Posts Tagged ‘Fairfax County’
January 4, 2022
Happy New Year! Let the yearning begin. Wait, what? Yep, I’m fighting feeling like I can’t wait for the start of the new odonate hunting season.
Realistically it will be a few months before adult dragonflies and damselflies are flying again, but that’s a good thing. Wait, did I just say that? Yes, and here’s why.
The odonate hunting “off season” provides a good opportunity to plan for the next campaign by making a list of target species and laying out when and where to look for them.
Why is it important to make a plan? Because the season starts slowly but explodes quickly. To illustrate my point, take a look at my Odonate Calendar for adult flight dates of dragonfly species for the month of February (shown below). Not much happening until the end of the month, right?
Dragonflies (VA Flight Dates) | February 2022
Now look at March (shown below). There’s an explosion of species beginning around the second week in March. The boom continues into July before slowing down noticeably in August.
Dragonflies (VA Flight Dates) | March 2022
Also notice many of the spring species of dragonflies are habitat specialists that require extra time and effort to find. So my advice is start planning now for a more productive and satisfying season of odonate hunting.
Related Resources
Both of the following resources feature online, interactive calendars for dragonflies and damselflies based upon Dr. Steve Roble’s excellent datasets for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Copyright © 2022 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Fairfax County, habitat specialist, Loudoun County, Virginia
Posted in damselflies, dragonflies, education, How To, natural science | 2 Comments »
March 16, 2021
Google Calendar was used to synthesize Dr. Steve Roble’s excellent datasets for the Commonwealth of Virginia into two calendars: Dragonflies (VA Flight Dates); and Damselflies (VA Flight Dates). An online, interactive version of both calendars is provided on this page.
Dragonflies (VA Flight Dates) – Updated for 2021
The dragonflies calendar is shown below. Every event features the following information: common name; scientific name; early-date/late-date; abundance; and habitat.
Damselflies (VA Flight Dates) – Updated for 2021
An interactive version of the damselflies calendar is also available online, as shown below. Every event features the following information: common name; scientific name; early-date/late-date; abundance; and habitat.
Color-coded versions
Both calendars are color-coded by family. Regrettably, the color-coding is lost in the online, interactive version of both calendars. That is, unless you print the .ics version of the calendars (samples shown below). Please contact me if you would to have copies of the .ics versions of the calendars.
The colors of the rainbow (ROYGBIV) were used to color-code the seven families of dragonflies; the equivalent colors in the Google Calendar default color palette are shown in brackets. The colors for Emeralds and Clubtails were flip-flopped because it just makes sense the Emeralds should be color-coded green!
- R = Family Aeshnidae (Darners) [Tomato]
- O = Family Cordulegastridae (Spiketails) [Tangerine]
- G = Family Corduliidae (Emeralds) [Basil]
- Y = Family Gomphidae (Clubtails) [Banana]
- B = Family Libellulidae (Skimmers) [Peacock]
- I = Family Macromiidae (Cruisers) [Blueberry]
- V = Family Petaluridae (Petaltails) [Grape]
Dragonflies (VA Flight Dates) – March 2021
“FSL” was used to color-code the three families of damselflies common to the mid-Atlantic states (USA); the equivalent colors in the Google Calendar default color palette are shown in brackets.
- F – Family Calopterygidae (Broad-winged Damselflies) [Flamingo]
- S – Family Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies) [Sage]
- L – Family Lestidae (Spreadwings) [Lavendar]
For what it’s worth, all of the colors for the damselflies calendar are pastel shades.
Damselflies (VA Flight Dates) – March 2021
Related Resources
“CHECKLIST OF THE DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES OF VIRGINIA, April 2017 and April 2020 updates” by Dr. Steve Roble, Staff Zoologist at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage.
