Damselfly - Argia sedula

Get at least 2 books

Ed Lam's "Damselflies of the Northeast" is essential for identifying things like this. For dragons, Dunkle's "Drgonflies through Binoculars" is a good start, but you will want to have "Dragonflies of North America" by Needham, Westfall, and May if you get serious. I agree that it is good to have a local book, but keep in mind that you can't use an Ohio book in California, and you might not even be able to use one in Illinois.

… Cliff Bernzweig, 29 July, 2007 - 7:31am

Couple of book suggestions

1. Get something local. It'll be more tailored to your needs, plus you'll have fewer pages to wade through. Wish I had specifics for your area, but I don't.

2. Dragonflies through Binoculars is a good general field guide covering North America.

… Ron Hemberger, 28 July, 2007 - 10:49pm

For the Cincy area try Curry-

For the Dayton-Cincy area try Curry-Dragonflies of Indiana, and if you are not opposed to using keys, Glotzhobers' Dragonflies & Damselflies of Ohio.

… Dennis Profant, 29 July, 2007 - 11:28am

Thanks for the guide suggestions

I'm not sure what keys are but I'm willing to try it. I am totally fascinated with the damselflies but id'ing them is a challenge for me (and I thought fall warblers were tough!)

Dennis, you wouldn't happen to know if there is a survey of odonata for Twin Creek (or Germantown Metro Park)?

… countrybum, 29 July, 2007 - 11:57am

Keys are used primarily for o

Keys are used primarily for odonata collectors who have specimens and scopes for closeup work. If you are more interested in photographing them, Bob Glotzhobers book may not be for you. All the other books suggested here are good picture ID books. I also think the dragons and damsels of the North Woods series are nice as well, and inexpensive.

I do not know if there are local surveys done from your area. If you really get into this group of insects, I suggest you Google the Ohio Odonata Survey, and the experts can tell you more. Between you and me, I think damsels are easier than fall warblers!

… Dennis Profant, 30 July, 2007 - 12:04pm

Maybe???

A female Blue-ringed Dancer ????

… countrybum, 28 July, 2007 - 11:50pm

Looks like it

Looks good for a female Blue-ringed to me. Good call.

… Nick Block, 29 July, 2007 - 12:28pm