A thrilling insect adventure: On the trail of dragonflies and damselflies with Peter Trull
The great field naturalist and author Peter Trull pulled no punches when he described how tricky finding and identifying dragonflies and damselflies could be.
An eastern pondhawk dragonfly at Sand Pond Woodlands. Photo by Gerry Beetham
“Remember what it was like when you started saying to yourself, ‘I think I’m going to try to learn how to identify birds.'” he said: “This is harder. They are small and fast. And many of them are cryptic–they blend in beautifully with their surroundings.”
But the courageous band of participants in Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) Dragons and Damsels Field Class was undeterred. We had come to Sand Pond Woodlands to learn more about these fascinating insects and get some good looks at them, too. And with Trull leading the group, confidence was high that flying magic would happen.
This would eventually include a spectacular sighting of a damselfly on the state’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need list!
Lights, camera, dragonflies
While binoculars are helpful to get an up-close look at dragonflies and damselflies, Trull suggested that a camera might be the best choice for beginners. Capturing an image allows for later research and identification. The other key ingredients to success are getting out there, paying attention and putting time into the effort. “You’re not going to see them if you don’t work at it,” said Trull.
The group was a nice mix of beginners and folks who had been on the trail of these winged jewels for some time. One of the more experienced participants said when he first started, he thought dragonflies and damselflies were the same thing, with dragons being the males and damsels being the females. This confession made beginners in the group feel pretty good–like they could eventually catch up!
On the trail of dragonflies and damselflies with author and field naturalist Peter Trull (right). Photo by Gerry Beetham
Here’s an easy way to tell dragonflies and damselflies apart, according to University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: “Dragonflies are generally larger, have heavier bodies, and are stronger fliers. Damselflies have slender bodies and are less powerful fliers. A key difference for identification is that dragonflies hold their wings horizontally both in flight and at rest, while most species of damselflies fold their wings over the abdomen when at rest.”
The tale of an empty exoskeleton
Trull also showed us a container that held dragonfly nymphs, conveniently located inside the back hatch of his car. That’s the kind of dedication Trull brings to his HCT classes–have nymphs, will travel!
Trull explained the egg/nymph/adult life cycle of dragonflies. Most of their lives are spent underwater in the nymph stage–up to several years–where they nosh on a variety of small animals, including tadpoles.
When nymphs are ready to “grow up,” they shed their exoskeleton and emerge as adults, leaving the empty exoskeleton behind–called an exuvia. These exuviae can be found clinging to vegetation around ponds, like a souvenir of days gone by. And of course, Trull had an exuvia in his car!
Insect spotting was spotty on the first part of our walk, but as we arrived at the bog area, and especially at the edge of Sand Pond, things picked up. We marveled at dragonflies that included eastern pondhawks, slaty skimmers, blue dashers, eastern amberwings and ruby meadowhawks. The dragons were beautiful, and let’s face it, the names are wicked cool!
Attenuated bluet damselflies mating at Sand Pond. Photo by Gerry Beetham
A rewarding rarity
On the damselfly side of the ledger, we saw violet dancers and eastern forktails. But the best was yet to come. As we stood at the edge of the pond, we saw several attenuated bluets, listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the state’s Wildlife Action Plan. This was a particularly rewarding sighting.
“I’ve been searching for one all summer,” said Trull. “And these are the first ones I’ve seen. They’re extremely rare.”
Best of all, we witnessed a pair of attenuated bluets mating. It’s exciting to see how protected lands provide habitat for these threatened species to reproduce. Bravo, bluets!
It’s also great to be out in the field with Trull, who graces so many HCT programs with his incredible knowledge and experience. We worked hard, kept our eyes peeled and cozied up to incredibly beautiful dragonflies and damselflies — and the thrilling insect adventure left folks with a good buzz!
Want to get in on the fun? Join Peter Trull on an HCT Dragons and Damsels Field Class on Saturday, August 15th from 9 to 11 a.m. at Sand Pond Woodlands. The cost is $20 per person. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.
Photo gallery: HCT volunteer photographer Gerry Beetham captured these great images from the Dragons and Damsels Field Class:
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