Dragonflies of the Southwest (Anisoptera)

Sketch of a dragonfly body showing the body parts...pg. 10 by Barbara Chasteen	DRAGONFLIES - Anisoptera: Large, heavy-bodied; ordinarily larger than damselflies. Wings are held open & flat or down & forward when perched. Large eyes are spaced very close together and in most families actually touch, creating a seam down the center. Strong fliers; a few are even migratory. Males have three terminal abdominal appendages and a bump (genitalia) under their second abdominal segment. All females have only two terminal abdominal appendages and in many families they also have an ovipositor. Most dragonflies lay their eggs directly into the water. The southwest has at least 117 species representing all seven American dragonfly families: 1. Skimmers - Libellulidae 2. Emeralds - Corduliidae 3. Darners - Aeshnidae 4. Clubtails - Gomphidae 5. Spiketails - Cordulegasteridae 6. River Cruisers - Macromiidae 7. Petaltails - Petaluridae Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)


	SKIMMERS - Libellulidae sizes: quite variable, lengths: 19 - 86 mm 18 SW genera, including Amberwings, Gliders, King Skimmers, Meadowhawks, Saddlebags, Whitefaces, totaling 60 species males: showy nonmetallic colors; some wings patterned; bodies shorter than wingspans; eyes broadly touching females: frequently more brown or paler than males but usually having similar wing markings; most splash oviposit habitats: lakes and ponds; still waters of river pools behaviors: most perch horizontally and fly out to hawk prey; males usually hover-guard ovipositing females The SW has 18 genera, inc. 60 species: Amberwings Perithemis - tiny; wings amber colored; arid regions; 3 SW species Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga - - large, clubbed abdomen; 2 SW species Blue Dasher Pachydiplax-small, blue with white-face; 1 SW species Tropical Dashers Micrathyria - small, blue with white-face; pale markings atop abdomen; 2 SW species Dragonlets Erythrodiplax - small, dark, males and females have different color forms; 3 SW species Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon - lacey wings, chevroned abd., striped eyes; 1 SW species Gliders Pantala - strong flyers; often seen after weather change flying high overhead; perch hanging; known to migrate; 2 SW species King Skimmers Libellula - common; showy; wings held out flat; 12 SW species Meadowhawks Sympetrum - small; reddish; wings held downward;12 SW species Pondhawks Erythemis - small/med, blue &/or green, with green-face; 2-3 SW species Red Rock Skimmer Paltothemis- patterned red body with red in the wings;1 SW species Tropical Skimmers Orthemis - rose, purple and carmine red colored bodies; clear wings; 2 SW species Saddlebags Tramea - dark areas at hind wing base; strong fliers; 3 SW species Setwings Dythemis - perch with wings held forward and downwards with abd. held slanting upwards; 4 SW species Marl Pennants Macrodiplax - small, dark, dark basal wing area; 2 SW species Small Pennants Celithemis- small, colorful, pattered wings.; 3 SW species Sylph Macrothemis- one pale, slender, small head, narrow abd.; other dark, clubbed; 2 SW species Tropical Pennants Brachymesia -one species red, the other dark with a spot on each wing ; 2 SW species Whitefaces Leucorrhinia - small; dark body & eyes; bright white faces; 4 SW species
Photos male - CA males - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - UT male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - NV female - NV female - NM female - NM female - CA female - CA female - CA female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA wings - NM male-colored female - CA	Flame Skimmer Libellula saturata...pg. 12 size: large, length 49 - 61 mm, wingspan 85 - 95 mm male: unstriped thorax, abdomen, eyes, face, legs, stigma and appendages all red-orange; wings reddish out to slightly beyond nodus with a red streak along leading edge, red veins; hawks insects from perch female: orange streak along leading edge of wings habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers SW flight period: February - December SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM males - AZ male - AZ male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - TX pair - TX Scans male - AZ male - TX male - TX female - TX female - TX	Neon Skimmer Libellula croceipennis ...pg. 13 size: large, length 54 - 59 mm, wingspan 74 - 90 mm male: very wide bright neon red/pink abdomen; thorax and underside can be tawny; red on wings only adjacent to body and near leading edge, red does not extend to the nodus; stigma - dark outline; often perch in shade female: tan/orange with noticeable pale stripe top of thorax; wings mostly clear habitat: marshy creeks/ditches flight period: April - early November SW distribution: CA, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males & females - CA males & females - CA male - AZ male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA possibe migratory event - CA Scans male female - CA	Red Rock Skimmer Paltothemis lineatipes ...pg. 14 size: medium/large, length 44 - 54 mm, wingspan 90 - 95 mm male: abdomen intricately patterned with rusty red & black; face and eyes rusty red; rusty red on inner wings usually nearly to nodus, dark stigma; thorax can be olive-brown on sides; lands on rocks midstream female: tan/brown; intricate pattern; no color in wings; no red on body habitat: rocky streams flight period: March - November SW distribution: CA, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male & female - CA male & female - CA multiple images - CA male - NM young male - NM young male - UT male - UT male & female - AZ young male - NM female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - NM female - NM female - UT Scans male - CA immature male - CA male - CA male - CA unusual female - CA	Western/Band-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum occidentale/semicinctum, ...pg. 15 NOTE: THESE SPECIES HAVE BEEN 'LUMPED' - 2007 size: medium length 28 - 37 mm, wingspan 46 - 57 mm male: deep red upper abdomen with black markings lower sides; black top segments 8 & 9; inner wings rusty out to nodus; thorax sides - 3 irregular black stripes - look like black 'flames'; eyes & face dark rusty red; immature male yellow like female female: yellow where male is red; rarely has much less color in wings habitat: weedy ponds, lakes flight period: April - early November SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA young male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA pair in wheel - CA male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA teneral female - CA tandem pair - CA eggs - CA emergence sequence - CA emergence sequence - CA Scans males - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA	Cardinal Meadowhawk Sympetrum illotum ...pg. 16 size: medium length 32 - 40 mm, wingspan 55 - 60 mm male: cardinal red head, thorax, abdomen, wing veins; red on wings is diffuse and only close to body and near the leading edge; wings have very small dark streaks at extreme base; thorax sides have two small white spots; body with no black, appears stubby; red legs female: less colorful; pale red legs habitat: ponds, lakes flight period: January - early December SW distribution: CA, NV, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA male & female - CA male & female - CA female close up of thorax female - CA immature female - CA immature female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA	Red-veined Meadowhawk Sympetrum madidum...pg. 17 size: medium length 40 - 45 mm, wingspan 58 - 62 mm male: dark red face & abdomen; thoracic stripes partly obscured by red; underside abdomen dark, dark spots segments 8 & 9; distinct red wing "stripe" touches black or dark red fairly long stigma; no black areas near wing base; jet black legs female: tawny body; segments 1 & 2 bulbous; dull yellow face; wings like male; black legs habitat: ponds, marshes, lakes flight period: April - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT?, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - NM male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male & female- AZ male & female- AZ male - TX female - TX female - AZ Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA male - TX male - TX female - CA female - CA	Red-tailed Pennant Brachymesia furcata ...pg. 19 size: medium length 38 - 46 mm, wingspan 66 - 73 mm male: Meadowhawk-like; stocky; face & abdomen red; thorax brown; each abdomen segment with thin dark ring, black spots atop segment 8 & 9; wings have dark veins, amber at base with long stigma; jet black legs; "ski- tipped" appendages female: brown with pale stripe between wings & at abdomen base; small black spots last segments habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: March - November SW distribution: so. CA, AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - WI male - AZ male - BC male - WA female - CA female - CA female - WI pair in wheel Scans male side view - CA male top view - CA male - TX female - TX	Autumn [aka Yellow-legged] Meadowhawk Sympetrum vicinum...pg. 18 size: small/medium length 26 - 35 mm, wingspan 42 - 46 mm male: all red when mature; immature yellow; no stripes on thorax; top & sides of abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; slender, thin yellow- brown legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base; often last species in the fall female: like immature male but with very prominent, distinctive, triangular ovipositor on "tail" habitat: lakes, ponds, slow streams SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: mountains of CA, CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - BC female - CA male - Alberta male - Alberta pair in cop Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - WA female - CA female - CA female - CA	Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum internum...pg. 20 size: small/medium length 28 - 36 mm, wingspan 46 - 52 mm male: overall dark red; plain brown-red thorax; dull cherry red face when mature (immature - tawny yellow) with dark line; black legs; clear wings with reddish veins, only a small basal amber wash; triangular black marks low on abdomen sides female: body less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored; can have as much color in wings as a Western/Band-winged Meadowhawk habitat: wet meadows; slow waters SW flight period: June - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - WI male - Iowa Scans male - NE female - NE	Ruby Meadowhawk Sympetrum rubicundulum...pg. 154 size: small/medium length 33 - 34 mm, wingspan 50 - 62 mm male: VERY similar to Cherry-faced Meadowhawk wings with wings veins dark and face yellow to brown; can have basal half of wings amber female: less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored habitat: lowland ponds, lakes, bogs, marshes and streams SW flight period: August - ~September SW distribution: CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - WI male male - CA male - CA young male - CO teneral male - CO multiple images - CA males & female - WI female, close up - WI Scans male - CA male - OR male - OR male - BC	White-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum obtrusum...pg. 21 size: medium length 30 - 39 mm, wingspan 52 - 56 mm male: white face; abdomen & thorax red; thoracic side stripes on immatures only, no top stripes; distinct black triangles lower sides of abdomen; wing veins not reddish female: similar or golden; face greenish white habitat: marshes, lakes, wet meadows in highlands SW flight period: May - October; more common in the fall SW distribution: mountains in all SW but AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male male - CA probable teneral male - CO male - UT teneral male - UT multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - AZ young male - AZ multiple images - AZ male & female - AZ male - WY female - CA female - CA female - CA pair - BC Scans male - CA young male - CA female - CA	Striped Meadowhawk Sympetrum pallipes...pg. 22 size: medium length 34 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 58 mm male: mature red, immature golden; 2 pale top & side thoracic stripes (top stripes lacking in ALL other meadowhawks); pale face; clear wings, one rust vein; velvet-like dots where wings join body; usually rounded black marks low on abdomen female: tawny or red brown habitat: ponds and lakes SW flight period: April - November, more common in fall SW distribution: all SW Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male (mature) - CA male - CA male - CA multiple - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - WI immature male - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA teneral male - CA pair - CA pair - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA	Saffron-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum costiferum...pg. 23 size: medium length 31 - 39 mm, wingspan 50 - 56 mm male: body red when mature; immature golden; leading wing edges and veins golden; stigma yellow with black edges; underside of abdomen black; legs striped black female: like immature male habitat: woody marshes, ponds, lakes, creeks SW flight period: June - late Ocober SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM (not yet found AZ) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ young male - NV young male - NV mature male - NV male - NV very mature male - NV very mature male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - AZ male - NM male - NM male - UT males - UT female - UT female - CO male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - NV female - NV female - NV female - NM pair ovipositing - NV pair in wheel - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA	Variegated Meadowhawk Sympetrum corruptum ...pg. 24 size: medium length 33 - 43 mm, wingspan 60 - 64 mm male: quite variable; olive-green/gray and reddish plaid, turns redder as it ages, unique white "porthole-like" spots low on abdomen; thoracic stripes not always complete but end in yellow spot; cranberry eyes; bicolor stigma female: less red; more muted &/or pastel habitat: all slow water flight period: year round, migratory; may over winter SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male- AZ male- AZ male- AZ male- AZ immature male - MX males & females - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ immature female - AZ Scans male - AZ female - AZ	Spot-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum signiferum...pg. 154 size: small/medium length 33 - 42 mm, wingspan 52 - 66 mm male: very similar to Yellow-legged Meadowhawk but the hind wing has a triangular brown basal spot; all red when mature; immature yellow; no stripes on thorax; top & sides of abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; slender, thin yellow- brown legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base; often last species in the fall female: like immature male and female Yellow-legged Meadowhawk but WITHOUT the distinctive, triangular ovipositor on "tail" habitat: lakes, ponds, slow streams SW flight period: early August - late November SW distribution: CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male- NM male - NM male - NM male male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male male - CA male - CA male - CA males - HI immature male - CA multiple images - CA comparison shots of males - Nicaragua males & females - CA male & female - AZ male & female - AZ male & ovipositing female - CA female - CA female - NM female - NM female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ Scans male - CA male - TX female - CA female - AZ female - AZ female - TX	Roseate Skimmer Orthemis ferruginea ...pg.25 size: medium/large, length 46 - 55 mm, wingspan 79 - 92 mm male: thorax rose pink and/or plum pruinescence; rose pruinescence on abdomen; wings clear, very narrowly tipped with brown; top of head metallic black when mature female: orange-brown; complex pale pattern thorax sides, lt. stripe top center; noticeable flanges lower abdomen habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: all year in its most southern regions SW distribution: all SW states Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos multiple images - TX male - TX multiple images - TX male - MX immature male - TX male with Roseate above - MX comparison shots of males - Nicaragua male - TX male & female - TX male & female - AZ Scans male female	Carmine [aka Orange-bellied] Skimmer Orthemis discolor ...pg. 153 size: medium/large, length 38 - 53 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: very similar to Roseate Skimmer but coloration more red -orange; almost cherry-red eyes and face; wings clear, very narrowly tipped with brown; see Dennis Paulson's website to learn more about this recently named species female: orange-brown; complex pale pattern thorax sides, lt. stripe top center; noticeable flanges lower abdomen habitat: ponds, lakes, canals SW flight period: August - early November SW distribution: AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ male - NV male - CA multiple images - CA male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - NV female - NV Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - UT State Record Specimen	Mexican Amberwing Perithemis intensa...pg. 26 size: small, length 23 - 29 mm, wingspan 41- 44 mm male: small & stubby; all orange, even the wings which have pale orange stigma; thorax can be tawny; very unwary; tend to perch on twigs; immatures more yellow female: orange body; wings - amber-orange bands with dark spots, darker stigma than male habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: CA, NV, AZ, NM, UT (rare) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male - CostaRica Scans male female female female	Slough Amberwing Perithemis domitia...pg. 27 size: very small, length 22 - 25 mm, wingspan 34 - 41 male: like Mexican Amberwing but sides of thorax pale with narrow brown stripes; tiny but stubby; wings yellowish-orange female: brown body; variable amber patched/spotted wings habitat: ponds, stream pools & sloughs, often shaded SW flight period: July - early October SW distribution: AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - NM male - NM male male - AZ male & female - AZ male - NY male - NM male & female - NM female - OH female - NM female female - AZ Scans male - TX female - TX females	Eastern Amberwing Perithemis tenera...pg. 27 size: very small, length 19 - 25 mm, wingspan 33 - 43 male: tiny but stubby; wings yellowish-orange, may have small dark spots, red stigma; thorax brownish with two pale side stripes; patterned abdomen; mimics wasp behavior by waving wings and abdomen up and down female: brown body; variable dark patched/spotted wings habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, even brackish waters SW flight period: late March - October SW distribution: CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male in flight - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ male - UT male male & female - AZ female - AZ female female - CA female - NV Scans male - CA female - TX	Red Saddlebags Tramea onusta ...pg. 28 size: medium length 41 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 90 mm male: mostly red or rusty red including eyes; thorax tawny; black spots top of segments 8-10; hind wings have broad red saddle mark; powerful flier; frequently perch with abdomen lowered; migratory. female: tawny; black spots atop tip of abdomen habitat: warm shallow ponds behavior: use saddle mark to shade abdomen SW flight period: January - November SW distribution: all SW Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males & female - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - CA Scans male - TX male - TX male - FL female - TX	Striped Saddlebags Tramea calverti ...pg. 28 size: medium length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 86 mm male: similar to Red Saddlebags but with 2 pale stripes on side of thorax; mostly red or rusty red including eyes; segments 8-10 become dark on top & sides; hind wings have narrow dark saddle mark; often slightly yellow; powerful flier female: tawny; 2 broad side stripes on thorax; segments 8-10 of abdomen black habitat: warm shallow ponds and other quiet waters, including brackish and temporary SW flight period: possible year round; strays have been seen in August - November SW distribution: NM, AZ, CA (stray) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX male - MX images from Google Scans male - Bahamas male - Bahamas	Antillean Saddlebags Tramea insularis size: medium length 41 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 83 mm male: very similar to Striped Saddlebags but without 2 pale stripes on side of thorax; mostly red or rusty red including eyes; segments 8-9 (sometimes 10) have dark triangles that are mostly on the top (NOT as 'connected' as in T. calverti); wings - narrow red/dark basal patch, then clear without any yellowing beyond that violet forehead very long cerci (appendages) female: tawny; violet forehead; segments 8-10 of abdomen black habitat: warm shallow ponds and other quiet waters, including brackish and temporary SW flight period: strays seen in late October & November SW distribution: AZ (stray) No Western distribution map - please go to Odonata Central for updated information
Photos male- WI male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA images ovipositing - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - UT male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA pair in wheel - NV Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA	Black Saddlebags Tramea lacerata...pg. 29 size: large, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 95 - 102 mm male: black body; diffuse yellow spot top of abdomen; broad black saddle mark on hind wings; folded long legs give thorax bulky look in flight; powerful flier; usually perch horizontally; migratory female: similar, more yellow spots habitat: ponds, lakes, creeks, and slow areas of rivers behavior: oviposit - "Tramea Dance" flight period: March - November SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX male - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ male male, face shot female Scans	Mayan Setwing Dythemis maya...pg. 31 size: medium, length 43 - 45 mm, wingspan 72 - 82 mm male: slender red body; red-orange basal wing patches; bright red face and eyes female: like male but orange-brown with dark wingtips habitat: streams in arid country, usually in narrow canyons with cottonwoods flight period: late July - September SW distribution: AZ, rare Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male- NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male & female- AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - NM female - NM female - NM Scans male - AZ male - KS female - KS female - KS	Checkered Setwing Dythemis fugax...pg. 31 size: medium, length 42 - 51 mm, wingspan 72 - 78 mm male: dark with pale spots top of abdomen; lacy brown basal wing patches; bright red face and eyes female: like male; wing tips brown habitat: marshes, ponds, slow waters SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male & female - AZ male - AZ female - AZ male - TX Scans male - TX female - TX	Black Setwing Dythemis nigrescens...pg. 31 size: medium length 40 - 45 mm, wingspan 62 - 72 mm male: pruinose dark with slightly clubbed abdomen; face dark; no basal wing patches female: like male with pale marks on thorax & abdomen; wing tips brown habitat: rivers, streams, lakes & ponds SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - NM male - TX female - AZ female - NC Scans wings - NM male - TX male - TX male - TX female - KS female - KS	Swift Setwing Dythemis velox...pg. 31 size: medium, length 41 - 48 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: dark with pale spots top of abdomen; face dark; no basal wing patches and tips brown. female: like male; wing tips brown habitat: marshes, ponds, slow waters SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - TX male - TX male - TX male & female - TX female - TX female - TX Scans female - TX	Thornbush Dasher Micrathyria hagenii size: small-medium, length 33 - 35 mm, wingspan 52 - 62 mm male: slender, esp. mid abdominal segments; widened at end; dark with pale spots side of abdomen; face white; eyes blue-green; wings clear thorax striped top and sides female: like male; wing tips brown habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: found in September SW distribution: NEW for AZ 2006 Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ immature male - MX male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX female - MX Scans male - TX male - TX	Spot-tailed Dasher Micrathyria aequalis size: small-medium, length 28 - 33 mm, wingspan 45 - 52 mm male: pruinose blue-gray, white face, blue-green eyes; slender, esp. mid abdominal segments; widened at end; abd. dark with a pair of pale triangles atop abdomen segment 7; abd. turns darker pruinose as it matures; face white; eyes blue-green; wings clear thorax striped top and sides in immature female: can become pruinose similar to male but often heavily patterned on the thorax like a Blue Dasher and with a double line of dots atop the abdomen culminating in two good-sized triangles on seg. 7 behavior: female lands to oviposit, fastening eggs to the underside of a leaf habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: found in November SW distribution: NEW for AZ 2007 No Western distribution map - please go to Odonata Central for information
