California Dragonfly
Sightings
'of interest'
1999
in order from MOST TO LEAST recent!
*=
first sighting of year in CA
102 species were reported to this site as seen
in CA in `99
underlined =county record
(or at least the first brought to our attention! County records should be
substantiated with specimen or photo and notes.)
66 new county distribution records were made in `99 by seeing live, flying
dragonflies. There was ONE
NEW STATE RECORD , and many extensions of known flight seasons.
Please send your sightings to Kathy Biggs,
listed in order by date, county, location, species by scientific name, then common
name & then other references, as noted below. THANKS!
DECEMBER
12-29
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Lake Hemet near Idyllwild -
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
RL
[I imagine this was the last dragonfly seen in CA for the century!-KB]
12-19
SONOMA COUNTY
Oakmont (South East of Santa Rosa, oak woodlands)
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
7 seen flying
possible Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
up on the hills
77 degrees! Amazing!
[this would be an extension of the known flight period for Shadow Darner-KB]
DE
12-19
SAN JOQUIN COUNTY
Consumes River Preserve
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
seen flying
Amazingly warm day!
B.C.
12-7
YUBA COUNTY.
Ellis Lake in downtown Marysville -
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
a mostly sunny day with northwest winds, cool in the morning but turning mild
in the afternoon
a couple on the ground around one of the restrooms; at one point they chased
each other around for a minute or so
TM
NOVEMBER
11-18
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
George Dunmore Park -
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
about 15
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
several, no breeding behavior
TM
11-12
SOLANO COUNTY
Cold Canyon (near lake Berryessa) -
Archilestes californica, California Spreadwing
still common
Archilestes grandis*, Great Spreadwing*
still common, *new late flight date for CA
Aeshna walkeri, Walker's Darner
some
AR
11-5
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Stone Lakes NWR and vicinity south of Sacramento -
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
some
Enallagma sp. , Bluet species
E. civile, Familiar Bluet most likely
good numbers
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
some
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
quite common, some mating activity seen
TM
OCTOBER
10-31
SONOMA COUNTY
Santa Rosa Cr, Sebastopol -
Aeshna sp., Darner sp.
maybe 6 seen, probably Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
Sympetrum sp. Meadowhawk sp.
4 seen, probably Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk. All
appeared old.
K&DB, RM
10-14
BUTTE COUNTY
Upper Bidwell Park -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
widespread but uncommon at a number of spots along Big Chico Creek
Archilestes californica, California Spreadwing
1-2 males at the seep spring near the Diversion Dam and 3 (including a tandem
pair) at a small stagnant pool in the creek bed below the Alligator Hole
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
fairly common, many in tandem, at the seep spring
Argia agrioides, California Dancer
a male netted at the small stagnant pool
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
a male at the seep spring
Telebasis salva, Desert Firetail
3-4 males at the small stagnant pool
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner species
3-4, various spots patrolling the creek, not nettable, appeared to be perhaps umbrosa
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
scattered singles observed, perhaps 10 in all
Libellula croceipennis, Neon Skimmer
2 males at the seep spring, 2-3 males at the small stagnant pool
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
a male at the seep spring, 2 males along the creek near and at the stagnant
pool
Paltothemis lineatipes, Red Rock Skimmer
8-10 seen various spots, from the seep spring and along the creek to the
stagnant pool; one female seen ovipositing in the creek
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
fairly common and widespread
-- --
Butte Creek Canyon -
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
a few at a spring pond above the Covered Bridge
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
male netted patrolling a stagnant pool in the creek bed
Libellula croceipennis, Neon Skimmer
2 males at the spring pond
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
some seen
Sympetrum pallipes, Variegated Meadowhawk
male at the spring pond
TM
10-11
SHASTA COUNTY
Burney Falls (5 min. stop) -
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner sp.
many along Hat Creek
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
one caught along Hat Creek
K&DB
10-10
PLUMAS COUNTY
Willow Lake -
Lestes sp, Spreadwing sp.