Kevin Munroe, former manager of Huntley Meadows Park, created an excellent calendar called Dragonflies of Northern Virginia – Flight Periods. This calendar is a valuable resource for hunting dragonflies in Northern Virginia. I think the value of Kevin Munroe’s calendar is enhanced by using it in combination with my visualization of Dr. Steve Roble’s dataset.
Dragonflies & Damselflies of Loudoun County features a flight calendar for both dragonflies and damselflies.
Copyright © 2021 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Virginia
Posted in damselflies, dragonflies, education | 3 Comments »
July 30, 2018
Two photo sets of Gray Petaltail dragonfly (Tachopteryx thoreyi), taken on 08 June 2018 at an undisclosed location in Prince William County, Virginia USA, were lost in the excitement of my rediscovery of Sable Clubtail dragonfly (Stenogomphurus rogersi) later the same day in Fairfax County, VA. This gallery is one of two posts featuring some of the “lost” photos.
This individual is a male, as indicated by his “indented” hind wings and terminal appendages.
The Gray Petaltail ambushed several smaller insects that flew near his perch; he always returned to the same tree after each brief excursion.
Related Resource: “Lost” photos, redux.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Fairfax County, Family Petaluridae (Petaltails), Gray Petaltail dragonfly, habitat specialist, male, Prince William County, Tachopteryx thoreyi, terminal appendages, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, digital photography, dragonflies, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, wildlife photography | 1 Comment »
July 24, 2018
A Black-shouldered Spinyleg dragonfly (Dromogomphus spinosus) was spotted along an unnamed small creek in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a female, as indicated by her terminal appendages.
The tip of the dragonfly’s right hind wing appears to be slightly malformed; her ability to fly didn’t seem to be impaired by the malformation.
Look at the full-size version of the following photo. Notice the fuzzy schmutz on her face and legs. I speculate the dragonfly might have enjoyed either a butterfly or moth for her last meal.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Black-shouldered Spinyleg dragonfly, Dromogomphus spinosus, Fairfax County, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), female, malformed, predator, prey, terminal appendages, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, damselflies, digital photography, dragonflies, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, photowalking, wildlife photography | 1 Comment »
February 26, 2018
Michael Powell, a good friend and fellow Northern Virginian, collected several odonate exuviae during a photowalk along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
The four exuviae that Mike collected are stored in one of those empty containers of Philadelphia cream cheese spread that I endorsed in a recent blog post. I shot several quick-and-dirty photographs of the exuviae, without removing them from the small plastic tub. Usually I wouldn’t publish photos of this quality. The photos are like a sketch pad that will be used to make a tentative plan for photographing the specimens and attempting to identify them to the genus and species level, if possible.
Spoiler Alert: If you can identify any of the exuviae featured in this post, then PLEASE DON’T TELL ME! I enjoy the challenge of solving the mystery of their identity. Thank you!
Dragonfly exuviae
Mike collected two dragonfly exuviae that are from the Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), as indicated by a flat labium that doesn’t cover the face as well as club-like antennae.
My working theory is the first specimen might be an exuvia from an Eastern Ringtail dragonfly (Erpetogomphus designatus).
Post Update: The identity of the first specimen is confirmed as an Erpetogomphus designatus exuvia.
The next exuvia appears to be a member of the genus Stylurus, possibly plagiatus (Russet-tipped Clubtail).
The preceding photo was focused on the head; the following photo was focused on abdominal segment nine (S9). This specimen may need to be cleaned in order to see more clearly some key field marks used for identification.
Post Update: The identity of the first specimen is confirmed as a Stylurus plagiatus exuvia.
Damselfly exuviae
It is relatively easy to identify damselflies (Suborder Zygoptera) to the family level based upon the shape of the prementum. Both damselfly exuviae that Mike collected are members of the Family Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies).
It is more challenging to identify damselfly specimens to the genus/species level. In this case, possible genera include Argia (Dancers), Enallagma (American Bluets), and Ischnura (Forktails).