Photos male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male- NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - NM male - CA male - AZ male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA	Marl Pennant Macrodiplax balteata...pg. 30 size: medium length 35 - 44 mm, wingspan 57 - 74 mm male: wide head; dark eyes; small dark basal patches on wings; dark body and abdomen with thin pale rings female: wings like male; thorax & abdomen yellow on golden brown; abdomen tip dark; thorax sides - 3 pale areas habitat: brackish coastal ponds, desert oases; specializes on saline & especially alkaline habitats SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: CA, NV, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM young male - NM male - CA juvenile male - CA juvenile male - CA male - CA multiple images - NV female ovipositing - NV male - AZ male - AZ juvenile male - AZ comparison shot to Co. Whitetail male & female - AZ female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female- AZ female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - NM male - NM male - NM male mature male top; side - CA immature male top; side - CA female top; side - CA male - CA male - CA female - NM female - TX	Desert Whitetail Libellula subornata aka Plathemis subornata ...p. 32 size: medium length 40 - 52 mm, wingspan 64 - 76 mm male: pruinose white abdomen; wings - 2 narrow zigzag black bands, middle third usually fills in dark; basal half of wings - extensive white pruinosity; dark appendages female: brown body; 2 pale, jagged thoracic stripes; row of yellow side dashes on abdomen; each wing has dual zigzag bands, clear wing tips habitat: desert springs, ponds, lakes flight period: April - early November SW distribution: all SW deserts Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple ovipositing images - CA male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female- CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - TX male - TX female - CA female - CA	Common Whitetail Libellula lydia aka Plathemis lydia...pg. 33 size: medium length 39 - 48 mm, wingspan 65 - 75 mm male: broad abdomen matures gleaming white; wings -broad dark band 1/3 width, small black basal bar, small white area only at wing base; top of appendages frosty; immature - body marked like female; wings like mature male, lack white female: 3 dark wing spots; wide brown body; yellow side dashes angled, separated habitat: marshes, streams SW flight period: March - early November SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male male - AZ male - AZ male - NM immature male - NM male - UT male - NV female female - CA Scans male - WA male - TX female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA female - WA female - TX	Twelve-spotted Skimmer Libellula pulchella...pg. 34 size: large, length 51 - 58 mm, wingspan 84 - 92 mm male: 3 dark spots each wing, including wing tip, 3 white spots develop between them as the body ages; abdomen develops a bluish-white pruinosity as it matures female: brown abdomen - continuous yellow side stripe; wings - 3 dark spots, no white spots; compare to female Co. Whitetail habitat: ponds, lakes, rivers SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - AZ male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - UT female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA male - AZ	Eight-spotted Skimmer Libellula forensis...pg. 35 size: medium/large, length 49 - 51 mm, wingspan 77 - 80 mm male: 2 dark spots each wing, outer one shaped like a numeral "8" and extends from leading to trailing edge, 3 white spots, tips clear; pruinose blue abdomen & thorax top female: brown body; yellow side stripe dashed but forms straight line; wings like male's, may develop white spots habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: all; rare AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA male & female - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NV young male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - NM male - NM male & female - CA & AZ male & female - AZ male - AZ female female - NM female Scans male - CA female	Widow Skimmer Libellula luctuosa...pg. 36 size: medium length 38 - 50 mm, wingspan 76 - 80 mm male: body becomes pruinose pale blue; inside half of wings blackish-brown, outer wing sides develop extensive white pruinescence; expanding its range within the SW female: brown with yellow side stripes; dark wing tips habitat: ponds, lakes, pools of rivers & creeks, marshes SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male & female - CA male - NV male & female - AZ female - AZ female - CA multipile images - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA pruinose older female - CA	Hoary Skimmer Libellula nodisticta...pg. 37 size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm male: thorax and abdomen pruinose blue-gray; thorax of immature has 2 broken yellow stripes; wings have small dark area at base & nodus, basal dark wing area becomes surrounded by white, black stigma; no other white on wings female: dark gray/brown with row of yellow dashes along abdomen side habitat: springs; spring-fed streams SW flight period: April - September SW distribution: all SW; sporadic, sparse Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM tandem pair - NM pair - NM female - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - CA pair - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM female - NM female - NM female - OR	Bleached Skimmer Libellula composita...pg. 38 size: medium length 42 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 88 mm male: pruinose blue body becomes bleached/washed out in appearance; pale eyes; white face; wings - dark spot at base & usually also at nodus, dark veins; pale costa (vein along leading edge of the wing); dark stigma female: wings like male; abdomen - interrupted pale yellow stripes, pale eyes & face habitat: alkaline ponds; springs SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NV male - NV male - NV multiple images - CA males - CA males - CA male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - NV male & female - CA & AZ female - CA female- CA females - CA female - CA female - NM female - NM female - NM female - TX Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - TX	Comanche Skimmer Libellula comanche...pg. 39 size: medium length 42 - 49 mm, wingspan 70 - 88 mm size: medium/large, length 46 - 56 mm, wingspan 70 - 89 mm male: pruinose blue body with white face; pearly blue or greenish eyes; wings clear, bold white stigma with dark edge; immature has the thorax with bold pale yellow patches female: brown abdomen has a continuous pale yellow side stripe; pale eyes, pale yellow face and stigma with dark edge; wings often darkish at tips and leading edge similar species: Blue Dasher lacks white stigma; Bleached Skimmer has pale eyes and dark stigma habitat: ponds, ditches, canals SW flight period: May - early November SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - NM multiple images - CA multiple images - CA males & females - CA & AZ male & female - AZ female female - NV female - NV female - NV female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - NM Scans male - CA female - CA	Blue Dasher Pachydiplax longipennis...pg. 40 size: medium length 32 - 45 mm, wingspan 48 - 50 mm male: pruinose blue, developing dark tip, tan under segment 1-3; striped thorax can become all blue; teal green/blue eyes; distinctive white face with black between the eyes; wings, often held downward, can show brown tinted areas; in CA thorax often becomes completely pruinose female: rectangular buff marks on dark background; no other is like it; white face habitat: ponds, slow waters SW flight period: March - January SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV juvenile male - NV males - NM multipile images - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male & female- AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male & female - CA & AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - UT immature male - UT female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - NV female - NV female Scans male - NV male - NM male - NM male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA scans immature male female - NM female - NM female - NM female - CA nymph - TX exuvia - TX	Western Pondhawk Erythemis simplicollis collocata...pg. 41 size: medium length 39 - 42 mm, wingspan 63 - 65 mm male: pruinose blue with bright green face; deep blue eyes; dark appendages; immature like female, thorax last to turn blue, no dark patches/spots/bands; usually perches low, often on or near the ground or on floating vegetation; known to eat other dragonflies female: emerald green body - thin dark line along middle top; some yellow near tip habitat: ponds, creek pools SW flight period: February - November SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos young male - OH young male male - TX male & female - AZ female - OH female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM (intermediate form?) female female - TX female - TX Scans male - top TX male side - TX male side - TX female top - TX female side - TX female side - TX	Eastern/Common Pondhawk Erythemis simplicicollis simplicollis ...pg. 42 size: medium length 36 - 48 mm, wingspan 63 - 65 mm male: pruinose blue with green face; dark blue eyes; emerges green like female, sides of thorax last area to become blue; displays white appendages held upward female: emerald green body with pale and dark areas along abdomen; white appendages; spout-like ovipositor habitat: ponds, creek pools SW flight period: late April - October SW distribution: CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male male - AZ male -TX female female - TX female - TX female - TX female Scans male - TX male - TX female top - TX female side - TX	Great Pondhawk Erythemis vesiculosa...pg. 43 size: large, length 55 - 65 mm, wingspan 80 - 82 mm male: narrow long green abdomen with dark and pale bands; eyes green-gray; appendages white; juvenile has green stigma; wary; often flies with abdomen raised 30 degrees female: like male; eyes dark brown; thin abdomen with short inconspicuous ovipositor habitat: ponds; pools of creeks and rivers SW flight period: August - September SW distribution: rare; CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - NV male - CO male - CO male top view - NY female - CA females - CA female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Four-spotted Skimmer Libellula quadrimaculata...47 size: medium length 40 - 46 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: olive to orangish-brown body, thorax somewhat hairy; abdomen tapered with yellow dashes on sides, tip darker; leading wing edges usually orangish with small dark spots at nodus, larger dark area hind wing base female: very similar habitat: bogs, marshes, lakes, streams in mountain areas; acidic waters SW flight period: May - early October SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - ON male top view - NY female - CA Scans male - CA male - WV male - WV female - WV female - WV	Chalk-fronted Corporal Libellula julia aka Ladona julia...153 & inside back cover dust jacket size: medium, length 38 - 44 mm, wingspan 60 - 72 mm male: brown with a chalky white pruinosity; the pruinosity restricted to the front half of the abdomen; 2 wide white pruinose stripes on thorax top; eyes and face brown; clear wings have only a small dark area at base female: orangish brown with a black stripe down the top of the abdomen habitat: slow mountain streams SW flight period: June - August SW distribution: northern CA Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NV male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM in flight - NM comparisonshot, males - CA female - CA male & female - AZ Scans male - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA	Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea...pg. 44 size: medium length 43 - 51 mm, wingspan 86 - 96 mm male: robust; body patterned golden browns, generally darker brown than Wandering Glider; tawny or rufous stigma; red face; clear front wing; wide hind wing - small round dark basal spot (often difficult to see in flight); strong gliding flight; migrate; often seen after weather change female: like male, patterned less boldly; yellow face habitat: ponds (even temporary), lakes, yards SW flight period: all year in south; elsewhere March - October SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male- TX male - TX in flight - NM in flight - NM male - CA in flight - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ emerging male - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - TX female - NM female side view - CA female top view - CA	Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens...pg. 45 size: medium, length 44 - 51 mm, wingspan 83 - 91 mm male: golden orange-yellow-brown body, dark pattern along abdomen top; yellowish face; mature has red eyes; broad clear wings possibly with yellow wash at tips and base but no dark basal spot; golden stigma; hind wing very wide - strong gliding flight; vagrant, migrant; follows weather fronts female: similar; male & females feed in mixed swarms habitat: open still waters; frequently found in yards SW flight period: March - December SW distribution: all Southwest; a cosmopolitan species Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX in flight - AZ female - TX female - TX Scans	Straw-colored Sylph Macrothemis inacuta ...pg. 153 size: medium/large, length 42 - 48 mm, wingspan 66 - 74 mm male: distinctive very slender cylindrical yellowish-brown body; red-brown eyes become blue-violet to whitish aqua female: similar; sometimes amber tint to wing tips habitat: streams and rivers SW flight period: late July - October SW distribution: AZ Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM males - NM male, face shot - NM male, in flight - NM male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ females - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - NM female - NM female - NM multiple images - CA female - TX Scans male - AZ female - TX female - TX	Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon superbus...pg. 46 size: medium length 38 - 45 mm, wingspan 63 - 73 mm male: wings variably dark & lacy, sometimes almost all dark; brown body with pale chevrons ages to nearly all black; eyes are striped and when mature are nearly all black; perch low, often on rocks/debris, often in oblique posture female: lace pattern on wings more open; spout like ovipositor habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: February - November SW distribution: AZ, NM found once in CA, San Diego Co. 2004 Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male & female - AZ male - TX male - WV male - WV male - NY female - NM Scans male - KS female - KS female - KS	Halloween Pennant Celithemis eponina ...pg. 152 size: medium length 36 - 42 mm, wingspan 6s6 - 70 mm male: orange wings patterned with black; orange stigma female: like juvenile male has yellow body coloration; wings like males habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: June - October SW distribution: AZ, NM, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - TX male - TX female - NY male & female - NC Scans male - TX male - TX female - TX	Banded Pennant Celithemis fasciata ...pg. 152 size: medium length 30 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 66 mm male: patterned wings variable but black areas sharply defined and mostly clear between; black wing tips; body all black female: body marked with yellow habitat: rocky, clear streams SW flight period: August - September SW distribution: NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - WV male - WV male - TX male - KS male & female - TX Scans male - TX young male - TX male - KS male - KS	Calico Pennant Celithemis elisa size: medium length 29 - 34 mm, wingspan 56 - 60 mm male: patterned wings variable but black areas at wing tips, large basal patch with reddish interior and smaller spots between; red hearts along abd. top; pale stigma female: body marked with yellow hearts along abd. top habitat: shallow edges of ponds with vegetation SW flight period: late June - September SW distribution: CO Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - MX male - MX male - TX male - TX Scans male - TX female - TX female - TX	Pin-tailed Pondhawk Erythemis plebeja size: medium, length 41 - 48 mm, wingspan 64 - 75 mm male: mature - all black including face; clear wings with small dark basal patch & pale yellow stigma; legs all black; long narrow abdomen with yellow appendages; immature - some yellow on abdomen female: like immature male; much less black on abdomen; noticeable scoop-like projection under segment 9 points straight downward behavior: perches with wings held down and forward habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches, slow area of rivers and streams SW flight period: found in September SW distribution: AZ (stray) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ female - UT female female female - Europe! pair Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - OR immature male - OR young male - CA young male - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA	Black Meadowhawk Sympetrum danae...pg. 48 size: small, length 26 - 32 mm, wingspan 42 - 46 mm male: mature - all black including face; immature shows complex yellow markings thorax sides including three yellow dots in a black belt, yellow areas along abdomen and on face; clear wings; legs all black; very petite female: like immature male; variable amber wing wash habitat: all slow mountain waters SW flight period: June - October SW distribution: all (mountain areas only) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male- AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - TX male - TX male & female- AZ female - AZ female Scans male -AZ young male -AZ male -MX female -MX	Plateau Dragonlet Erythrodiplax basifusca...pg. 49 size: small/medium length 24 - 34 mm, wingspan 43 - 53 mm male: black abdomen develops thin blue pruinosity on segments 1-7; face tawny to metallic black; wings clear except hind wing often with small basal dark amber patch female: yellow, brown side stripe habitat: marshy ponds, lakes SW flight period: March - November SW distribution: se CA, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM pair - NM pair - NM pair - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM males & females - TX males & females - MX Scans male - NM male - NM male - NM female - NM female - NM	Seaside Dragonlet aka Tiger Dragonlet *Erythrodiplax bernice...pg. 49 size:* small/medium length 31 - 35 mm, wingspan 44 - 56 mm male: mature is all black; wings clear, NO small basal dark patch; immature has yellow on segments 1-7 female: 2 forms: male-like has segments 1-7 remaining yellow longer than males; no spots near wing nodus; abdomen becomes dark before thorax juvenile spotted form female has thorax with yellow and black "tiger striping" and wings with brown spots at nodus habitat: saline lakes SW flight period: May - early October SW distribution: NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - MX male - MX imm. male - MX female - MX female - MX Scans male - MX female - MX female - MX female - Panama	Black-winged Dragonlet Erythrodiplax funerea...pg. 49 size: small/medium length 38 - 42 mm, wingspan 52 - 70 mm male: slender & black; wings black from near base to halfway between nodus and stigma; immature has yellow on segments 1-7 female: 2 forms: spotted form slender black body with round black spot at hind wing base other form is brown and has front of thorax darker than the sides habitat: temporary ponds in the open SW flight period: July - October SW distribution: AZ - stray Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male & female - AZ female - AZ male & female - NM female - NM male & female - TX female - FL Scans male - AZ wings - NM male - TX male & female - TX multiple images - TX	Four-spotted Pennant Brachymesia gravida ...pg. 19 size: medium length 50 - 54 mm, wingspan 72 - 86 mm male: slender black abdomen; wings each have one large round dark spot near nodus and pale stigma; immatures are mostly orange-brown with white spots on the sides of the face female: like immature male, slowly darken but retain white facial spots habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches, canals; often with brackish or fertilized water SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - TX female - TX Scans male - female	Tawny Pennant Brachymesia herbida size: medium length 43 - 48 mm, wingspan 69 - 70 mm male: similar to teneral individuals of Four-spotted Pennant (B. gravida). Stigma is tan, not white; wings lack dark spot, but may be smoky. Tan or brown face; thorax brown and unmarked. Wings amber or smoky, esp. leading edge & dark spot is NEVER beyond nodus. Abdomen - black top stripe and yellow side stripe. female: like immature male br> habitat: Elsewhere is found on ponds, lakes, marshes and roadside ditches including brackish waters SW flight period: August 17, 2008 SW distribution: rare, NM NO Western distribution maps - please go to Odonata Central for updated information
Photos multiple images- TX male- MX in flight- MX? Scans male - MX? female - MX?	Evening Skimmer Tholymis citrina size: medium, length 48 - 53 mm, wingspan 72 - 82 mm male: similar to Four-spotted Pennant but hind wing ONLY with disfuse large dark spot at nodal area; all red when mature; immature yellow-brown; no stripes on thorax; top & sides of abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; slender, thin yellow- brown legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base; often last species in the fall female: similar to male habitat: usually of coastal flooded forests, but flooded fields also behavior: crepuscular habits, flying mostly before dawn SW flight period: June SW distribution: AZ - RARE No Western distribution map yet - please go to Odonata Central for information
Photos male - OH male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AK male - WV male - NY female - CA female - WI pair - BC Scans male - CA female - CA female - OR female - OR	Hudsonian Whiteface Leucorrhinia hudsonica ...pg. 50 size: small, length 26 - 30 mm, wingspan 44 - 57 mm male: dainty; dark eyes; bright white face; red thorax; abdomen black with red spots along top of segments 1-7 (yellow in immature); costa yellow from nodus female: same or black with yellow habitat: sedge marshes SW flight period: late May - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - BC possible male - CO possible male - CO male - AK male - Alberta female - Alberta many - BC many - BC possible female - CO Scans	Boreal Whiteface Leucorrhinia borealis ...pg. 50 size: medium, length 44 - 46 mm, wingspan 62 - 66 mm male: : largest Whiteface; continuous broad red stripe abdomen, including segment 8; shows more red than black; full length of costa yellow; face can appear greenish with black chin; use appendages to distinguish from other Whitefaces female: shows more yellow than black down top of abdomen, including segment 7 habitat: boggy, weedy ponds, lakes in mountains SW flight period: ~June - ~July SW distribution: UT, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - BC male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NY pair in wheel - CA Scans male - CA teneral male - CA pair - CA pair - CA female - CA female & exuvia - CA	Crimson-ringed Whiteface Leucorrhinia glacialis...pg. 51 size: medium, length 35 - 40 mm, wingspan 55 - 60 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendages half the length of the uppers; to identify to species use wing venation illustrations female: same or yellow & black habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes SW flight period: late May - early September SW distribution: CA, NV Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male male - AK pair in wheel - BC Scans male - WA	Belted [aka Red-waisted] Whiteface Leucorrhinia proxima...pg. 51 size: medium, length 32 - 38 mm, wingspan 50 - 55 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendage length 2/3rds length of uppers; to identify to species use wing venation illustrations female: same or yellow & black habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes SW flight period: June - August SW distribution: CA, UT, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - BC male - CA male - CA multiple image - CA female - CO female - BC Scans male - CA male - CA female - WA immature female - WA	Dot-tailed Whiteface Leucorrhinia intacta...pg. 52 size: medium length 29 - 35 mm, wingspan 48 - 52 mm male: black body & head with bright white face; mature male has large yellow dot only on segment 7; immature marked like female, as it matures, there are transitional stages female: like male or showing yellow atop abdomen, including segment 7 habitat: spring-fed ponds, bogs, lakes SW flight period: May - early September SW distribution: mountains of all SW but AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male, side view - CA male, side view - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male flying - CA multiple images - CA male in flight - CA male - NM male - TX (unusual amount of black on face) male - AZ male - NV male & female- AZ male & female- CA female Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - TX	Pale-faced Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga mendax...pg. 53 size: large, length 52 - 64 mm, wingspan 68 - 86 mm