fairly common; some netted
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
seen at Terminal Geyser only; ovipositing into the warm wet mud below in the
'hot tubs' people had created
Enallagma carunculatum, Tule Bluet
one male netted
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner sp.
abundant and actively patrolling the shoreline
Aeshna canadensis, Canada Darner*
1 female netted; * new late CA flight date
Aeshna interrupta, Variable Darner*
2 males netted; probably many others, esp. near beaver dam; * new late CA
flight date
Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner*
2 males netted; probably many others; * new late CA flight date
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
the most abundant Darner on Lake; many netted
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
one seen
Sympetrum danae, Black Meadowhawk*
2 males seen; 1 netted; * new late CA flight date
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk*
common; many pairs in tandem; some collected;* new late CA flight date
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk*
one pair seen in tandem; * new late CA flight date
Sympetrum vicinum, Yellow-legged Meadowhawk*
many mature pairs seen; some in tandem; some netted; * new late CA flight date
K&DB
10-2
EL DORADO COUNTY
Lake Audrain
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
caught
Lestes dryas, Emerald Spreadwing
caught
Sympetrum costiferum, Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
a few caught; very mature; El Dorado record
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
a few caught; very mature
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
a few caught; very mature
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
a few caught; very mature
Sympetrum danae, Black Meadowhawk
one out in the wet meadow between the lake and the Hwy.
Aeshna interrupta, Variable Darner
many
Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner
many
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
many
AR
CONTRA
COSTA COUNTY
Newell Park, Concord
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
common
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
fairly common but dwindling in numbers; photographed/collected; substantiates
county record
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
becoming less common, photographed
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
common, photographed
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
common, photographed
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
common
CH
SEPTEMBER
9-29
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
George Dunmore Park, east of Sacramento -
Enallagma carunculatum, Tule Bluet
some, probably fairly common
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
very common to abundant, much breeding activity
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
uncommon
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
fairly common, some breeding activity
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a couple of females seen
Anax junius, Green Darner
fairly common, much ovipositing activity
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
a few males seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
fairly common, much breeding activity
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
uncommon, at least one tandem pair seen
TM
9-29
SONOMA COUNTY
Lake Ralphine, Santa Rosa -
Enallagma carunculatum, Tule Bluet
many
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
many
Ischnura cervula Pacific Forktail
one male
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
1-2 patrolling males
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
1-2 males
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
1 male
KB
9-26
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Dos Palmas -
Argia moesta, Powdered Dancer
uncommon
Argia sedula, Blue-ringed Dancer
one seen
Ischnura ramburii, Rambur's Forktail
one seen
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
common; much more numerous than in May
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
common; much more numerous than in May
Erpetogomphus compositus, White-belted Ringtail
one female collected
Brachymesia furcata, Red-tailed Pennant
common; much more numerous than in May
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
uncommon
Macrodiplax balteata, Marl Pennant
abundant; much more numerous than in May; *new late CA flight date
Orthemis ferruginea, Roseate Skimmer
rare; only species not also seen in May; one male caught
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
common
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
seen
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
common
JC
9-25
IMPERIAL COUNTY
Picacho State Recreation Area along the Colorado River -
Argia moesta, Powdered Dancer
common along the shores of the Colorado River
Argia sedula, Blue-ringed Dancer
abundant everywhere
Ischnura ramburii, Rambur's Forktail
scarce at the Colorado River; one caught and saw another; more common at Taylor
Lake nearby
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
uncommon
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
another abundant species, many pairs seen ovipositing and copulating
Erpetogomphus compositus, White-belted Ringtail
scarce and all out in the middle of the desert
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
rare; two females seen
Orthemis ferruginea, Roseate Skimmer
uncommon; a female seen ovipositing
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
abundant everywhere, even far from water in the middle of the desert
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
abundant around temporary pools
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
uncommon
JC
9-23
BUTTE COUNTY
all in the high country as noted
Enallagma carunculatum, Tule Bluet
uncommon at Summit Lake and along Butte Creek at Jonesville
Enallagma spp, other Bluets
