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 (pages are below on this page) 2. Emeralds - Corduliidae (pages are below on this page) 3. Darners - Aeshnidae (pages are linked to from this page) 4. Clubtails - Gomphidae (pages are linked to from this page) 5. Spiketails - Cordulegasteridae (pages are linked to from this page) 6. River Cruisers - Macromiidae (pages are linked to from this page) 7. Petaltails - Petaluridae (pages are linked to from this page) Southwestern distribution maps are up dated every January and based on information originally collected by Dennis Paulson (thru 2007), please go to Odonata Central for the most current information
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	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 male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA males - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - UT male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ male - AZ males! - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - 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 female: tan/orange with noticeable pale stripe top of thorax; wings mostly clear behavior: often perch in shade habitat: marshy creeks/ditches flight period: end of April - end of November SW distribution: CA, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images (migration) - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males & females - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - 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: early February - December SW distribution: CA, UT, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA young male - NM male & female info - NM young male - UT male - UT male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female with eggs - CA 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: early April - November SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern 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 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male & female - 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 under "tail" habitat: lakes, ponds, slow streams SW flight period: early August - late November SW distribution: CO, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA young male - CA young male - CA immature male - CA pair in wheel - 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 exuviae - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female close up of thorax female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - NM male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - TX male & female- AZ male & female- AZ female - AZ female - TX female - AZ female - 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 - December SW distribution: so. CA, AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - WI male - AZ male - BC male - WA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - BC multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA male - Alberta male - Alberta female - OR 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - WI male male male - CA multiple images - CA young male - CO teneral male - CO multiple images - CA multiple images - CA males & female - WI female - CA female - OR 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male male - CA male - UT teneral male - UT multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ male & female - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA probable teneral female - CO 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male female - IA female - IA female Scans male - NJ male male - MS female	Blue-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum ambiguum - not in book size: medium length 31 - 38 mm, wingspan 52 - 58 mm male: blue eyes and face; red abdomen with forward pointing black arrows along sides (can form rings); tawny thorax lacks clearly obvious stripes; clear wings; dark legs female: tawny where male is red behavior: regularly perches on the ground, or at least on leaf litter or small twigs on the ground habitat: prefers shadier areas than most meadowhawks; marshes, bogs, ponds and lakes SW flight period: September 18 (2009) SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male (mature) - CA male (mature) - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - WI immature male - CA female - CA Scans 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 October SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, CO, NM (not yet found AZ) Southwestern distribution map
Photos young male - NV young male - NV mature male - NV male - NV very mature male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA very mature male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - AZ male - NM male - NM male - UT males - UT female - UT female - CO male - AZ pair - AZ male - AZ pair - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - CA female - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male- NM male - NM male - NM male male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male male - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA multiple images - CA comparison shots of males - Nicaragua males & females - CA males - HI male & female - AZ male - AZ 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 Southwestern 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 male - Costa Rica 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 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ multiple images - AZ male - NV male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA multiple images - AZ 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: early April - early December SW distribution: CA, NV, AZ, NM, UT (rare) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male - Costa Rica Scans male male - Costa Rica 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - NM male - NM male male - AZ male & female - AZ 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male in flight - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ male - UT male male & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males & female - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - 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 June - early December SW distribution: NM, AZ, CA (stray) Southwestern distribution maps
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) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male- WI male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA/AZ images ovipositing - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - UT male & female - AZ female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - Equator female Scans male - Costa Rica male female	Sooty Saddlebags Tramea binotata...new 2009!! NOT in book size: medium, length 45 - 51 mm, wingspan 80 - 90 mm male: slender black body, shows some reddish in immatures; segs 8-10 all dark; narrow dark basal wing patches; face turns metallic violet on top in maturity appendages 4-5mm long, almost as long as segs 8-10 female: like male but paler; wing membranes smoky habitat: Roper Lake, Safford, AZ - found 2009 flight period: late September SW distribution: AZ, rare - found 2009 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX male - AZ male & female - AZ female Scans male female	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 Southwestern 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 - AZ 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - TX female - AZ 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; wings - mostly clear with very small brown basal wing patches, tips brown. female: like male; wing tips show more brown and small brown basal area habitat: marshes, ponds, slow waters SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male & female - AZ male - AZ female - AZ multiple images - TX multiple images - 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 - December SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX male & female - TX female - TX Scans male - TX 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ immature male - MX male - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX female - MX Scans male - TX male - TX female - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX female - TX multiple images - TX female - Costa Rica Scans male female	Gray-waisted Skimmer Cannaphila insularis funerea aka Narrow-winged Skimmer- not in book size: medium, length 36 - 39 mm, wingspan 60 - 62 mm male: similar to a dasher but with boldly striped thorax; white face, large dark 'nose-like' spot; blue-green eyes show brown at top in young; narrow abdomen turns darker and then becomes covered with gray pruinosity near the thorax as it matures; hindwing unusually narrow at base; black legs female: can become pruinose similar to male but often heavily patterned on the thorax like a Blue Dasher; obvious flange segment 8; dark wingtips behavior: female lays eggs in densely vegetated areas; males forage from tips of vegetation from 1-33" above ground habitat: marshy ponds, lakes, slow waters SW flight period: found on August 5 SW distribution: NEW for NM 2009 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - 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: early May - October SW distribution: CA, NV, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM young male - NM male - CA male - CA juvenile male - CA juvenile male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - NV female ovipositing - NV male - AZ male - AZ juvenile male - AZ comparison shot to Co. Whitetail male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female- AZ female - AZ female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male