A look at dragonflies & damselflies in Lake Metroparks
by Tom Koritansky, Natural Resource Manager
Sometimes the most interesting things to see in the natural world come in small sizes—that certainly applies to dragonflies and damselflies. The colors and patterns of these creatures are absolutely stunning, catching the eye of even the most casual observer. Even though they may be small, they’re quite mighty predators—skimming over the surface of water, dashing from point to point, or cruising up and down a stream. To catch a close-up of a flying dragon or fluttering damsel, one has to be quick, for these creatures are swift, often alert, and readily on the move.
Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata. Odonates are one group of carnivorous flying insects. They are an ancient band of insects with an ancestral history dating back to the Permian Period about 300 million years ago. It’s a diverse clade (a grouping of organisms with a common ancestor) that includes about 5,000 species and contains some of the largest flying invertebrates.
Many traits are used to distinguish the odonates from each other. For starters, damselflies are distinguished from dragonflies by the way in which they hold their wings. When perched, the wings of dragonflies are held out to their sides while damselflies hold their wings in line with their bodies. Both dragonflies and damselflies are found in an array of patterns and colors. Eye placement and other facial features, the pigmentation of abdominal segments, and the shape of their tail appendages are all used in their identification. While the subtleties in the markings of each species can sometimes be challenging to distinguish for even the well-trained eye, knowing the time of year certain species are active, intricacies about their behavior, and preferred habitats can also provide some clues to aid in their identification.
We’re lucky to host a grand display of dragonflies and damselflies in the parks. A summertime walk along the Grand River, Chagrin River, Big Creek, Paine Creek or any number of ponds within the parks will yield sightings of at least a few species of each. Be sure to be on the lookout for these beautifully-colored creatures the next time you’re out in the parks.
Twelve-spotted skimmer
A common inhabitant of ponds, streams and wetlands, the twelve-spotted skimmer is most easily identified by the series of twelve black and white markings found along its wings. Look for this dragonfly from late spring to early September at Penitentiary Glen Reservation.
Eastern forktail
The Eastern forktail is one of three forktail species that can be found in Lake County. Males, like the one pictured, appear with a green thorax and abdomen with a light blue tip at the end of the tail, while females appear a dusty blue across their entire body. The Eastern forktail is active from May through September and can be found in a number of parks including Chagrin River Park and Concord Woods Nature Park.
Ruby meadowhawk
Dark red eyes, a yellow-orange face and striking red body are noticeable characteristics of the ruby meadowhawk. The ruby meadowhawk is another pond and stream edge inhabitant. This dragonfly is active during the summer months. Look for it at Gully Brook Park.
Widow skimmer
Even though the body may be similarly shaped to the twelve-spotted skimmer, a closer look at the wings will reveal a different pattern of black and white markings that distinguishes this species. It’s another common late spring through summer inhabitant. Look for this dragonfly at Veterans Park.
Spatterdock darner
A more watchful eye is needed to catch this dragonfly in action since it’s only active around the end of spring. Bright blue eyes and blue marking across its body are telltale characteristics of the spatterdock darner. Look for this dragonfly at Hidden Lake during the month of June.
Great spreadwing
Look closely at the eyes of this damselfly and notice the rich blue color. A careful observer may be able to spot one at River Road Park, although it is uncommon in the parks. The great spreadwing grows larger compared to other damselflies too. Early to mid summer is a good time to look for this species.
Splendid clubtail
Clubtails are one of the more diverse groups of dragonflies found in the parks, but a pursuer of these species will need time on their side to catch one in action since many are only active for short periods around the month of June. A well-trained eye focused on coloration and body markings is needed to distinguish one clubtail species from the other. The splendid clubtail pictured here is a large imposing dragonfly. Look for this species along the banks of the Grand River at Riverview Park.