For those species of dragonflies that do not display sexual dimorphism, males and females are nearly identical in appearance except for their terminal appendages. For example, male and female Gray Petaltail dragonflies (Tachopteryx thoreyi) are similar in appearance.
Two field marks can be used to identify female Gray Petaltails, as shown in the following annotated images: 1) they have two terminal appendages (cerci) rather than three (males); and 2) their hind wings are rounded rather than “indented” (males).
30 MAY 2018 | Northern Virginia | Gray Petaltail (female)
Female dragonflies have a pair of cerci (superior appendages) that have little or no function.
30 MAY 2018 | Northern Virginia | Gray Petaltail (female)
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Tags: cerci, Family Petaluridae (Petaltails), female, Gray Petaltail dragonfly, habitat specialist, Tachopteryx thoreyi, terminal appendages
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