male - CA 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 & female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female- CA 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: early March - early November SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - NM immature male - NM male - UT male - NV female female - CA female - CA Scans male - WA male - TX female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ multiple images - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA young male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NV young male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ male & female - CA & AZ male & female - AZ male - AZ female male - NM male - NM female - NM female - CA female Scans male - CA female - MS	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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male & female - CA male - NV male & female - AZ female - AZ female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - 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: late April - September SW distribution: all SW; sporadic, sparse Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM tandem pair - NM pair - NM female - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA pair - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - NM male - NM male - NM female - NM female - NM	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: early April - late September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NV male - NV male - NV multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA males - CA male - CA male - CA immature male - CA male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - NV male & female - CA & AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA females - CA female - CA female - NM female - NM female - NM Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - AZ female - CA female - CA female - CA	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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NM male - NM multiple images - CA males & females - CA & AZ male & female - AZ female female - AZ female - AZ female - NV female - NV female - NV female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV male - NV juvenile male - NV males - NM multiple images - AZ male - 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 multiple images - CA female - AZ female - AZ 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 - early December SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos young male - OH male - AZ young male male - TX multiple images - TX male & female - AZ female - OH female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM (intermediate form?) 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 Southwestern 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - NV male - CO male - CO female - CA female - CA females - CA female - UT female - UT Scans male - CA male - OR 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: April - October SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - WA multiple images - ON female - CA female - OR Scans male - CA male - WV male - WV female - WV female - WV	Chalk-fronted Corporal Ladona julia aka Libellula 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NV male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ in flight - AZ male & female - AZ male - NM in flight - NM comparison shot, males - CA female - CA female - CA 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: early March - late October SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male- TX male - TX in flight - NM male - CA male - CA in flight - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA/AZ male - AZ emerging male - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ in flight - AZ male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX female - TX female - TX Scans male - Costa Rica female	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: July - October SW distribution: AZ Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - NM male - AZ male - AZ male & female - AZ females - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - NM male - NM female - NM female - 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, but tips mostly clear; 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 - early December SW distribution: AZ, NM, found once in CA, San Diego Co. 2004 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - AZ male & female - AZ male - TX male - WV male - WV female - NM Scans 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - TX male - TX female - NY 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 Southwestern distribution map
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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - MX male - MX male - TX male - TX female - Ecuador 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) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - AZ female - UT female - CA female female female - Europe! pair Scans male - CA 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) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ males - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male & female - AZ female - AZ female Scans male - AZ male - AZ young male - AZ	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 - early December SW distribution: se CA, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM pair - NM pair - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM female - NM males & females - TX males & females - TX 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 Southwestern distribution map
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 Southwestern distribution map
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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX multiple images 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 habitat: Elsewhere is found on ponds, lakes, marshes and roadside ditches including brackish waters SW flight period: August 17, 2008 SW distribution: rare, NM Southwestern distribution map
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 diffuse 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - OH male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - WV female - CA female - CA female - WI pair - BC Scans male - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - BC possible male - CO possible male - CO male - AK male - Alberta female - Alberta possible female - CO Scans male female	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: ~late June - mid July SW distribution: UT, CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - BC male - CA 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 - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male male - AK pair in wheel - BC female - OR Scans male - WA female	Belted Whiteface [formerly Red-waisted] 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - BC male - CA multiple images - CA multiple image - CA male - CA female - CO female - BC female - CA female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male, side view - CA male - CA male, side view - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male flying - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male in flight - CA male - NM male - TX (unusual amount of black on face) male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - NV male & female- AZ male & female- CA female female Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA	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: late March - December SW distribution: CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - Nicaragua male - Nicaragua Scans male - Costa Rica male - Costa Rica female - Costa Rica female - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - Sonora, MX male - Sonora, MX male - MX male - MX female - MX Scans male female	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 Southwestern distribution map
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
Photos male - NM male - TX male - TX 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - TX male - TX male, close up - TX 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male- CA male- CA male - CA multiple images - CA young male - CA odd males - CA immature male - CA female - 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos emergence - CA male & female - OR male - TX male - BC 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 Southwestern distribution map
	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
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] Southwestern distribution map
Photos male male - CA young male - CA male- CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - OR male, side view - CO male, top view - CO male - OR male - CA male - CA male - in flight CA female, side view - CO female, side view - OR 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) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - OR male - OR male - WA male - BC male - Maine Scans male - WA female	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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - OR male's appendages - OR male's face - OR teneral male - CA male in flight - CA multiple images - OR multiple images - OR 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 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CO Scans male female	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, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - Iowa male - NE female -drawing Scans male female	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 Southwestern distribution map