Odonata of Bon Echo Provincial Park – Preliminary checklist with notes. Pages 17-20. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 1 . 2000. Editors: P.M. Catling, C. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Bree, D. 2001. Further notes on the Odonata of Sandbanks Provincial Park. Pages 27-30. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 2 . 2001. Editors: P.M. Catling, C.D. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Bree, D. 2002 . Summary of the Odonata of Petroglyphs Provincial Park in 2001. Pages 5-10. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 3 . 2002. Editors: P.M. Catling, C.D. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Bree, D. 2004a . Additional Records of Arrowhead Spiketail ( Cordulegaster obliqua ) in Ontario. Pages 6-8. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 4 . 2004. Editors: P.M. Catling, C. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Bree, D . 2004b . Significant Odonate Observations from Petroglyphs Provincial Park and Area in 2002. Pages 33-37. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 4 . 2004. Editors: P.M. Catling, C.D. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto. Catling, P.M . 2000. Erosion control, channelization and reservoirs destroy habitats of imperiled dragonflies. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 1 . 2000. Editors: P.M. Catling, C. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Catling, P.M . 2001. Streams and river highlighted as major natural area protection priorities in Ontario based on damselfly and dragonfly indicators. Pages 36-43. In: Ontario Odonata Volume 2 . 2001. Editors: P.M. Catling, C. Jones, and P. Pratt. The Toronto Entomologists’ Association, Toronto.
Catling, P.M, and P.Pratt . 1997. An Expanding “race” of the Azure Bluet, Enallagma aspersum , in Ontario. Argia 9(3): 16-17.
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APPENDIX Station numbers and names
NAI#1: CLAPPISON ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#2: BRIDGEVIEW VALLEY NAI#3: GRINDSTONE CREEK VALLEY NAI#4: SASSAFRAS WOODS NAI#5: WATERDOWN ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#6: NELSON ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#7: LAKE MEDAD AND MEDAD VALLEY NAI#8: MOUNT NEMO ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#9: LOWVILLE-BRONTE CREEK ESCARPMENT VALLEY NAI#10: BRONTE CREEK VALLEY NAI#11: INDIAN CREEK SUB-WATERSHED NAI#12: FOURTEEN MILE CREEK VALLEY NAI#13: IROQUOIS SHORELINE WOODS NAI#14: WILDFLOWER WOODS NAI#15: JOSHUA CREEK VALLEY NAI#16: SIXTEEN MILE CREEK VALLEY NAI#17: MILTON HEIGHTS NAI#18: CRAWFORD LAKE-RATTLESNAKE POINT ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#19: CALCIUM PITS NAI#20: GUELPH JUNCTION WOODS NAI#21: MOFFAT SWAMP NAI#21A: SHANAHAN TRACK AND BURNS CONSERVATION AREA NAI#22: BROOKVILLE SWAMP NAI#23: KNATCHBULL SWAMP NAI#24: BLUE SPRINGS SWAMP NAI#25: HILTON FALLS FOREST COMPLEX NAI#26: BLUE SPRINGS CREEK VALLEY NAI#27: FAIRY LAKE MARSH NAI#28: ACTON SWAMP NAI#29: SPEYSIDE ESCARPMENT WOODS NAI#30: WATERFALL WOODS NAI#31: LIMEHOUSE CLIFFS AND WOODS NAI#32: SILVER CREEK VALLEY NAI#33: BALLINAFAD BOG NAI#34: SNOW'S CREEK WOODS NAI#35: TERRA COTTA WOODS NAI#36: GEORGETOWN CREDIT RIVER VALLEY NAI#37: HUNGRY HOLLOW RAVINE NAI#38: BALLINAFAD ESKER NAI#39: PARIS MORAINE COMPLEX NAI#40: JOSHUA’S CREEK POP-UP NAI#41: STEWARTTOWN WOODS NAI#42: NEW ACTON SWAMP NAI#43: DRUMQUIN WOODS NAI#44: BROOKVILLE DRUMLIN FIELD
NAI#45: GALT AND MOFFAT MORAINES NAI#46: BURLINGTON BEACH NAI#47: BLACK CREEK AT ACTON NAI#49: SHOREACRES CREEK ESTUARY NAI#50: GROVE PARK NAI#51: LASALLE PARK NAI#55: FORMER NATIONAL SEWER PIPE LANDS NAI#61: MAINWAY WOODS
Any with the suffix “A” or “B” etc. are extensions named similarly to the main ESA/Station unless otherwise noted. Therefore #25A is “Hilton Falls extension A” Halton Region has moved towards a Natural Heritage System approach since the NAI was published so ESAs are out of date, but it is now a continuous Natural Heritage System. But these ESA “Stations” provide a useful way to characterize the distribution and relative abundance of species within Halton Region and its Natural Heritage System.