Through the course of my interest in Odonata, it became apparent early on that tiny forest streams held a fascination for me. My first significant encounter with dragonflies was the discovery of the Southern Pygmy Clubtail (Lanthus vernalis) in a tiny stream that flows through my family’s property in Norwell (northern Plymouth County). This observation turned out to be one of only a handful of records of this species in Massachusetts, and launched a six-year investigation of dragonflies in small streams. Each year from mid-May through September I spent several hours a week observing adult Odonata at small streams throughout eastern Massachusetts, in addition to sampling larvae in the spring and fall. These observations have yielded a number of interesting results.

Semi-permanent streams. Intermittent streams are those that cease to flow during the dry season, typically from July through September. I found several such streams to harbor various larval stages of Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua), Least Clubtail (Stylogomphus albistylus), and Fawn Darner (Boyeria vinosa). In a recent study of 20 small streams on the North and South Shores of Massachusetts, Anna Santos and I observed Arrowhead Spiketail adults and/or larvae at eight sites, seven of which were intermittent during 2001 and 2002. Episodic streams, which only flow for brief periods during heavy precipitation or snowmelt, lacked any evidence of successful habitation by Odonata larvae but seem to attract adults, especially Arrowhead Spiketail males, during their flight season.

Perennial spring-fed streams. Well-shaded ground-water outflows or springs were found to harbor a variety of unique invertebrate fauna. Perennial groundwater-fed streams seem to be much less common in this region than surface-flow streams, which originate from wetlands or ponds, and have some unique characteristics. Spring-fed streams are typically warmer than average in winter and cooler in summer, and often display lower nutrient levels and a higher pH than surface waters.

The Southern Pygmy Clubtail was perhaps the most interesting find. Despite surveying more than 150 small streams throughout eastern MA, I discovered only one colony of this tiny dragonfly. The site consists of less than 100 meters of spring-fed stream, thickly shaded by Spicebush, Jewelweed, and Skunk Cabbage. The stream feeds a small pond, which then drains into an open meadow. I made many attempts to find larvae in or below the pond, but have observed none to date.

Least Clubtail and Delta-Spotted Spiketail (Cordulegaster diastatops) larvae were also found in several clear, shaded, sandy-bottomed first-order streams. The latter seems to lack the tolerance to intermittent flow displayed by Arrowhead Spiketail, while appearing to have a lower tolerance to disturbed areas than Twin-Spotted Spiketail (Cordulegaster maculata). Larvae of the Twin-spotted Spiketail appear to be the most capable of surviving in large streams that are impacted by roads and other disturbances, and inhabited by fish such as Red-Fin Pickerel and Sunfish.

Perennial surface-water streams. Species from several families were encountered in “typical” streams, including common generalist species as well as specialists of fast-running waters and tidal streams.

1. Generalist and slow-water species: Eastern Red Damsel (Amphiagrion saucium), Aurora Damsel (Chromagrion conditum), Turquoise Bluet (Enallagma divagans), Stream Bluet (E. exsulans), Fragile Forktail (Ischnura posita), Eastern Forktail (I. verticalis), Unicorn Clubtail (Arigomphus villosipes), and Lancet Clubtail (Gomphus exilis). Libellulids were also encountered in large or marshy streams, particularly Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) and Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta).

2. Fast-water species: River Jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis), Ebony Jewelwing (C. maculata), Least Clubtail, Delta-spotted Spiketail, Twin-spotted Spiketail, Stream Cruiser (Didymops transversa), and Mocha Emerald (Somatochlora linearis [? – only one observation, exuviae and teneral adult]).

3. Tidal brackish streams: I found two species, Big Bluet (Enallagma durum) and Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami), only in tidally influenced reaches, including the upper North River and the tributaries’ lowest reaches where they wind through open marshland and converge with the main channel.

Natural History. Most stream-specialist dragonflies in this region appear to be semi-voltine, requiring at least two years for larval development. The Fawn Darner displayed at least two distinct size classes throughout the year in several streams. Late-stage larvae of this common species were abundant in riffle areas in June, but seemed to disappear in mid-July; evidence suggests they may have migrated downstream immediately before emergence. In one intermittent stream, Fred Goodwin, Anna Santos and I found mixed sizes of Arrowhead Spiketail larvae, including a very early instar (2 mm in length) found in April 2002. In samples taken from the Southern Pygmy Clubtail site, mature and immature larval stages were found living together throughout the year, and emerged within inches from where they were found.