seen but not identified at Butte Creek House and Summit Lake
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few along Butte Creek at Butte Creek House and near Jonesville
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
the only Aeshna seen for sure, fairly common at Butte Creek House,
Summit Lake, and at a bog along Butte Creek near Cherry Hill Campground
males patrolling everywhere, females ovipositing at Summit Lake; first record
for Butte County
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
a few seen at most spots visited
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
a few seen near Jonesville and near Summit Lake
Sympetrum costiferum,Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
female collected at Summit Lake; first Butte County record
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
8-10 seen at Summit Lake, some tandem pairs;
male collected for first Butte County record; * new late CA flight date
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
fairly common, breeding, at Summit Lake
TM
9-19
SOLANO COUNTY
Cold Canyon near Monticello Dam
Archilestes californica, , California Spreadwing
one male seen and collected
*Archilestes grandis, , Great Spreadwing*
a few males seen; 1 collected, first seen in CA in '99;
Argia lugens, Sooty Dancer
some
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
some
Ischnura cervula , Pacific Forktail
1 male netted and released
Aeshna walkeri*, Walker's Darner*
some; a male collected, * first seen in CA in '99
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
one male seen
Paltothemis lineatipes , Red Rock Skimmer
1-2 males and several females, collected and escaped!
Sympetrum spp, Meadowhawk species
1 seen
K&DB; T&AM [note: on this outing Tim
Manolis saw his 100th species of live flying dragonfly in CA in '99!!!!!!!]
9-12
SONOMA COUNTY
seen at Russian River at Alexander Valley Rd. Bridge -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
abundant
Argia agrioides, California Dancer
one male seen and collected, COUNTY RECORD
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
a few
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
many
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few
Macromia magnifica, Western River Cruiser
1 male seen, captured, photographed and released
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
at least 2; male collected for county record specimen
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
many females seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
one seen
seen in Rohnert Park on way to river -
Cordulegaster dorsalis, Pacific Spiketail
one seen; *new late CA flight date
K&DB;RM
9-8
RIVERSIDE/IMPERIAL COUNTY
Various spots along the Colorado River from the Wilson Road Bridge to Palo
Verde County Park(all sites mentioned in RIVERSIDE CO., except
for Palo Verde County Park, in IMPERIAL COUNTY
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
fairly common at Palo Verde Diversion Dam
Argia moesta, Powdered Dancer
common, many spots
Argia sedula, Blue-ringed Dancer
modest numbers at Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Palo Verde County Park
Enallagma basidens, Double-striped Bluet
fairly common at Palo Verde County
Park; a female collected at Aha Quin Resort north of Blythe
first record for Riverside County; *new late CA flight record
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
common, widespread
Ischnura barberi, Desert Forktail
Some seen/collected at Mayflower County Park and Palo Verde County Park
Ischnura hastata, Citrine Forktail
Some seen/collected at Mayflower County Park and Palo Verde County Park
Ischnura ramburi, Rambur's Forktail
A few seen, male collected, at Wilson Road Bridge across Colorado River; some
seen/collected at Mayflower County Park and Palo Verde County Park
Erpetogomphus compositus, White-belted
Ringtail
fairly common at Palo Verde Diversion Dam, 2 seen at Mayflower County Park
*Stylurus plagiatus, Russet-tipped Clubtail *
fairly common at Palo Verde Diversion Dam; * first seen in CA in '99
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
fairly common and widespread
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
fairly common and widespread
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
a few seen, Mayflower County Park;
a female seen at Blythe; first sight records for Riverside County
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
fairly common, marshy ponds and borders of lagoons along the river
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
a few seen, Mayflower County Park
Orthemis ferruginea, Roseate Skimmer
singles seen at Mayflower County Park,
Blythe (collected), and Palo Verde County
Park(collected)
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
fairly common, marshy ponds and borders of lagoons along the river
Pantala flavescens, Wandering Glider
fairly common at Mayflower County
Park
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Glider
fairly common and widespread
Perithemis intensa, Mexican Amberwing
some, Mayflower County Park andBlythe;
*new late CA flight date
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
common and widespread
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
common and widespread
Tramea onusta, Red Saddlebags
3-4 seen at Palo Verde County Park
AR, TM
9-7
INYO COUNTY
All at gravel quarry ponds north of Bishop except where noted
Argia alberta, Paiute Dancer
male collected, some seen
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
common
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
fairly common along Fish Slough
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
fairly common
Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner
male netted along the Owens River at Five Bridges Road
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
some seen
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
some seen
Libellula nodisticta, Hoary Skimmer
1-2 around seeps, male collected; *new late CA flight date