The last damselfly exuvia is smaller than the first. It will need to be soaked in soapy water for at least 24 hours in order to make the specimen pliable so it can be re-posed before it is photographed.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:exuviae, Fairfax County, Family Coenagrionidae, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Narrow-winged Damselflies, Potomac River, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens, Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite, damselflies, digital photography, dragonflies, macro photography, natural science, photowalking, wildlife photography | 3 Comments »
August 22, 2017
Regular readers of my blog remember when I coined the term “Odonart©” and created an “Odonart© Portfolio.”
I just coined a new term: “Exuviart©.” Exuviart© is a concatenation of two words: exuvia; and art. The following photographs are the first additions to the Exuviart© wing of my Odonart© Portfolio.
Unpublished Photo
An Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis tenera) exuvia, from the Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), was collected from the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Whenever possible, I like to collect exuviae along with some of the vegetation that was the site for emergence. The vegetation helps to show scale. In this case, the small specimen is approximately 1.4 cm (~0.6″) in length and approximately 0.6 cm (~0.2″) in maximum width. I like the way the desiccated leaf retained its color and gained a velvety texture.
Tech Tips
The following equipment was used to shoot the preceding photograph: Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR; Canon EF100mm f/2.8 Macro lens plus Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter; Canon 580EX II Speedlite; Canon 580EX Speedlite; and a coiled six-foot Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Canon Cameras. The specimen was staged on a piece of white plastic (12″ square, matte finish).
Published Photos
A Common Green Darner dragonfly (Anax junius) exuvia, from the Family Aeshnidae (Darners), was collected at Hidden Pond, Meadowood Recreation Area (MRA), Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Tech Tips
The following equipment was used to shoot the preceding photograph: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); Canon 580EX II external flash, off-camera, in manual mode; Canon 580EX external flash, off-camera, in manual mode; and a Yongnuo YN-622C-TX E-TTL II Wireless Flash Controller for Canon plus a two-pack of Yongnuo YN-622C II E-TTL Wireless Flash Transceivers for Canon.
A Cobra Clubtail dragonfly (Gomphurus vastus) exuvia, from the Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), was collected at Riverbend Park with permission from park staff.
Tech Tips
The following equipment was used to shoot the preceding photograph: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus) plus a Kenko 20mm macro automatic extension tube and Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter; Canon 580EX II external flash, off-camera, in manual mode; Canon 580EX external flash, off-camera, in manual mode; and a Yongnuo YN-622C-TX E-TTL II Wireless Flash Controller for Canon plus a two-pack of Yongnuo YN-622C II E-TTL Wireless Flash Transceivers for Canon.
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Anax junius, Cobra Clubtail dragonfly, Common Green Darner dragonfly, Eastern Amberwing dragonfly, emergence, exuvia, Exuviart, Fairfax County, Family Aeshnidae (Darners), Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), gear talk, Gomphurus vastus, Odonart, Perithemis tenera, Potomac River, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX II Speedlite, Canon 580EX Speedlite, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, digital photography, dragonflies, How To, macro photography, natural science, Raynox DCR-250, wildlife photography | 4 Comments »
August 20, 2017
A Powdered Dancer damselfly (Argia moesta) was spotted during a photowalk along a mid-size rocky stream in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages. There is a whitish-blue morph female Powdered Dancer, therefore the male’s whitish-blue coloration is insufficient to identify its gender.
A week later, a mating pair of Powdered Dancers was spotted along the Potomac River at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This pair is “in tandem“: the male is on the upper-left; the female on the lower-right.
The male is “contact guarding” the female as the pair flies “in tandem” to egg-laying sites where the female uses her ovipositor to insert eggs into vegetation (endophytic oviposition).
It’s helpful to take photos of mating pairs of damselflies, especially “in tandem,” since males and females of the same species can look quite different.
Female Powdered Dancers are polymorphic, including a whitish-blue andromorph and a brown heteromorph. The brown morph, shown in this pair, is more common than whitish-blue.
