My interest in odonates, that is, dragonflies and damselflies, began during Summer 2011 at Huntley Meadows Park. Toward the end of Summer 2012 and continuing in 2013, my goal was to explore new venues for hunting odonates. Along the way, I spotted several species of odonates that are either uncommon or unknown to occur at Huntley Meadows, including Blue Corporal dragonfly, Stream Cruiser dragonfly, and Rambur’s Forktail damselfly, to name a few.
During 2014, I have been a man on a mission to explore the relatively unexplored areas at Huntley Meadows Park in search of habitat-specific odonates unlikely to be found in the central wetland area of the park. In retrospect, 2014 was a good year: four new species of odonates were discovered and added to the list of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Huntley Meadows Park. Realistically it will be challenging to repeat the successes enjoyed this year!
Common Sanddragon dragonfly
20 June 2014
Mike Powell and I collaborated to identify a clubtail dragonfly that Mike spotted on 17 June 2014. As it turns out, Mike had discovered a Common Sanddragon (Progomphus obscurus), a new species of dragonfly for Huntley Meadows Park. Mike guided me to the same spot on 20 June, where we photographed several sanddragons (like the male shown above), including two mating pairs!
Arrowhead Spiketail dragonfly
07 July 2014
I feel fortunate to have discovered an Arrowhead Spiketail dragonfly (Cordulegaster obliqua) — many experienced odonate hunters go years without seeing one of these handsome dragonflies!
Great Spreadwing damselfly
09 October 2014
Although I may not be the first ode-hunter to spot a Great Spreadwing damselfly (Archilestes grandis) at Huntley Meadows Park, I am the first person to notify the park manager of its occurrence.
Southern Spreadwing damselfly/Sweetflag Spreadwing damselfly
23 May 2014
Time will tell which new species of spreadwing damselfly I discovered at Huntley Meadows Park. Either way, both Southern Spreadwing damselfly (Lestes australis) and Sweetflag Spreadwing damselfly (Lestes forcipatus) were formerly unknown to occur at the park.
Related Resources:
- Common Sanddragon dragonfly
- Arrowhead Spiketail dragonfly
- Great Spreadwing damselfly
- Southern Spreadwing damselfly/Sweetflag Spreadwing damselfly
Editor’s Note: This is Part 1 in a three-part series — a retrospective look at 2014.
- Part 2. Year in review: New finds in 2014 (odonates)
- Part 3. Year in review: New finds in 2014 (non-odonates)
Copyright © 2014 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Archilestes grandis, Arrowhead Spiketail dragonfly, Common Sanddragon dragonfly, Cordulegaster obliqua, discovery, Great Spreadwing damselfly, Huntley Meadows Park, Lestes australis, Lestes forcipatus, Progomphus obscurus, retrospective, Southern Spreadwing damselfly, Sweetflag Spreadwing damselfly, wildlife photography
walter sanford's photoblog 
November 18, 2014 at 5:30 am |
This was the first season in which I actively searched for dragonflies and I enjoyed sharing adventures with you. It was exciting to see three of the species featured above (minus the Arrowhead Spiketail) and I look forward to seeing some additional species (for me) next season. I suspect that I will have to begin earlier next year to see some of them. In a few short months the hunt will resume.
November 18, 2014 at 2:28 pm |
Your determined efforts to find a Dragonhunter are commendable, Mike!
November 18, 2014 at 8:18 pm |
Thanks, Walter. I’m hoping there is one in the park next year for me to see.