Early ode surveys

Last year we weren't able to start our odonata surveys to find the early species that are present at Humbug Marsh of the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge near Trenton, Michigan. This last weekend's survey on June 8th added one new species Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta) for the refuge. More surprisingly, we had a new early date for Michigan of Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) with several individuals being recorded. The photo below is from a previous season.


On the previous day, we ran a bird survey in the natural area at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, but enjoyed seeing many dragonflies. Several species were freshly emerged:

Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis)



Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)



Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)



For one species, we found the remains of its emergence from the water. This exuvia of a Common Green Darner (Anax junius) was found on a cattail.



Another species, Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) was working on the next generation.



Finally, we saw an ovipositing Unicorn Clubtail (Arigomphus villosipes). She's facing us in the upper center of the photo above the submerged log.