male: gray; pale face, forehead & thoracic stripes; club-shaped narrow abdomen, segment 7 has 2 very closely spaced pale spots top that are parallel to the midline; secondary genitalia hamules very curved, hook-shaped like a question mark; patrols streams & rivers. Masked Clubskimmer occurs in southeast AZ; forehead black - compare by hamules female: like male but wings tips and small basal area brown; abdomen not as clubbed habitat: moving waters of rivers and streams SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - Nicaragua male - Nicaragua female Scans males & females - Costa Rica	Masked Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga pertinax...pg. 53 size: large, length 50 - 52 mm, wingspan 78 - 88 mm male: much like Pale-faced but more slender and darker gray; pale face & thoracic stripes, forehead metallic black; club-shaped narrow abdomen, segment 7 has 2 very closely spaced pale spots on top that diverge away from the midline toward the rear; secondary genitalia hamules nearly straight, tip bent female: like male but wings tips and small basal area brown; abdomen not as clubbed habitat: moving waters of rivers and streams SW flight period: June - August SW distribution: southeast AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - Sonora,MX male - Sonora, MX male - MX male - MX female - MX Scans	White-tailed Sylph Macrothemis pseudimitans NEW TO THE USA 2007 size: medium/large, length 40 - 43 mm, wingspan 60 - 67 mm male: dark species with dark 'clubbed' tail with a large pruinose white area on seg. 7 (mature 6-9); dark thorax has pale blue triangular stripes top and sides; clear shining wings; bright blue eyes dark faced with yellow ring around the top of metallic blue frons female: similar but dark color more brown than black habitat: small to medium sized streams behavior: flies short beats over the water landing from time to time on rocks in the stream or on leaves of bank vegetation SW flight period: September SW distribution: AZ - RARE No Western distribution map yet - please go to Odonata Central for updated information
Photos	EMERALDS - Corduliidae sizes: medium - large, lengths: 42 - 55 mm 4 SW genera including 11 species: American Cordulia - 1 SW species Baskettails Epithica - 4 SW species Shadowdragon Neurocordulia - 1 SW species Striped Emeralds Somatochlora - 5 SW species males: often dark having brilliant metallic tones, although some have bodies that are patterned; all with emerald green eyes; abdomens expanded at midpoint females: like males; bodies stouter, even shaped habitats: wooded ponds and streams in the mountains behaviors: early mass emergences; perch by hanging; strong, fast, erratic fliers; sometimes hard to find, scarce Baskettails - non-metallic colors; brown and yellow patterned; hairy thorax; found at lower elevations than others; often fly at waist height along trails and paths American Emerald - metallic green; forked appendages Striped Emeralds - metallic green; high fliers; appendages not forked; often thin pale rings around abdomen Western distribution maps are out-of-date. Please go to Odonata Central for up-to-date information
Photos male - NM male - TX male - TX male - MI male in flight male in flight female - TX Scans male - TX female - TX	Prince Baskettail Epitheca (Epicordulia) princeps size: medium/large length 58-78 mm, wingspan ~82 mm male: distinctive wing pattern with dark tips and usually dark nodal and basal spots (similar to 12-spotted skimmer) can show little or much dark color in flight mature - green eyes; immature brown habit of perching with its abdomen partially curled upward female: like male; eyes bronzy brown habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams and rivers SW flight period: ~June - July SW distribution: NM No Western distribution map available yet -please go to Odonata Central for information)
Photos male, in flight - NM male - TX male - TX male - TX male, close up - TX male female female - TX female Scans male - TX female - TX	Dot-winged Baskettail Epitheca petechialis...pg. 55 size: medium length 41 - 43 mm, wingspan 62 - 64 mm male: mature's eyes green, contrast with dull brown flattened spindle shaped abdomen, yellow side spots; thorax hairy; clear wings - tiny brown spots leading edge;appendages straight, lacking tooth on underside female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in forests SW flight period: March - early August SW distribution: CO, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male- CA male- CA male - CA multiplel images - CA young male - CA odd males - CA immature male - CA female -CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA female - CA	Beaverpond Baskettail Epitheca canis ...pg. 55 size: medium length 45 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 64 mm male: green eyes contrast with dull brown and yellow patterned body; abdomen flattened and enlarged mid-length; thorax hairy; clear wings; flies at waist height; appendages bent down at end female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in lowlands SW flight period: March - July SW distribution: CA Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - OR male - TX male - BC female - OR Scans immature male - WA female - WA	Spiny Baskettail Epitheca spinigera ...pg. 55 size: medium length 43 - 47 mm, wingspan 61 - 69 mm male: green eyes contrast with dull brown and yellow patterned body; abdomen flattened and enlarged mid-length; thorax hairy; clear wings; flies at waist height; appendages straight with tiny downward tooth midway on underside of upper appendage nymph/exuvia have distinctive long spines on seg. 9 that extend beyond the abd. tip - can be used as voucher for distribution female: like male, body broader habitat: slow waters in mountain forests SW flight period: June - July SW distribution: CA Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
	Common Baskettail Epitheca cynosura ...pg. 154 Please note: all Epitheca cynosura records for the West have been changed to E. petechialis; Dr. Donnelley has determined that the specimens from CO formerly thought to be cynosura aren't AND he has not found that there are not ANY Epitheca cynosura records west of the Rocky Mts. distribution: NOT IN THE SOUTHWEST, not in CO as formerly thought Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - TX female - TX female - TX female - TX female - TX mated pair - TX Scans male - TX male - TX female - TX female - TX nymph - TX	Orange Shadowdragon Neurocordulia xanthosoma ...pg. 154 size: medium length 48 - 50 mm, wingspan 74 - 82 mm male: brownish orange body & eyes; wings - basal quarter of wings lightly orange and a row of amber dots along each leading edge female: like male, dots on wings more prominent habitat: small mud bottomed steams, rivers and lakes with wooded shores flight period: found in June behavior: fly over land or water from dawn to shortly after sunrise and then again from after sunset to about the last 40 minutes of light distribution: ?NM [not in CO, my SW guide is in error for listing it so - kb] Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male male - CA young male - CA male- CA male side view - NY multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA young female - CA female - CA female- CA female - CA pair - BC Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female, side view - CA	American Emerald Cordulia shurtleffii...pg. 56 sizes: medium length 42 - 50 mm, wingspan 60 - 65 mm male: emerald green eyes; dark hairy thorax with green metallic tones; abdomen enlarged mid-length with single thin white ring between segments 2 & 3; appendages splayed. *Ringed Emerald (Somatochlora albicincta) is similar but has a white ring on each segment female: like male; body cylindrical habitat: wooded ponds, bogs SW flight period: late May - September SW distribution: mountains in *CA, NV, UT, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - OR male, side view - CO male, top view - CO male - OR male - CA male - in flight CA female, side view - CO Scans male, top view - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male, top view - BC male, side view - BC female, side view - CA female, top view - CA female, side view - CA female, top view - BC female, side view - BC	Mountain Emerald Somatochlora semicirularis...pg. 57 size: medium/large, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: emerald green eyes; dark hairy thorax, sides have two yellow markings within metallic green area; dark abdomen enlarged at mid-length, may show yellow spots on sides of segment 5-8; appendages point inwards, "pincher-like" female: similar to male; broader abdomen; cerci 3 mm or more, female American Emerald's cerci 2 mm or less habitat: ponds, sedge meadows with small streams SW flight period: June - early September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM (in mountains) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - OR male - OR male - BC male - Maine Scans male - WA	Ocellated Emerald Somatochlora minor ...pg. 154 size: medium, length 42 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: small for genus; emerald green eyes; dark thorax has 2 roundish yellow spots on sides and yellow spot lower base of fairly short abdomen; face black with yellow female: ovipositor perpendicular and as long as segment 8; yellow spots on abdomen base fused to form a crescent shape habitat: small streams in forests SW flight period: ~June - ~August SW distribution: CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos teneral male - CA male in flight - CA multiple images - AK male - Maine Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA exuvia - CA female - WA	Ringed Emerald Somatochlora albicincta...pg. 54/56 size: medium length 45 - 50 mm, wingspan 62 - 67 mm male: Similar to Mt. Emerald but has narrow incomplete white ring on each segment female: similar to male; broader, more cylindrical abdomen habitat: lakes ponds or streams with sparse emergent vegetation and forested margins SW flight period: June - August SW distribution: northern CA Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CO Scans male	Hudsonian Emerald Somatochlora hudsonica ...pg. 154 size: medium, length 50 - 54 mm, wingspan 62 - 70 mm male: almost identical to the Ringed Emerald female: different from Ringed Emerald in that she has short, oblique ovipositor that is 2/3rds as long as segment 9 habitat: deep sedge bordered ponds and lakes SW flight period: ~June - ~September SW distribution: CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - Iowa male - NE Scans male	Plains Emerald Somatochlora ensigera ...pg. 154 size: medium, length 48 - 51 mm, wingspan 68 - 72 mm male: face and 2 thoracic side stripes bright yellow; appendages straight female: wide yellow side stripes on segments 2-6; ovipositor is at right angle to abdomen and as long as segment 8, appendages shorter that segment 9+10 habitat: SW flight period: ~June - ~August SW distribution: CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
	DARNERS - Aeshnidae sizes: large, robust; fast; lengths: 56 - 116 mm 5 SW genera, including 18 species: Mosaic Darners, Aeshna* - 10 SW species New research in 2003 split the genus Aeshna* Tropical Darners, Rhionaeschna* - 4 SW species New research in 2003 split these from the genus Aeshna* Green Darners Anax - 2 SW species ?? Darners Remartinia- 1 SW species Riffle Darners Oplonaeschna- 1 SW species males: brilliant blue and/or green with brown females: 2 or more forms, one like males; others green and/or yellow instead of blue; brown and/or purple base habitats: lakes, creeks, rivers; fields behaviors: usually seen in flight; patrol waterways but also often seen catching insects over fields; perch by hanging vertically; oviposit into floating vegetation; some swarm; some migrate; when cool, blue coloration darkens Mosaic/Tropical Darners, Aeshna/Rhionaeschna - large bluish eyes; mosaic pattern; quite similar; upper appendages differ Green Darners, Anax - large green eyes, both very similar except for Giant Darner's much larger size; the Common Green Darner is known to be a mass migrant Western distribution maps are out-of-date. Please go to Odonata Central for up-to-date information
Photos Darner exuvia The exoskeleton left behind when a darner nymph metamorphoses to become a flier. Scans	How to Identify Female Darners example: female Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor - non-male like color form...pg. 59 To identify female Darners, use color of the line across face, presence (Rhionaeschna) or lack (Aeshna) of a small bump under first segment, the presence or lack of paired blue spots on abdomen underside, the presence and/or shape of thoracic top and side stripes, and the ovipositor length. Use of an identification key is often necessary.
