Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Nature => Topic started by: paul_reeves on August 04, 2013, 08:55:44 AM

Title: More Dragonfly IDs
Post by: paul_reeves on August 04, 2013, 08:55:44 AM

I went to Nonquon Lagoons yesterday to see if anything was there. Except for a small flock of Spotted Sandpipers there weren't a lot of shorebirds there. I did see a few Yellowlegs but I didn't get a good look for a proper ID. I also heard a couple of Killdeer.

What I did see were a lot of little red dragonflies. From what I have read on the web, trying to distinguish whether it is a White-faced, Cherry-faced or Ruby is extremely difficult but I am hoping some experts might be able to help.

For obvious reasons I am calling this one a white-faced Meadowhawk.
(http://www.paulreeves.ca/images/nature/insects/dragonflies/white-faced_meadowhawk/white-faced_meadowhawk_4594.jpg)

I have no idea what this one is. I'm guessing Ruby Meadowhawk (because I wanted to guess something) but of course it could be a Cherry-faced or immature White-faced Meadowhawk.
(http://www.paulreeves.ca/images/nature/insects/dragonflies/ruby_meadowhawk/ruby_meadowhawk_4583.jpg)

This is a shot I took in TTP last summer and it was identified as a Ruby Meadowhawk. However, I am looking at the dark red face and I am wondering if it is a Cherry-faced Meadowhawk.
(http://www.paulreeves.ca/images/nature/insects/dragonflies/ruby_meadowhawk/ruby_meadowhawk_5963.jpg)

What else besides the face should I be looking at to help with IDs. Any and all help will be appreciated.

Paul

Title: Re: More Dragonfly IDs
Post by: Dinusaur on August 05, 2013, 09:50:52 AM

I once found the following two sites quite useful in identifying a dragonfly I found along Bartley Smith Greenway Trail in Vaughan.

http://www.toronto-wildlife.com/Insects ... immer.html (http://www.toronto-wildlife.com/Insects/Dragonflies/dragonfly_skimmer.html)
http://littlebrownjobbies.blogspot.ca/2 ... tario.html (http://littlebrownjobbies.blogspot.ca/2011/02/dragonflies-of-ontario.html)

Title: Re: More Dragonfly IDs
Post by: JW Mills on August 07, 2013, 08:04:32 AM

First of all I'm no expert and I've read the same thing about ID'ing certain Meadowhawks, it's tricky to say the least and often impossible without close examination.
 
So, after checking my field guides;
1. White-faced Meadowhawk, male - white face, black legs, no amber patch at base of wings.
2. Ruby Meadowhawk, red female - Ruby due to black legs, tan face, black veins on leading edge of wing, amber patch at base of wings. Red female due to red  above, yellow below on abdomen and eyes reddish-brown over pale green.
3. Variegated Meadowhawk, male - face red, black legs with yellow lengthwise stripes and complex rather than the typical, red/black patterned abdomen.

Title: Re: More Dragonfly IDs
Post by: paul_reeves on August 11, 2013, 08:31:03 PM

Thank you very much Zed.

Dinusaur, I will check those links out; thank you.