Hello friends,

Last week we had the amazing opportunity to participate in odonate surveys with our odonate expert Bev! We learned proper bug netting and handling techniques, as well how to identify different dragonflies and damselflies. Our favourite species ended up being the Ebony Jewelwing damselfly and the Beaverpond Baskettail dragonfly.

So, you’re probably asking yourself “what is the difference between dragonflies and damselflies?” Both are a part of the order Odonata (“toothed ones” for their toothy mandibles) and soar through the air. Dragonflies tend to have their wings extended like an airplane when sitting, while damselflies tend to have their wings closed and folded up behind their body.

Odonates serve important roles in their ecosystems as predators, prey, and indicators. They are carnivorous and eat other bugs, including mosquitoes and deer flies, but are eaten by wildlife such as birds, fish, and frogs. With their need for healthy water in the aquatic larval stage, dragonflies and damselflies are also good indicators of aquatic health.

During these surveys we were also able to collect exuviae, the exoskeleton left behind after the young odonates have molted. Many were found on lily pads and plants growing in and around water. Did you know that different species can be identified through these molts? I was shocked to learn this!

Liam was able to survey odonates with Bev at the Lally homestead and trail, while I (Sarah) surveyed with Bev along the McParlan House trail. Both of these short, easy loops provide great opportunities for odonate viewings.

Thank you so much to our expert Bev for bringing us along and teaching us about these fascinating creatures!