Photos male top view - CA male top & side views - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male side view - CA male side view - TX male - NV male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male in flight- AZ male - NM male - NM male, close-up - BC appendages - CA male - UT male & female - AZ female, non-male like form - CA pair in wheel- NV female - AZ female - AZ female - UT female ovipositing - AZ Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male-colored female - CA green colored female - CA exuvia - CA	Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor ...pg. 60 size: large, length 60 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 98 mm male: bright blue eyes & face; broad blue stripes on thorax sides are uniform in width; two stripes on top of thorax also; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; appendages forked - wrench shaped when seen from side; spots top segment 10 pale and widely separated; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing super-triangle female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams SW flight period: February - early December SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male & female - AZ male side view - TX male side view - TX multiple images - TX appendages female side view - AZ female - TX images from Google Scans male - AZ female	Arroyo Darner Rhionaeschna dugesi ...pg. 155 size: large, length 70 - 74 mm, wingspan 96 - 108 mm male: like Blue-eyed Darner but appendages not forked/wrench shaped; bright blue eyes & face; broad blue stripes thorax sides with the first lateral stripe widened downward and the second lateral stripe widening upwards, also a slight extension on top of stripes; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; bump under 1st segment. In New Mexico, the Arroyo Darner has a dusky brown to bright gold band across the top of the face, and the costa along the front of the wing is sky blue which helps distinguish it form the Blue-eyed Darner. female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment; spots top seg.10 closely spaced habitat: pools of mountain streams in pine and oak habitats SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male top view - CA male side view - CA multiplel images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA appendages - CA pair in wheel - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA Scans males - CA male - CA young male - CA pair - CA male-colored female - CA emerging nymph - CA exuvia - CA	California Darner Rhionaeschna californica ...pg. 61 size: large, length 56 - 64 mm, wingspan 70 - 82 mm male: small for family; sky blue eyes & spots, immature grayer; face pale blue with black line; thin pale blue thoracic side stripes curve slightly backwards; thin stripes or none thorax top; appendages simple, without small spine; spots on segment 10 closer together than on 9; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing supertriangle female: facial line black; bump under first segment habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams SW flight period: February - August; most often seen early in the season SW distribution: CA, NV, CO, UT Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male & female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - Nicaragua male side view appendages Scans male - Costa Rica female - Costa Rica	Turquoise-tipped Darner Rhionaeschna psilus ...pg. 155 size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: small and dark for a darner; blue eyes and blue face with only a faint colored line across; long, wide green or blue stripes on sides and top of thorax are wavy and uneven; spots on abdomen small and green colored except for blue on segment 2 and sometimes blue spots on 10; pale blue color on underside of segments 9 & 10 is diagnostic; bump under 1st segment; appendages simple, without a true spine female: thorax similarly marking to male; bump under first segment; spots on abd. small and green colored; long appendages habitat: ponds, ditches and sluggish streams SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: AZ & has been found once in Orange Co. CA (2007) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - NM males - TX male - Nicaragua appendages Scans male - Costa Rica	Malachite Darner Remartinia luteipennis ...pg. 155 AKA Coryphaeschna luteipennis (archaic) size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male:bold wide bright lime-green and brown thoracic top and side stripes; small blue-green triangles atop very dark abdomen; blue eyes and face; distinctive female: blue eyes; green face; very short appendages habitat: weedy ponds, lakes, ditches and sluggish streams SW flight period: July - early November SW distribution: AZ, uncommon Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - ID male side view - ID male - BC multiple images - AK male - Netherlands appendages Scans male - WA female - WA male wing	Sedge Darner Aeshna juncea...pg. 62 size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 82 - 98 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, straight edged but tapered, stripes are blue above, greenish-yellow and widest at bottom; face greenish blue with black line; large, closely spaced spots on segment 10; HW anal triangle - two cells; appendages paddle-shaped, no spine female: black facial line; no bump under 1st segment habitat: slow waters in forested areas SW flight period: ~June - July SW distribution: UT, CO, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - CA male side view - CA males - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - UT pair - UT male - BC male- BC appendages male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female, green form - CA female, blue form - CA female - CA female - CA female - OR male - AZ	Variable Darner Aeshna interrupta...pg. 63 size: very large, length 62 - 77 mm, wingspan 89 - 102 mm male: dark; thorax side stripes interrupted or very narrow; top stripes very narrow or missing; dark bluish eyes; face pale greenish yellow - black line; abdomen spots sky-blue, small spots segment 10 more widely separated than on 9, no spots underside; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment habitat: mountain lakes, ponds, bogs SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos multiple images - AK Scans male - WA male top - BC male side - BC female - WA	Zig-zag Darner Aeshna stichensis ...pg. 154 size: very small, length 54 - 64 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: sides of thorax have zigzag stripes; pale yellow face with black line; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment habitat: small bog pools, even moss fens with puddles SW flight period: ~July - ~September SW distribution: UT Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male close-up - CA appendages - CA female ovispositing - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA	Walker's Darner Aeshna walkeri...pg. 64 size: very large, length 72 - 77 mm, wingspan 87 - 100 mm male: face, thoracic stripes nearly white; clear wings, black veins & stigma; abdomen spots large, fewer small spots than other Aeshna; no spots top segment 10, those on segment 9 fused; no blue spots underside; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine; 3 cells hw anal triangle; flies late in season female: facial line thin, black; no bump; jet black stigma habitat: mostly creeks & streams SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: CA, NV Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male side view - CA multiple images - CA young male - CA female - CA female female - NM appendages Scans male top view - CA male side view - CA male multiple images - CA male - CA male top view - CA male side view - CA	Shadow Darner Aeshna umbrosa...pg. 65 size: very large, length 67 - 78 mm, wingspan 86 - 100 mm male: sometimes appears darker, showing less blue than other Mosaic Darners or as blue as most; frontal thoracic stripe green; paired blue spots underside of abdomen; no blue spots top of segment 10; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine; 3 cells in hw anal triangle; flies late in season female: chocolate brown; no bump; pale spots underside habitat: often flies in the shade SW flight period: July - November (once found in CA in Feb.!) SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male - AZ appendages - AZ female - MX female - AZ female - AZ Scans	Persephone's darner Aeshna persephone...pg. 67 size: very large, length 72 - 79 mm, wingspan 100 - 103 mm male: thorax side stripes broad, parallel sided, yellow; blue eyes; pale green face, black facial line; sky blue mosaic pattern on abdomen less pronounced than on other Aeshna; fused spot segment 9 tri-lobed, spots on 10 reduced or missing; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine female: wide yellow side stripes; no bump under 1st segment habitat: desert canyons, along shaded streams SW flight period: late July - November SW distribution: UT, CO, AZ, NM; rare all Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - CA male side view - CA male, multiple imges - CA multiple images - CA male flying - CA male flying - CA male flying - CA male, multiple images - UT male - AZ male flying - NM male flying- BC male top view - BC male male appendages female ovipositing - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Paddle-tailed Darner Aeshna palmata...pg. 66 size: very large, length 62 - 75 mm, wingspan 84 - 97 mm male: face & thoracic stripes greenish; black line across face; clear wings; in SW, blue spots on top of 9th & 10th abdominal segments usually fused (see p. 58); many small spots; underside of abdomen dark; 3 cells in HW anal triangle; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment; terminal appendages widest at central point; styli of ovipositor extend beyond the last segment habitat: ponds, lakes, small streams SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: all SW forested areas Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view male top view - BC male side view male side view male - BC pair - BC appendages female - NJ female - NJ Scans male - WA female - NE	Lance-tipped Darner Aeshna constricta ...pg. 68 size: very large, length 65 - 73 mm, wingspan 88 - 100 mm male: face pale green-yellow; fine brown facial line; side stripes on thorax indented; abdomen's spots blue-green inc. segment 10. Similar to Paddle-tailed, Canada & Lake Darners female: brown with blue-green/yellow spots; no bump; light brown or no line across face; terminal appendages same width thru-out; styli of ovipositor much shorter than the length of last segment, do not protrude habitat: slow streams and ponds in open marshes SW flight period: August - September SW distribution: NV?, UT, CO, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male, in hand - WA male - CN male - TX male - WI male - WI male, in hand - Iowa male side view - NY appendages Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - BC	Canada Darner Aeshna canadensis ...pg. 68 & inside front cover dust jacket size: large, length 64 - 73 mm, wingspan 86 - 99 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad; front stripe deeply indented upper half, green, yellow &/or blue; lt. brown facial line; underside of abdomen has paired pale spots; top oflast segment has pale spots; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages paddle-shaped female: facial line light brown; no bump under segment 1; paired spots underside of abdomen habitat: ponds, lakes, especially beaver ponds SW flight period: August - October SW distribution: CA Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male, close-up - BC multiple images - AK male, ON appendages female Scans male - WA	Lake Darner Aeshna ermita ...pg. 68 size: very large, 66 - 79 mm, wingspan 85 - 104 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, blue-green (no yellow); front stripe deeply indented; face yellow-green with black line; blue patch below spiracle; lg. spots on 10th segment; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages paddle-shaped female: black facial line habitat: mostly forested regions SW flight period: August - ~September SW distribution: UT, CO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female ovipositing - AZ appendages - AZ Scans	Riffle Darner Oplonaeschna armata...pg. 69 size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 92 - 110 mm male: very similar to Mosaic darners; deep blue eyes; strongly indented side thoracic stripes blue above, yellow below; abdomen spots a bit smaller than on Mosaic darners; appendages paddle-shaped with