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
4-5 around seeps
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
a few seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
some seen
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
some seen
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
fairly common
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
fairly common
AR, TM
9-7
INYO COUNTY
Ponds along Mazourka Canyon Road 4 mi. E of Independence
Argia alberta, Paiute Dancer
some seen; * new late CA flight date
Argia nahuana, Aztec Dancer
fairly common, mating
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
some seen
Enallagma carunculatum, Tule Bluet
male netted, others seen
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
some, probably this, seen
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
some seen
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
fairly common, mating
Telebasis salva, Desert Firetail
fairly common, mating
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
some seen
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
common
Libellula composita, Bleached Skimmer
one seen briefly; *new late CA flight date
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
some seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
common
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
some seen
AR, TM
9-5
SONOMA COUNTY
seen at Russian River at Alexander Valley Rd. Bridge -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
abundant
Archilestes californica, California Spreadwing
one male seen and collected
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
many
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few
Macromia magnifica, Western River Cruiser
~six, males and females seen and collected; county record
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
at least 4; county record
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
one male
Libellula luctuosa, Widow Skimmer
male seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
several
---
seen at Bigsnest Wildlife pond -
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
a few
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
1 or 2
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
1 or 2
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
several seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
several
Sympetrum illotum, Cardinal Meadowhawk
a few
K&DB
9-1
PLUMAS COUNTY
Willow Lake -
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
fairly common
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
fairly common
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
male netted, bluets were fairly common
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
fairly common
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
fairly common
*Aeshna canadensis, Canada Darner*
1 male netted, carrying a female S. occidentale; some others seen
first seen in CA in '99
Aeshna interrupta, Variable Darner
2 males netted; probably many others, seen only
Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner
2 males netted; probably many others, seen only
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
a few seen along the road into the lake
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
one female seen
Libellula quadrimaculata, Four-spotted Skimmer
2-3 males seen
Sympetrum costiferum, Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
a few seen
Sympetrum danae, Black Meadowhawk
a few seen, 2 males + 1 female netted
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
abundant; * new late CA flight date
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
fairly common
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
fairly common
*Sympetrum vicinum, Yellow-legged Meadowhawk*
15-20 seen, all tenerals; first seen in CA in '99
TM, Bruce Webb
AUGUST
8-31
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Eagles Nest Golf Course, Klamath River/Hwy 97 -
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
common
Ophiogomphus occidentis, Sinuous Snaketail
new late CA flight date. It frosted that night and after that none were found
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
pair in wheel on pond
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
common
BC
8-31
LASSEN COUNTY
Honey Lake area -
Lestes congener, Spotted Spreadwing
fairly common, Hartson Res., Honey Lake Wildlife Area (HLWA)
Enallagma spp?, Bluets
fairly common, Hartson Res., HLWA
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
fairly common
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
some seen
Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner
male netted near Wendel
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
a male seen at Hartson Res.; *new late CA flight date
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
2 males, 1 female, at farmyard pond near Wendel
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
some seen
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
a male seen near Wendel
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
some seen
TM, Bruce Webb
8-28
PLACER COUNTY
Donner Pass -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
Archilestes californica, California Spreadwing
DE
8-28
COLUSA COUNTY
all seen near intersection of Bear Creek and Highway 20 -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
some
Argia lugens, Sooty Dancer
some
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
some
Anax walsinghami, Giant Darner
1 male
Erpetogomphus compositus, White-belted Ringtail
common, males and females
Macromia magnifica, Western River Cruiser
one
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
some
Libellula luctuosa, Widow Skimmer
photographed a male
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
many
Pantala flavescens, Wandering Glider
male and female seen, female collected
Paltothemis lineatipes, Red Rock Skimmer
male 7 female seen, female collected; first county record
