I love Dragonflies and Damselflies!
Let me preface this I am in no way, shape or form an expert on Odenata. Everything I know about dragonflies and damselflies came from observations in my backyard or from the Internet. Besides being beautiful and wonderful pollinators, they also are master mosquito eaters!!
Native Species of Dragonflies/Damselflies in Illinois
There are almost 100 types of dragonflies in Illinois. Our pond and pollinator garden are frequent visitors to several of these animals. Some of the regulars here include:
- Eastern Pondhawks (did you know the males are blue & females are green)
- Common Whitetails (only the male has the white tail)
- Common Baskettail
- Great Blue Skimmers
- 12 Spotted Skimmers
2019 Odonata from My Own Green Acres
What is a damselfly you ask?
Like Dragonflies, they are part of the order Odonata. They are smaller and the key difference can be seen when they are at rest. Dragonflies wings stay out like an airplane while damselfly wings fold in.
Capturing their actions
It is really hard to photograph Odonata. They are very sensitive… and fast. Check out the flurry of activity in this video….and watch for the 12 Spotted Skimmer to say hello!
One Responses
Great article!