spine & a toothed projection near tip; top of segment 10 has a fingerlike projection female: short; yellow, blue &/or green spots; no bump habitat: rocky streams in oak & pine woodlands SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: CA & UT (rare), AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male in flight - NV male - CA male - UT male eating a flame skimmer - CA male & female - CA multiiple images - CA pair - CA male & female - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ pair in wheel - AZ pair ovipositing - NV pair ovipositing - NM female - CA female - CA female - CA female - NM female - UT teneral - AZ Scans male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Common Green Darner Anax junius...pg. 70 size: very large, 63 - 84 mm, wingspan 92 - 103 mm male: more solidly colored than Mosaic Darners; green eyes and yellow-green face; solid green thorax; blue abdomen with wide dark stripe on top; wings can be clear or show yellowish tinge; abdomen carried straight in flight female: most purplish brown with green; rarer form colored like male; all have brown eyes habitat: fields and waterways SW flight period: all months, migratory SW distribution: all Southwest Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male top view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male top view - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female ovipositing - CA females ovipositing - CA multiple images - CA male(s) - CA male - AZ males - AZ male - CA male - AZ male - AZ female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Giant Darner Anax walsinghami...pg. 71 size: huge, male 99 - 116 mm, wingspan 115 - 137 mm male: coloring like Common Green Darner but very long blue & dark patterned abdomen that droops in flight; solid green thorax; eyes blue on top female: like male; smaller; less blue; 88 - 98 mm, wingspan 112 -122 mm habitat: canyon & spring-fed streams, marshes, lakes in arid areas SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos interesting exuviae pile-up!	Clubtails - Gomphidae ...pg. 72 sizes: large, lengths: 41 - 83 mm 10 SW genera totaling 24 species including: Clubtails - 2 SW genera: *Gomphus,* & Stylurus: 7 SW species Forceptails Aphylla - 1 SW species Grappletail Octogomphus - 1 SW species Leaftails Phyllogomphoides - 2 SW species Ringtails Erpetogomphus - 5 SW species Sanddragon Progomphus - 2 SW species Snaketails Ophiogomphus - 5 SW species Spinylegs Octogomphus - 1 SW species males: most have an enlarged area at end of abdomen; black, brown, green and/or yellow patterned; clear wings with wide stigmas; small eyes widely separated; sprawling legs; well camouflaged; no blue or red coloring females: often yellow where male green; bodies cylindrical habitats: life cycle of 2 years usually in rivers, streams behaviors: males perch on ground/rocks at beach in sunlit areas; females more often found out on vegetation Clubtails - narrow pale triangles down top of black/brown abdomen; some occur at ponds and lakes Grappletail - abdomen thin & less patterned than others Sanddragons - narrow clubbed abdomen; short legs Ringtails - ringed appearance to abdomen; short legs Snaketails - 5 very similar species; most in arid lands Western distribution maps are out of date. Please go to Odonata Central for up to date information
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA Scans mature male - CA male - OR male - OR female - CA female - CA male & female - WA	Grappletail Octogomphus specularis...pg. 73 size: large, length 49 - 53 mm, wingspan 60 - 82 mm male: face yellow, eyes dark gray; thorax top - large bold gray- green/yellow urn shaped mark; very thin abdomen almost all black showing less yellow than any other SW clubtail; black legs & stigma; appendages grapple-like female: thin yellow line top of cylindrical abdomen habitat: rivers with riffles in wooded hillsides SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: CA, NV Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - NV male - NM male - NM male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA pair in wheel - NV pair in wheel - CA male & female - AZ female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female Scans male - CA female - CA	Gray Sanddragon Progomphus borealis...pg. 74 size: large, length 56 - 62 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: yellow face; thorax sides - large gray patches; dull pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; costa yellow; upper appendages yellow, lowers dark, same as Common Sanddragon; both arch abdomen when perching female: more gray/green habitat: sandy rivers, lakes SW flight period: March - November SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM (not yet found in CO) Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male male - TX male - TX male side view - NJ pair - NM Scans male - TX female - TX	Common Sanddragon Progomphus obscurus ...pg. 75 size: medium/large, length 47- 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 68 mm male: very similar to Gray Sanddragon, but with two distinct yellow stripes side of thorax; yellow face; on both species the stripes top of thorax form a "W" same pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; often lacks thin yellow rings at clubbed end on segments 8 & 9; costa yellow female: less clubbed; paler coloration habitat: sandy ponds, streams SW flight period: April - late July SW distribution: CO, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos multiple images - TX male - TX male - Iowa male male male female - TX female - Iowa nymph Scans male top - TX male side - TX multiple images - TX female top - TX female side - TX	Flag-tailed Spinyleg Dromogomphus spoliatus ...pg. 155 size: medium, length 41 - 47 mm, wingspan 65 - 73 mm male: blue-gray eyes; face pale; long legs: pale rings on segments 4-6; yellowish underside of large flattened club female: no club habitat: streams, rivers with mud bottomed pools; also lakes and ponds with mud bottoms SW flight period: July (~June - ~August) SW distribution: NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NV female - NV female - NV males & females - CA multiple images - CA male & female - AZ pair - CA female - CA female - CA female - AZ female - NM pair - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - OR	White-belted Ringtail Erpetogomphus compositus...pg. 72/76 size: medium/large, length 46 - 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: thorax intricately marked green, yellow, black, middle side stripe the "white belt" conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; dark yellow club looks as if dipped in gold paint; blue-gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; looks like composite of several other species female: no club; white belt habitat: streams, rivers SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: all SW (now found CO too) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - NM male - MX female - MX Scans	Yellow-legged Ringtail Erpetogomphus crotalinus ...pg. 155 size: medium, length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 61 - 72 mm male: thorax green with hardly any dark markings, appears paler than other SW Ringtails; conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; yellow club; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa female: no club habitat: streams in arid areas SW flight period: August - September SW distribution: southern AZ, southern NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - TX female Scans male - AZ female	Dashed Ringtail Erpetogomphus heterodon...pg. 155 size: medium, length 50 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 74 mm male: thorax pale green to yellow green with poorly developed dark stripes, esp. on sides; yellow club has thick dark intrusions on the sides; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; lower legs black female: no club habitat: clear mountain streams with rocks SW flight period: late July - late August SW distribution: southern NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - AZ/TX male - TX female female - NM Scans male - TX multiple images - TX female - TX	Eastern Ringtail Erpetogomphus designatus ... pg. 77 size: large, length 49 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 73 mm male: bright yellow-green striped thorax, no white, isolated dark area on top is totally contained within green area; pale blue eyes; yellow top of first two abdomen segments; pale rings conspicuous along abdomen top, less noticeable pale diamonds; golden club; wing bases have amber wash female: no club; no white belt habitat: sandy rivers, streams SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: NV, CO, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - NM female E. l. natrix - AZ female E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male & female natrix - AZ female natrix - AZ Scans male natrix - AZ male natrix - AZ male natrix - AZ	Serpent Ringtail Erpetogomphus l. lampropeltis/E. l. natrix...pg. 78 size: medium/large, length 41 - 56 mm, wingspan 58 - 72 mm male: pale yellow rings on abdomen; golden "tail" no white stripe on thorax; blue eyes; two forms - same abdominal markings but different thoracic pattern and colors: E. l. natrix - uninterrupted green markings sides & top of thorax E. l. lampropeltis - gray markings thorax; mid-stripe interrupted female:* like male; no club habitat: streams, rivers SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: *CA, AZ, *NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - MX female - MX late season male - MX Scans	*Straight-tipped Ringtail Erpetogomphus elaps* FIRST AMERICAN RECORD: September 17, 2008 size: medium, length 39 - 52 mm, wingspan 51 - 64 mm male: very green species; blue eyes, green face; segments 1-6 green/blue-green on top, 4-6 usually darker; segment 7 pale green; 8-10 dark red-brown underside, dark top thorax turns much darker late in the season (Nov.) light colored appendages, uppers are narrow and straight, lower curved at 90 degree angle thorax green with only one dark area near head female: blue eyes, green thorax, more stout than male habitat: rocky streams, rivers SW flight period: September 17, 2008 SW distribution:** AZ - Parker Canyon Schoolhouse in Santa Cruz County NO Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - TX male - TX female - TX Scans	Five-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides albrighti ... pg. 155 size: very large, length 60 - 63 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm male: gray-green thorax, rear side stripe dark; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed, but not including segment 8; club widely flanged ('leaf-like') Comparison shot with 4-striped female: flanges on club about half that of on male habitat: rivers, streams SW flight period: ~June SW distribution: NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM female - TX male - TX male - TX Scans male - TX female - TX	Four-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides stigmatus ... pg. 155 size: very large, length 65 - 70 mm, wingspan 82 - 84 mm male: yellow green thorax without a lower rear stripe; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed; club widely flanged ('leaf-like') Comparison shot with 5-striped female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male habitat: lakes, ponds, slow rivers, streams SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male & female - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX males - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX Scans male - female -	Narrow-striped Forceptail Aphylla protracta size: large, length 54 - 66 mm, 71 - 99 mm male: greenish yellow face crossbarred wtih brown thorax - a wide dark 'shoulder' stripe and 3 equal narrower pale stripes; short dark legs; wings - clear with tan stigma & yellow costa club widely flanged on segment 8 in both sexes; appendages pincher-like female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male habitat: muck-bottomed lakes SW flight period: found July 16-31, 2008, elsewhere April - November SW distribution: AZ (rare) Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ multiple images - CA male top - TX multiple images - TX female - CA female - CA female - CA female pair in wheel -TX pair in wheel - TX Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Russet-tipped Clubtail Stylurus plagiatus...pg. 79 size: large, length 53 - 66 mm, wingspan 74 - 83 mm males: green thorax and upper legs; 3 dark stripes thorax side; thorax top dark with pale harp shaped mark; elongated triangles atop abdomen with a ring