The downstream movement of aquatic invertebrates has been observed by many researchers, and may play an important role in the life cycles of these creatures. Upper reaches may act as important refuges for stream-dwelling Odonata, providing plenty of ideal shallow-water oviposition sites, as well as protection from the predatory fish that inhabit lower reaches. Larvae of some species perhaps take advantage of the plentiful small midge and caddisfly larvae, and lower predation, in the upper reaches during early life stages, before drifting downstream as they mature to areas with larger and more abundant prey. Downstream movement could also be an advantage to younger larvae by reducing cannibalism, which is common among odonate larvae. However, it could be a disadvantage for species with narrow habitat requirements and only a short reach of suitable habitat, as in the case of Southern Pygmy Clubtail.

In conclusion, a stream ecosystem goes far beyond what the eye, or a handful of samples from a single assessment, can see. For years to come our streams will undergo a variety of assaults from human landscape alteration, including erosion and chemical contamination from storm-water discharge, and excessive water removal for human usage. Intermittent, headwater, and lower stream reaches are all vital components of a biologically diverse, dynamic, and connected system, and should be treated as such for the protection of our natural heritage.

As a beginner, I may have just the right credentials to rate the Stokes’ Beginner’s Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies. From a teneral perspective, I’d have to say that this introductory field guide to the relatively common dragons and damsels of North America is one of the quintessential learning tools for the freshly emerging odonatist. People visually and curiously attracted to these animals, but who lack formal training in entomology (and perhaps feel intimidated by the fancy technical lingo), will embrace this full-spectrum, plainspoken book. The photographs cannot be ignored, bringing life-size images of fine color and clarity. Even the experienced and skilled “ode’r,” who may be expertly familiar with the fauna of a certain region only, would benefit by being able to easily identify many new species encountered during travels elsewhere throughout North America. It should also be ideal for folks ranging from generalist nature lovers and backyard wildlife watchers to professional naturalists and environmental researchers, such as ecologists studying food web interactions among biota of aquatic habitats without having prior specialty knowledge regarding the taxonomy of even the most typical odonates.

This book works for the following reasons:

The clear photographs, handy distribution maps and skimmable but thorough natural history and morphological info makes positive identification fast and easy. An amateur will no doubt be encouraged when their able to identify, with a reasonable degree of confidence, at least some of the odonates that they are observing. And it’s probably safe to say that the more experienced dragonfly hunter will not feel any shame in a painless, peace-of-mind glance every now and then.

Every “ode’r” has to start their dragonfly education somewhere. I’ve used this guide since day one and will be flipping through it every time I venture out with a net.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a wetland full of dragonflies/damselflies for Blair Nikula and Jackie Sones on a job well done!

Although interest in odonates throughout much of New England has grown dramatically over the past decade, both New Hampshire and Vermont have remained rather sparsely worked — at least until recently. In New Hampshire, several people (primarily birders) have started looking for dragonflies, particularly in southern portions of the state, and a recent pot luck supper attracted a dozen or so enthusiasts eager for the start of the 2003 field season.

In Vermont, as well, interest is showing real signs of life, highlighted by the appearance of a new newsletter, The Boghaunter, Occasional News About the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Vermont. Edited by Bryan Pfeiffer (another birder turned odonatist, as well as a former journalist), the first issue, Winter 2003, contains articles on several species new to Vermont, an account of a female clubtail ovipositing in a swimming pool, a book review, and an announcement of the creation of the Vermont Odonata Database. The newsletter is very attractively produced and is available at no charge, though contributions are encouraged. The mailing address is: The Boghaunter, 113 Bartlett Road, Plainfield, VT 05667; e-mail: Boghaunter@VermontBirdTours.com.

For those of us who had very few resources, especially anything with color illustrations, when we first started looking at odonates a decade or more ago, the recent surge in publications is a source of great delight and satisfaction. Authored by Rob Cannings, who has been studying odonates for over 30 years, Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon is one of the most attractive and well-done regional dragonfly guides yet to appear. In its 96 glossy pages, 88 species of odonates are covered (52 of which are known from New England).

Every species is illustrated with one, or in a few cases two, color photographs. For most species, only males are shown, although pairs in the wheel are illustrated for a number of species. Line drawings illustrating important identification characteristics, such as male abdominal appendages and female vulvar lamina, are scattered throughout the text where appropriate. Twenty-three pages of introductory text cover such topics as life history and behavior, habitats, studying dragonflies, conservation, finding and identifying dragonflies, dragonfly topography, and a key to the families. A three page glossary and index conclude the book.

One more gap in the Odonata literature has been filled with this profusely illustrated and eminently readable overview of the world’s dragonflies and damselflies. As the author states in the preface, “A book describing the unique attributes of dragonflies in general, the distinctive features of individual families and subfamilies, and showing the incredible variety of these lovely, ubiquitous insects is long overdue.” Jill Silsby has succeeded admirably in producing just such a publication.