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
2-3
RM
various
DURING THE MONTH
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
common
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
photographed, if confirmed this is a county record
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
common, photographed
Telebasis salva, Desert Firetail
common, photographed
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
common, photographed
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
common, photographed
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
many, photographed
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
many, photographed
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
common, photographed
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
some
CH
8-22
SHASTA COUNTY
Balls Ferry Rd, East of Cottonwood, 1:30-2:30 pm
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
some
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
some
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
some
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
some
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
some
K&DB
---
8-22
TEHAMA COUNTY
Balls Ferry Rd, East of Cottonwood, 2:30-3:30 pm (hills in flame just mile
away! Sky very smoky!
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
some
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
some
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Pondhawk
some
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
some seen flying, road kill examined and discarded not realizing a specimen was
needed for county!
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Forkatil
some
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
some, males and females
Libellula luctuosa, Widow Skimmer
some
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
some, males and females
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
some
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
males seen
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
many
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
some, one male touched but not netted; county record - sight only
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
some
K&DB; B&PC
---
SISKIYOU COUNTY
S.E. side of Mt. Shasta at ~4,000 ft elevation, above and east of town of
McCloud, 9:30 a.m.
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
10,000+ seen in a loose feeding group ~1 mile long by (all we could see) mile
wide at 9:30 a.m. Most appeared to be females (or young males?) moving down the
mt.
the next day only ONE was seen in the exact same area at the same time
K&D
8-21
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Orr Lake, near Bray, SE of Hwy 97, 11:30-4:00 pm
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
common
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
abundant!
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
common
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
common
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
some, one netted and released
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
a few
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
a few
Sympetrum costiferum, Saffron Meadowhawk
plentiful
Sympetrum danae, Black Meadowhawk
~3 dozen, more common at Butte Creek inflow that on lake itself
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
common, new county record
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
common, all had pale yellow wing basal wing patches
---
Butte Creek, between Bray and Mt. Hebron, 4:30 pm
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
males and females
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
one patrolling male
Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner
one patrolling male, interesting that the two never paid any attention to each
other as the Shadow Darner never went into the sunny area and the Blue- eyed
never entered the shady area
Cordulegaster dorsalis, Pacific Spiketail
one patrolling male, in the sunshine, interacting with the Blue-eyed, but not
the Shadow Darner
K&DB; B&PC
---
Meiss Lake, East of Hwy 97, below Dorris, 7-8 pm
Lestes congener, Spotted Spreadwing
males and females
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
common
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
common
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner sp (too dark to tell apart, none netted)
common
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
one female
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
common
K&DB
8-21
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Frenchman's Flat
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
some
Erpetogomphus lampropeltis lampropeltis, Serpent Ringtail
some
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
some; new county record
JC
8-20
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Ophiogomphus occidentis, Sinuous Snaketail
some; *new late CA flight date
BC
8-14
EL DORADO COUNTY
Grass Lake and Lake Audrain
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
fairly common at Grass Lake, bogs near Lake Audrain
Amphiagrion abbreviatum, Western Red Damsel
a few at Grass Lake
Enallagma boreale, Boreal Bluet
male netted at Grass Lake; some others seen
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
male netted; other possibly seen
Aeshna interrupta, Variable Darner
one female netted; other darners in area, of this or one of the other species
netted
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
one female netted; males seen
*Aeshna palmata, Paddle-tailed Darner*
one female netted; first CA sighting in '99; other darners in area, of this or
one of the other species netted
*Aeshna umbrosa, Shadow Darner*
one female netted; males seen; first confirmed CA sighting in '99
note: all males seen were searching for females at Lake Audrain. Copulating
pairs were seen there. All but one of the females taken were over land feeding.
