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


	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 map
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 map
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
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 unusual female - CA	Western/Band-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum occidentale/semicinctum, ...pg. 15 NOTE: THESE SPECIES HAVE JUST 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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
Photos male - BC female - CA male - Alberta male - Alberta pair in cop Scans male - WA female - CA	Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum internum...pg. 20 size: small/medium length 29 - 36 mm, wingspan 46 - 52 mm male: overall dark red; plain brown-red thorax; dull cherry red face (immature - tawny yellow) with dark line; black legs; clear wings with reddish veins, basal amber wash; triangular black marks low on abdomen sides female: less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored habitat: wet meadows; slow waters SW flight period: June - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM Western distribution map
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 map
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 - CA	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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males & female - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA female - AZ female - AZ female - 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 map
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 yet
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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 yet
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 map
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 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 map
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 map
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 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 map
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 map
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 map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male & female - CA male - NV male & female - AZ female - AZ female - CA female - CA Scans 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 map
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 - 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 map
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 - AZ female - CA female - TX	Comanche Skimmer Libellula comanche...pg. 39 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: stigma like male but wings have a dark wash along the leading edges; abdomen - interrupted pale yellow stripes, pale eyes & face habitat: alkaline ponds; springs SW flight period: May - early November SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Western distribution map
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 map
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 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 map
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 map
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 map
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 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 map
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 map
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 map
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
Photos 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
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

Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of the Southwest

DRAGONFLIES
of the Southwest

DRAGONFLIES - Anisoptera:

SKIMMERS - Libellulidae

Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of the Southwest

DRAGONFLIESof the Southwest

DRAGONFLIES - Anisoptera:

SKIMMERS - Libellulidae

DRAGONFLIES
of the Southwest