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Posted by Bryant Roberts on 23:23:05 10/05/13
On June 30, 2013 at Pine Island Ridge Natural Area I observed and photographed a dragonfly which at the time I identified as a teneral Four-spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida). This identification was based on general size, shape, and the position of the dark spots on the wings along with the local abundance of that species. I attributed the inconsistencies with B. gravida such as the dark stigmata, nearly vertical resting posture, and pale unmarked body with it having recently emerged. It had glossy wings and flew for short distanced with a fluttering flight which led me to believe that it was very young. However, last night while thumbing through Dennis Paulson's "Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East" the photograph of Evening Skimmer (Tholymis citrina) caught my attention. A comparison of the photos and description in the book with my photos and observations revealed that the dragonfly photographed on 6/30 was a close match with T. citrina. My report and photographs have been submitted to Odonata Central for vetting and if confirmed this will be the first record of T. citrina in Broward County and the first Florida record north of the Keys. I have included the link to the Odonata Central submission which has photos.
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