June 5, 2024 — Waukesha County
Rainbow Springs Nature Preserve. I believe it was high 70’s to low 80’s, moderate winds, partly cloudy. 12:30-4:30pm. My favorite location in this natural area is off the trail that parallels the north side of the lake. There is a clearing with scattered Cedars. There are often many species actively hunting here. I swear I saw an adult male Great-blue Skimmer but it was just too brief. The Springtime Darners were out in the open fields near the woods on the south east side of the property.
Rainbow Springs Nature Preserve. I believe it was high 70’s to low 80’s, moderate winds, partly cloudy. 12:30-4:30pm. My favorite location in this natural area is off the trail that parallels the north side of the lake. There is a clearing with scattered Cedars. There are often many species actively hunting here. I swear I saw an adult male Great-blue Skimmer but it was just too brief. The Springtime Darners were out in the open fields near the woods on the south east side of the property.
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
Observed
Two seen at least
Observed
Two seen at least
Cyrano Darner (Nasiaeschna pentacantha)
Photographed
Out of the forest, it flew across the trail and perched for my camera. The trail that parallels the north side of the lake.
Photographed
Out of the forest, it flew across the trail and perched for my camera. The trail that parallels the north side of the lake.
Springtime Darner (Basiaeschna janata)
Observed
Maybe as many as six, mostly flying high, occasional low swoops but all near the wooded edge hillside and clearings on the SE side of the natural area.
Observed
Maybe as many as six, mostly flying high, occasional low swoops but all near the wooded edge hillside and clearings on the SE side of the natural area.
Swamp Darner (Epiaeschna heros)
Photographed
One active in a clearing with scattered Cedars uphill from the lake. This area is very dry with sandy soil.
Photographed
One active in a clearing with scattered Cedars uphill from the lake. This area is very dry with sandy soil.
Lancet Clubtail (Phanogomphus exilis)
Photographed
I found them all over. Very abundant.
Photographed
I found them all over. Very abundant.
Common Baskettail (Epitheca cynosura)
Observed
Everywhere.
Observed
Everywhere.
Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Photographed
Several seen, possibly 8-10. I never had a close look at one before. I always see them flying steady for long periods. Interesting the thin white ring at the base of the abdomen, similar to American Emerald but less obvious.
Photographed
Several seen, possibly 8-10. I never had a close look at one before. I always see them flying steady for long periods. Interesting the thin white ring at the base of the abdomen, similar to American Emerald but less obvious.
Racket-tailed Emerald (Dorocordulia libera)
Photographed
All over and like the Baskettails, occasionally fly right up to your face. Those eyes.
Photographed
All over and like the Baskettails, occasionally fly right up to your face. Those eyes.
Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata)
Observed
Three seen.
Observed
Three seen.
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
Observed
Many seen
Observed
Many seen
Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa)
Photographed
Several throughout
Photographed
Several throughout
Chalk-fronted Corporal (Ladona julia)
Observed
Not as many, possibly 6 or so.
Observed
Not as many, possibly 6 or so.
Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
Observed
Many along the trails.
Observed
Many along the trails.
Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta)
Observed
Several all over.
Observed
Several all over.
Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis)
Observed
Stalking and killing, at least a dozen.
Observed
Stalking and killing, at least a dozen.
Four-spotted Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata)
Observed
5-6 seen.
Observed
5-6 seen.
Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta)
Photographed
I found four along the trails. ID based on limited pale femora and markings on the thorax. Photos of two different individuals.
Photographed
I found four along the trails. ID based on limited pale femora and markings on the thorax. Photos of two different individuals.
White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum)
Photographed
Two.
Photographed
Two.
Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
Photographed
Four
Photographed
Four
Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata)
Observed
A few
Observed
A few
Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis)
Observed
A few
Observed
A few
Marsh Bluet (Enallagma ebrium)
Observed
One found
Observed
One found
Sedge Sprite (Nehalennia irene)
Observed
One seen
Observed
One seen
Slender Bluet (Enallagma traviatum westfalli)
Photographed
One by the lake
Photographed
One by the lake
Variable Dancer (Violet Dancer ssp.) (Argia fumipennis violacea)
Photographed
Several
Photographed
Several
Amber-winged Spreadwing (Lestes eurinus)
Photographed
One found near the lake
Photographed
One found near the lake
Swamp Spreadwing (Lestes vigilax)
Photographed
About 10 or more along the lake.
Photographed
About 10 or more along the lake.