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
some tenerals at Grass Lake
T&AM, K&DB
8-13
SONOMA COUNTY
Spring Lake, Santa Rosa -
Enallagama praevarum, Arroyo Bluet
a few males
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
many
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
one male, maybe more
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
some males and females
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
*many males - a new late CA date for this species
Libellula lydia, Common Whitetail
some males
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
many males - a new female ovipositing
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
some
Sympetrum illotum, Cardinal Meadowhawk
two males at Bigsnest Pond, none at Spring Lake!
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
many, ovipositing
KB
8-11
EL DORADO COUNTY
Grass Lake and Lake Audrain
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
fairly common at Grass Lake, bogs near Lake Audrain
Lestes dryas, Emerald Spreadwing
fairly common at Grass Lake, bogs near Lake Audrain
Amphiagrion abbreviatum, Western Red Damsel
a few at bog near Lake Audrain
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
a few in woods away from water at Lake Audrain
Coenagrion resolutum, Taiga Bluet
some seen, male collected, at Grass Lake; first county record
Enallagma boreale, Boreal Bluet
male netted at Grass Lake; some others seen
*Aeshna interrupta, Variable Darner*
one male netted at Lake Audrain; first confirmed CA sighting in '99
a few other darners in area, of this or perhaps other species
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
1-2 over bogs below Lake Audrain
Leucorrhinia glacialis, Crimson-ringed Whiteface
2 males seen on edge of bog below Lake Audrain
Sympetrum obtrusum, White-faced Meadowhawk
fairly common in boggy areas, many tenerals, but at least one copulating pair,
too
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
fairly common in boggy areas, many tenerals
TM
8-8
TRINITY COUNTY
Trinity Center: Common Green Darners (Anax junius) were abundant
here.
8-5
VENTURA COUNTY
Sespe Creek, 4 miles N of Fillmore
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
a female seen
Argia agrioides, California Dancer
fairly common
Argia lugens, Sooty Dancer
fairly common
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
fairly common
Enallagma praevarum, Arroyo Bluet
male netted; others, presumably this species, fairly common
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few females seen
Ischnura denticollis, Black-fronted Forktail
fairly common
Telebasis salva, Desert Firetail
uncommon
Aeshna sp?, Darner sp?
one flushed up from weeds away from creek
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
a female seen over the parking lot
Anax walsinghami, Giant Darner
1-2 males, 1 female seen briefly along the creek
*Erpetogomphus lampropeltis, Serpent Ringtail*
fairly common along the creek, first seen in CA in `99
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
one male seen over the parking lot
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
6-8 males over backwater ponds of the creek
Paltothemis lineatipes, Red Rock Skimmer
abundant, easily over 100 along the creek, the common dragonfly; copulating
pairs, females seen ovipositing
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Glider
1 seen flying over the parking lot
T&AM
8-3-4
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Town of Santa Cruz, various sites
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
a male at West Lake Park, a few at Neary Lagoon
Enallagma spp?, bluet spp?