The book is broken into 12 chapters, five of which were penned by authorities other than the author. Introductory chapters cover expected topics such as life cycles, flight, territoriality, reproduction, and habitats. The bulk of the book (114 pages) is a review of the world’s 29 Odonata families and 58 subfamilies. The book concludes with three chapters covering evolution, artificial rearing, and conservation. The text is geared toward amateurs, with technical jargon largely avoided, and is an easy and enjoyable read.

The highlight of the book for many, this reviewer included, will be the many color photographs. Over 300 species from around the world are illustrated. The quality of the photos ranges from mediocre to very nice, and the color reproduction seems quite good. Many of the subjects are obviously posed, others are hand-held, and a very few are dead specimens. Nonetheless, it is a treat to see some of these species, even if some of the photos are less than ideal. That the vast majority of photos were taken by the author is remarkable and attests to the many miles she has logged in pursuit of her passion. The diversity and, in many cases, stunning beauty of the world’s Odonata are well displayed on these pages. Take a gander at the Brazilian Zenithoptera lanei with its brilliantly blue, iridescent wings; the blue and black Diphlebia euphaeoides of Australia; the stunning Euphaea refulgens from the Philippines; the colorful and bizarre Platycypha fitzsimmonsi; and another Brazilian beauty, Chalcopteryx rutilans. There are some amazing bugs out there!

At $39.95 (available for under $30 at discounters) the price is very reasonable. The book seems well produced, and is a visual treat, fun to just flip through from time to time. Anyone with even a modest interest in dragonflies and damselflies should enjoy Dragonflies of the World. A companion CD is available for about the same price, but I have yet to see it.

The folks in Ontario really have their act together. Although there are relatively few people chasing odonates in the province, the fruits of their efforts are better documented than anywhere else in North America. This 208-page publication contains 16 articles, most addressing various aspects of distribution and abundance within the province, as well as a full listing of the odonates recorded in the province during the 2001 field season – 4,015 records entailing 83 pages! Among the articles, of particular interest to those of us in New England is one authored by Paul Catling addressing the difficult problem of distinguishing Common Spreadwing (Lestes disjunctus) from Sweetflag Spreadwing (L. forcipatus).

Ontario Odonata can be purchased for $25.00 U.S. from: Alan J. Hanks, Treasurer, Toronto Entomological Association, 34 Seaton Drive, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 2K1.

Of the many regional odonate guides to have appeared over the past few years, this is by far the most impressive. Weighing in at almost three pounds (!), it is most certainly not a field guide (nor is it intended to be), but rather a full-blown manual complete with numerous dichotomous keys and illustrations of various body parts. Resulting from over a decade of survey work across the state by dozens of volunteers, it is a remarkably thorough work. The editors enlisted nine other odonatists to assist in the writing of species accounts and introductory chapters, though it is clear that the editors are responsible for much of the effort.

The book begins with 30 pages of introductory chapters entitled “Natural History of Odonata,” “Collection and Preservation of Specimens,” “A Brief History of Odonata Workers in Ohio” (check out the classic photo of Homer Price with his mammoth net!), “How to Use This Book,” and “Photographic Techniques.” Fifteen pages of photographs, illustrating 88 species, precede the species accounts. The photos, either of males or pairs in the wheel, generally are of good quality, though the reproduction of many seems rather dull and murky. Liberally scattered throughout the text are numerous line drawings illustrating wing patterns, body patterns, terminal appendages, genitalia, and other features important in identification.

The species accounts comprise the bulk of the book, with each of the 162 species recorded from the state afforded a full page of coverage. Given the large format of the book, this allows considerable space to describe the species, its habitat, and abundance, as well as often detailed accounts of natural history and behavior. Each account also includes a county map and a bar graph illustrating the species’ flight period.

The book concludes with an extensive seven page bibliography, a checklist of Ohio Odonata, a three page glossary, a listing of organizations and resources, and an account of discredited species. Curiously, there is no index.

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ohio is a monumental work, and I can find virtually nothing to criticize. I have had occasion to use it rather extensively recently, and have noted only one minor typo. Some will be disappointed that only about half of the state’s species are illustrated, but given the availability of photos online as well as in other regional guides, this is perhaps not a serious omission. Although a bit pricey, the wealth of information packed between the covers justifies the expense. Every serious odonatist will want this publication and I recommend it highly.

The book is available either ring bound, for easy use in the lab or field, or stitch bound. To order, contact the Ohio Biological Survey, P. O. Box 21370, Columbus, OH 43221-0370. For more information visit: http://mcnet.marietta.edu/~odonata/book/books.html

In the last issue of Ode News (November 2002, Vol. 9, No. 2), in the table on page 3 listing the numerous new county records from Massachusetts, a couple of errors appeared. The Painted Skimmer (Libellula semifasciata) was new to Franklin County, not Worcester County. Also, Hal White has called our attention to the fact that he collected Dusky Dancer (Argia translata) in Berkshire County back in the early 1970s; thus last year’s record was not the county’s first.