atop each which is incomplete; CA form has blue eyes; abdominal segments 7 - 10 have yellow bands on sides; abdominal segments 8 & 9 clubbed yellow & brown or black, segment 10 all dark; appendages dark and flared when seen from above females: is similar to male; dark atop 9 & 10 similar species: White-belted and Serpent Ringtails have yellow appendages habitat: deep sandy streams, rivers and irrigation ditches in arid regions SW flight period: June - November SW distribution: so. CA, so. NV, AZ, NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ multiple images - CA male male - AZ female - CA female - AZ female - NM female - CA Scans female - CA	Brimstone Clubtail Stylurus intricatus...pg. 80 size: medium/large, length 41 - 55 mm, wingspan 55 - 64 mm male: very pale; yellow rings & triangular spots with dark background along abdomen, rings around segments 3-7 only, yellow club has splayed yellow appendages edged with black; yellow head; upper legs yellow; hang-perches on wood, vegetation, not rocks along shoreline female: similar to male but clubless habitat: open desert streams/rivers SW flight period: June - November SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA in flight - CA male - WA male - WA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - WA Scans male - ID female - ID	Olive Clubtail Stylurus olivaceus...pg. 81 size: large, length 56 - 60 mm, wingspan 72 - 74 mm male: thorax sides tawny gray/olive green with no side stripes; thorax top has tawny treelike mark on black; abdomen segments tawny, broadly outlined in black; underside club pale yellow with the top mostly black; appendages black; wings with yellow costa, black veins female: like male; body long, clubless habitat: warm, muddy rivers or ponds SW flight period: June - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA males - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Sinuous Snaketail Ophiogomphus occidentis...pg. 82 size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm male: yellow-green face with blue eyes; sides of thorax dull olive green with double, dark wavy (sinuous) lines; yellow triangles down abdomen top; club yellow under segments 8-10; five very similar Snaketails occur in the Southwest; compare by shoulder stripe width and shape female: body more cylindrical habitat: mountain rivers; lakes SW flight period: March - August SW distribution: CA, NV, CO?, UT Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA Scans male - CA female - CA	Bison Snaketail Ophiogomphus bison...pg. 83 size: large, length 50 - 51 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: thorax bright green; single wide straight dark shoulder stripe (can show very thin green line in middle); yellow-green face; black legs; gray-blue eyes; abdomen black with yellow triangles, inc. seg. 10; appendages yellow on top; forages from the shoreline female: body more cylindrical, less clubbed; small (bison-like) horns above eyes habitat: lowland trout streams SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: CA, NV, UT Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - AZ male - NM male - NM male - ID male - BC male side view - NE male and female - AZ female close up - NM female - NM female - NM Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - WA female - CA female - CA female - SD	Pale Snaketail Ophiogomphus severus ...p. 84 size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm male: very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 75% length of uppers female: body less clubbed; stout habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM & now AZ Aug. 2004 Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male, close-up - AZ male - NM male female Scans	Arizona Snaketail Ophiogomphus arizonicus...p. 84 size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm male: almost identical to Pale Snaketail; very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 50% length of uppers female: body less clubbed; stout habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams SW flight period: June - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - OR male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - OR multiple images - OR Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - OR male - OR male - CA male - CA female - OR	Great Basin Snaketail Ophiogomphus morrisoni...pg. 85 size: large, length 50 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm male: green thorax; pale shoulder stripe curved (but not wavy), connected to top pale stripe which is wide & flares near the head, looking somewhat like a pollywog; abdomen has yellow triangles down the top and yellow under clubbed segments; blue eyes; stout yellow appendages female: less clubbed, stout habitat: streams in arid lands SW flight period: May - August SW distribution: CA, NV Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Pacific Clubtail Gomphus kurilis...pg. 155 & front cover dust jacket size: medium/large, 48-53 mm, wingspan 58 - 68 mm male: green face with blue eyes; 2 broad green stripes top of thorax; stripe comes to a curved point near abdomen; thorax sides have grayish green `pistol-shaped' mark (yellow in immature); long narrow yellow-green triangular stripes down top of dark abdomen; large yellow marks undersides of expanded 8th and 9th segments; no spots on top of segments 9 & 10 (or very faint spots there); appendages dark female: less clubbed, stout; yellow where male is green habitat: only CA Clubtail found at ponds; sluggish streams in valleys; a subspecies occurs at clear mountain lakes; SW flight period: March - August (however mostly a Spring/early Summer species) similar species: Bison Snaketail not found on ponds and has spots on segments; top thoracic stripe not pointed behavior: perch on rocks in water at pond side SW distribution: CA endemic; central and northern areas Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information) In Oregon there is the similar Columbia Clubtail Gomphus lynnae It developes a thin pruinosity over its thorax.
Photos male - TX male - Iowa male side view - NE female female - TX Scans male - TX multiple images - TX	Plains Clubtail Gomphus externus...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 52-59 mm, wingspan 62 - 68 mm male: yellow stripes &/or spots atop all abdominal segments; narrow brown side stripes have a thin yellow line between them; segments 8-9 mostly yellow; appendages black female: less clubbed, stout habitat: streams and rivers with muddy bottoms similar species: Pronghorn Clubtail SW flight period: June - July SW distribution: UT Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - ID male - ID male - TX male - TX pair - ID female - ID Scans male top - TX male side - TX female top - TX female side - TX	Pronghorn Clubtail Gomphus graslineilus ...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 47-59 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: boldly marked with green and yellow; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segment 7 mostly black on the sides, seg. 9 top mostly yellow & rectangular shaped female: less clubbed, stout; as colorful as male habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams similar species: Plains Clubtail behavior: doesn't hover over riffles SW flight period: ~June - ~July SW distribution: CO Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - NM male - NM teneral male & female - CO pair - NM male - TX multiple images - Iowa Scans male - TX female - TX	Sulphur-tipped Clubtail Gomphus militaris...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 47-53 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: like Pronghorn but more yellow and paler; pale shoulder stripe; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segments 7-9 deep yellow on top female: less clubbed, stout; markings like male habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams with mud bottoms similar species: Pronghorn Clubtail SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: CO, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos	mixed families (large, black & yellow): ...pg. 86 sizes: large; lengths: 54 - 85 mm 3 SW genera totaling 5 species: Petaltail Petaluridae - 1 SW species Cruisers Macromiidae - 2 SW species Spiketails Cordulegasteridae- 2 SW species males: members of these families & genera have dark background color with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen; compare by appendage shapes & side stripes females: marked like the males but bodies more stout habitats: life cycle of 2+ years in rivers, streams, seeps behaviors: Petaltail flight weak, others very strong fliers Petaltail - dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages; nymph semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps; CA & NV (rare) Cruisers - gray eyes just touch each other; single yellow stripe thorax side; long legs; body arched in powerful flight Spiketails - teardrop shaped blue eyes barely touch each other; thorax - two wide yellow stripes top and each side Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ male in flight - AZ male - BC female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Western River Cruiser Macromia magnifica ...pg. 87 size: very large, length 68 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 100 male: pale face; pearly gray eyes touch each other; dark thorax has single yellow side stripe; only half-length stripe on top of thorax; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs female: like male, not clubbed nymph: sprawlers; 'spider-like' exuvia: often found under bridge supports habitat: lowlands streams & rivers SW flight period: April - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - TX male - TX female pair - TX multiple images - TX Scans male top - TX male side - TX	Bronzed River Cruiser Macromia annulata ...pg. 87 size: very large, length 68 - 73 mm, wingspan 90 - 102 male: very similar to Western River Cruiser but top thoracic stripe full length; pale face; green tinted eyes touch each other; bronzy brown thorax has single yellow side stripe; top stripe nearly full length; segment 1 yellow on side; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs female: like male, not clubbed habitat: streams & rivers in dry country SW flight period: June - July SW distribution: NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multipile images - CA male - CA male, close up pair in wheel - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA female ovipositing - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA *male, desert race - CA male - AZ	Pacific Spiketail Cordulegaster dorsalis dorsalis...pg. 88 size: very large, length 70 - 85 mm, wingspan 86 - 105 male: pale face; tear drop-shaped blue eyes barely touch; dark thorax, two wide yellow stripes top & sides; abdomen dark with yellow spots segment 2- 9; powerful flyer; * C. d. deserticola (desert race) more yellow, thin yellow lines between spots female: long spike like ovipositor; dark wing tips; both sexes hang-perch habitat: hillside small wooded streams SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: CA, NV, *UT, CO, AZ, NM Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - AZ male - AZ female - AZ male & female - AZ male - UT teneral female - AZ Scans	Apache Spiketail Cordulegaster diadema ...89 size: very large, length 74 - 88 mm, wingspan 89 - 109 male: very dark appearance; narrowly separated tear-shaped aqua-blue eyes are yellow-green in juveniles; dark abdomen is banded rather than spotted, with segments 6-8 expanded, thin half-ring between bands female: similar to male; long abdomen with long spike like ovipositor; both sexes perch by hanging habitat: small mountain streams with silt bottomed pools SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: so. UT, AZ, western NM Western distribution maps (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female, eating an Amerian Emerald! - CA female - CA pair & habitat - CA exuvia - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA	Black Petaltail Tanypteryx hageni ...pg. 86 size: large, length 54 - 62 mm, wingspan 68 - 76 male: dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages female: similar to male habitat: seeps; often associated with serpentine soils and the carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Darlingtonia) behavior: perch by 'clinging;' known to perch on people! nymph are semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps SW flight period: May - August SW distribution: CA, NV (rare) Western distribution map (only up to date as of 2007, please go to Odonata Central for updated information)