Limited Ode-ing in Yuma County, AZ

I spent a few days in and around Yuma, Arizona this week and only found two species of dragonflies. Of course, the primary purpose was visiting family, but I kept an eye out for insects.

#1 = Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum)
This species was observed a few times at various locations near canals. This cooperative female was found in some saltbrush flats east of Tacna on November 23rd:


#2 = Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)
Two individuals were found at the Yuma West Wetlands Park on November 24th.

Later dates for Autumn Meadowhawks

Nannothemis and I searched UM-Dearborn in Wayne County for a variety of insects and birds on November 14, 2009. We had hoped to find Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum), and we did find them!


Over a couple hours of walking the trails, we counted 73 individuals (primarily males, but there were several females). This temporarily represented a new late date for Michigan.

On following days, I had expected to find more individuals due to the warm November weather we were experiencing.

I revisited UM-Dearborn again on November 15 and only spent time to find 2 males.

During the following work week, I visited Robert H. Long Park of Commerce Township in Oakland County and found individuals on two dates.

Two males were found on November 17 and five males were found on November 18.

Thus, November 18th was the lastest date for Autumn Meadowhawks (S. vicinum) in Michigan. That is, unless we hear of someone else with new sightings.

That puts an end to the dragonfly flight season for the Urban Dragon Hunters in Michigan this year. The nets are put away until next spring or we take a trip to the south this winter.

Late White-faced Meadowhawk

While doing a survey at UM-Dearborn on October 11, 2009, I was fortunate to find a male White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum). This represents a new late date for Michigan.

When a perched darner cooperates

During one of my few visits to Wetzel State Recreation Area in Macomb County on September 20th, I was fortunate to find a perched Mottled Darner (Aeshna clepsydra). This male allowed me to photograph it from both sides. Here are a few of the images:








Now that I have some decent shots of a male, I'll need to find a female next year.