Ode Series
Dragonflies and damselflies make up an order of insects called Odonata. This group of insects, collectively called odes, developed from ancestors originating at least 300 million years ago. The body design of modern day odes has changed relatively little in comparison with the fossils of their early ancestors. This series will take you to various locations within the Carden Dragonfly Count circle where some interesting odes have been located.
Black-shouldered Spinyleg
Another bridge, another dragonfly count. A rather large dragonfly was spotted down on the rocks during the 2012 count. We then spent many many many minutes looking through our binoculars trying to describe the field markings to each other. Eventually the decision was made that this was a black-shouldered spinyleg, one of the clubtail group of dragonflies. During another count in Minden, there it was again. In 2013, it was found again in Carden and with each successive find, the identification gets quicker.
Please be careful at GZ as there could be a wasp nest or two.