some at West Lake Pond and along Moore Creek, appeared to be Tule and/or
Familiar bluets
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
fairly common at a number of sites; female collected at Moore Creek fishing
pond for first county specimen
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
male netted at West Lake Park
Zoniagrion exclamationis, Exclamation Damsel
4-5 at San Lorenzo Park along San Lorenzo River
*- new late CA date for species!-*
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
fairly common and widespread
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
one male seen at Neary Lagoon, first county sight record
Libellula luctuosa, Widow Skimmer
male along San Lorenzo River, 4-5 males at West Lake Park
Libellula lydia, Common Whitetail
male at Neary Lagoon, 2 males at West Lake Park; first county sight record
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
1-2 males at West Lake Park; first county sight record
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
male seen along San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, male and ovipositing female at
West Lake Park
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
common at Neary Lagoon, West Lake Park
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Glider
about 10 seen at various sites around town
Sympetrum corruptum, Variegated Meadowhawk
5-6 at West Lake Pond
Sympetrum illotum, Cardinal Meadowhawk
4-5 males around fishing pond in Moore Creek drainage
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
8-10 at West Lake Park; first county record
Tramea onusta, Red Saddlebags
a male seen well at close range at West Lake Park; first county record
TM
8-2
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Town of Santa Cruz, various sites
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
fairly common along San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
fairly common along San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, first sight record for
county
Zoniagrion exclamationis, Exclamation Damsel
fairly common along San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz
*first August record for this species
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
one male seen near College Lake
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
3-4 males seen along Pajaro River above Murphy's Crossing, first sight record
for county; one seen along San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Glider
1 seen near College Lake, 2 in open area near Memorial Park in Santa Cruz;
first sight record for county
TM
JULY
7-28
TEHAMA COUNTY
I believe I've had Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) in
my yard, and I've decided at least one of the blue dragonflies at Turtle Bay
was a Blue Dasher.
BD
7-28
VENTURA COUNTY
Brechmorhoga mendax, Pale-faced Clubskimmer
Sespe Creek, 4 miles N of Fillmore; county record
AR
7-26
COLUSA COUNTY
all seen near intersection of Bear Creek and Highway 20 -
Hetaerina americana, American Rubyspot
some
Argia lugens, Sooty Dancer
some
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
some
Anax walsinghami, Giant Darner
3 males
Erpetogomphus compositus, White-belted Ringtail
common
Progomphus borealis, Gray Sanddragon
a few
Macromia magnifica, Western River Cruiser
one
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
abundant
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
2-3
K&DB
7-25
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Orr Lake & vicinity, Bray -
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
common, many netted, examined and released
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
a few seen on bridge over Butte Creek on way into lake
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
some
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
some
Enallagma cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
abundant
Ophiogomphus
morrisoni,
Great Basin Snaketail
~6
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner species
possibly Blue-eyed and probably Variable, but none netted
Leucorrhinia sp., White-faced species
1 teneral female collected
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
3 many seen
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
many seen
Libellula quadrimaculata, Four-spotted Skimmer
some seen
Sympetrum costiferum, Saffron Meadowhawk
one teneral seen and collected
*Sympetrum danae,Black Meadowhawk*
one male photographed, first seen in CA in '99; first record for county
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
one seen
Sympetrum pallipes, Striped Meadowhawk
one seen and photographed
K&DB
7-25
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Little Medicine Lake -
*Leucorrhinia glacialis, Crimson-ringed Whiteface*
seen and photographed in wheel; first seen in CA in '99
DE
7-25
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Grass Lake, Hwy 97 -
Lestes disjunctus, Common Spreadwing
common, many netted, examined and released
Lestes dryas, Emerald Spreadwing
a few seen
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