Did you notice the male Stream Bluet damselfly (Enallagma exsulans) perching near the Powdered Dancers? Thanks to Karen Kearney and Michael Boatwright, members of the Virginia Odonata Facebook group, for confirming my tentative identification of the Stream Bluet.
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:andromorph, Argia moesta, Fairfax County, heteromorph, in tandem, male, oviposition, ovipositor, polymorphic, Potomac River, Powdered Dancer damslelfly, Riverbend Park, terminal appendages, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, damselflies, digital photography, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, photowalking, wildlife photography | 2 Comments »
August 18, 2017
Many Blue-fronted Dancer damselflies (Argia apicalis) were spotted along Bull Run, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Male
The first individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages.
There is a blue morph female Blue-fronted Dancer, therefore the male’s blue coloration is insufficient to identify its gender.
Female
Female Blue-fronted Dancers are polymorphic, including a blue andromorph and a brown heteromorph, shown below. Thanks to Ken Larsen, member of the Virginia Odonata Facebook group, for help in identifying this individual.
Related Resources:
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Argia apicalis, Blue-fronted Dancer damselfly, Bull Run, Fairfax County, female, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, heteromorph, male, polymorphic, terminal appendages, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, damselflies, digital photography, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, wildlife photography | Leave a Comment »
August 4, 2017
Several male Dragonhunter dragonflies (Hagenius brevistylus) were spotted during photowalks along a mid-size rocky stream in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
I think the first photo looks and feels like summer.
The next photo is my favorite in the set. Did you notice the male Blue-fronted Dancer damselfly (Argia apicalis) in the background?
I flushed the last Dragonhunter as I was walking along a path that leads to/from the stream. He flew to a perch on a tree limb overhead, posed for one photo, and flew toward the top of a nearby tree.
The Backstory
Winter is the longest season, that is, for odonate hunters. OK, I realize winter is three months like every other season, but it certainly seems longer! Winter is a good time for reflecting upon the last ode-hunting season and planning for the next one.
Last winter, I was thinking about new places to explore where I might see Dragonhunter dragonflies. Kevin Munroe, former manager at Huntley Meadows Park, told me about a hotspot for Dragonhunters along Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia. Manassas is a little farther from home than I am willing to travel, especially in heavy traffic. So I used Google Maps (satellite view) to work downstream from Manassas Battlefield Park until I found a location that seemed to have potential.
I had a hunch the new spot would be ideal habitat for Dragonhunters and other less common species of odonates. Turns out my hunch was right! In fact, I considered calling this post “Dragonhunchers” but decided to play it straight.
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Dragonhunter dragonfly, Fairfax County, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Hagenius brevistylus, male, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, damselflies, digital photography, dragonflies, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, photowalking, wildlife photography | Leave a Comment »
July 11, 2017
Several Black-shouldered Spinyleg dragonflies (Dromogomphus spinosus) were spotted recently in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. All of these individuals are male, as indicated by their terminal appendages and “indented” hind wings.
Male 1
Male 1 and 2 were observed along a mid-size rocky stream. It’s possible the photos show the same male observed at different times, although several Black-shouldered Spinyleg have been seen at this location.
Male 2
It seems like all of the male Black-shouldered Spinyleg at this location are very skittish — they flew away almost every time I waded slowly into the stream for a closer shot!
Male 3
The last male was spotted perching on a large boulder, overlooking Bull Run.
The water was too deep on three sides of the rock to allow me to photograph the dragonfly from multiple angles, so I made the most of the only view that was available.
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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Tags:Black-shouldered Spinyleg dragonfly, Bull Run, Dromogomphus spinosus, Fairfax County, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), male, terminal appendages, Virginia
Posted in Aperture, Canon 580EX Speedlite, digital photography, dragonflies, natural science, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, wildlife photography | Leave a Comment »
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