Mating Dragonflies Seen on Odonata Walk at Bles Park

Slender Spreadwing damselfly.
Photo by Larry Meade

In June you think of 70-degree overcast days as a great respite from the heat and humidity of the region. Unfortunately, for a dragonfly walk, heat and direct sun are critical components of a good walk. So the June 12 walk at Bles Park was not ideal dragonfly walk conditions, but our 10 participants seemed to enjoy the walk regardless. Led by Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson, the group saw 10 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). Many of our most common species (Blue Dashers, Eastern Pondhawks and Fragile Forktails) were found in decent numbers throughout the walk. Common Whitetail, Slaty Skimmer and Eastern Forktail were also found, but in much smaller numbers. Several of the damselfly species common to Bles Park were also seen in good numbers: Blue-fronted Dancers, Variable Dancers and Powdered Dancers.

One of the highlights of the walk was being able to witness the wheel position of a pair of Fragile Forktails for a long time. Dragonfly reproduction is fascinating and a close-up view is a great sighting any day. Another highlight was finding an uncommon Slender Spreadwing damselfly. Most damselflies hold their wings vertically behind their thorax. Spreadwings, however, hold their wings away from their bodies in a way that isn’t like that of dragonflies or their fellow damselflies. It’s always great to see a spreadwing damselfly in the field!