many
Enallagma
cyathigerum, Northern Bluet
abundant - one photographed
Aeshna
multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
one caught as COUNTYRecord
specimen
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner species
not Blue-eyed, probably Variable, but none netted
Erythemis collocata Western Pondhawk
one female seen
Libellula pulchella, Twelve-spotted Skimmer
many seen
Libellula quadrimaculata, Four-spotted Skimmer
some seen
*Sympetrum
costiferum, Saffron
Meadowhawk*
one teneral seen and collected, first seen in CA in '99
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
one seen
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
pairs in wheel seen
K&DB
a few
7-24
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Widow Springs Pond -
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few
Lestes dryas, Emerald Spreadwing
3 males and a female seen, netted and released
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner species, not Blue-eyed, probably Variable,
but none netted
3 males female seen
Libellula lydia, Common Whitetail
3 a female seen
elsewhere over the Mt. Shasta Forest -
Aeshna sp., Mosaic Darner species, possibly Variable, but none netted
many over chaparral
K&DB
7-23
LAKE COUNTY
Cache Creek Wildlife Area, Highway 20, ~7:15 P.M. -
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Gliders
~30
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
at least 70
all foraging over the creek for small flying insects
K&DB
7-20
SHASTA COUNTY
Redding: Went back to the pond at Turtle Bay and saw an additional species
of dragonfly, an all red one which I believe was a Cardinal Meadowhawk (Sympetrum
illotum). Further examination of the blue ones didn't help a lot. I got
a look at the "face" of one - it had a cream-colored rectangle on an
otherwise dark head. Eyes were very green. Thorax in front of the wings was
blue like the rest of the body. This fits the pondhawk better, but the fact
that all the ones I've seen sitting were on vegetation up above the water, and
that the wings are held well forward, and that the face is more white than
green all point toward the dasher! [sounds like a Dasher to me - kb]
BD
7-19
TEHAMA COUNTY
YARD: I identified 2 new dragonflies in my yard: a Pale-faced
Clubskimmer (Brechmorhoga mendax) and a Black Saddlebags (Tramea
lacerata). That makes 6 species now.
BD
7-18
SONOMA COUNTY
Madrone Audubon Beginner's Dragonfly Walk -
Laguna Wetlands Park, Sebastopol, ~50 observers
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few males
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few males
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
a few patrolling males
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
one male
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
some males
---
Quality Koi Garden, Piner Rd., Santa Rosa, ~20 observers
Enallagma praevarum, Arroyo Bluet
one male and one female
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few males
Ischnura perparva, Western Forktail
a few males, and a female ovipositing
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
a few patrolling males, one pair observed in wheel
Erythemis collocata, Western Pondhawk
many males and one teneral female
Libellula forensis, Eight-spotted Skimmer
many males and a few females ovipositing
Libellula lydia, Common Whitetail
a few males
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
a few males and two females
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
one female
Pantala hymenaea, Spot-winged Glider
one male
Sympetrum illotum, Cardinal Meadowhawk
one male
Tramea lacerata, Black Saddlebags
4 males, one tandem pair observed
---
Santa Rosa Creek, Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa, 4 observers
Hetaerina Americana, American Rubyspot
two females
Argia lugens, Sooty Dancer
one male
Argia vivida, Vivid Dancer
several males and females
Enallagma sp., probably Tule Bluet
a few males and females
Ischnura cervula, Pacific Forktail
a few males
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
a few patrolling males
Libellula saturata, Flame Skimmer
one male
Pachydiplax longipennis, Blue Dasher
one male
- a total of 17 species seen by group at the 3 sites -
K&DB, Madrone Audubon field trip group
week
of 7-18th
MONO COUNTY
Green Creek, Bridgeport-
Ophiogomphus morrisoni, Great-basin Snaketail
seen
Sympetrum occidentale, Western Meadowhawk
seen
Aeshna multicolor, Blue-eyed Darner
a male photographed in flight
DE
7-17/18
IMPERIAL COUNTY
*Enallagma basidens, Double-striped Bluet*
fairly common, but only males & difficult to find; first sighting in CA in
`99
Enallagma civile, Familiar Bluet
very common
Ischnura hastata, Citrine Forktail
fairly common; more females than males found
Ischnura ramburii, Rambur's Forktail
fairly common, county record, 2nd locale in state! ..maybe I. Barberi
present too
Anax junius, Common Green Darner
a few hawking over the open desert
Libellula luctuosa, Widow Skimmer
several along the banks of the river - only the 2nd time seen in the county!
