Blue Corporal - Ladona deplanata

Males???

I have been told that the one above and this other one are both males. Does that sound right?

… John R. Maxwell, 11 May, 2019 - 6:25pm

Females

Cerci are those of a female on both. I'm still not sure how to distinguish these individuals from L. exusta, though.

… Nick Block, 12 May, 2019 - 5:21pm

Moved

Moved from Chalk-fronted Corporal.

… Cliff Bernzweig, 29 April, 2008 - 12:16pm

Blue Corporal

Note the wing pattern. L. julia is far less common in the Pine Barrens than L. deplanata. The more I find dragonflies, the more I discover that the authors of these books do not always know of, or do not always have space to account for, the amazing variations that exist, especially regarding male-like females of certain damselflies and skimmers. Still very much a growing science.

… Cliff Bernzweig, 29 April, 2008 - 12:15pm

Thanks

This one has been very confusing. I wish the image was better, but I'm looking forward to getting back out there this season. I assume that this imperfect image is still worth keeping as a "male-like female" "covered by pruinosity" regardless of Ladona species.

… John R. Maxwell, 29 April, 2008 - 12:29pm

For sure

A good reference image I think. I noticed some other slightly pruinose deplanata photos here, but none so completely covered as yours.

… Cliff Bernzweig, 29 April, 2008 - 1:08pm

Moved

Moved from Corporals.

… John R. Maxwell, 29 November, 2007 - 7:16am

Chalk-fronted Corporal

The only Ladona in which the female abdomen becomes pruinose is Ladona julia, according to Dunkle, Dragonflies through Binoculars. Dunkle states further that only a few females become white-pruinose.

… Howell Curtis, 28 November, 2007 - 11:03pm

Thanks!

I've moved to that guide page. As I said the image isn't that wonderful, but your comment alone makes it worthwile. That information should be added to the species or probably genus guide page.

… John R. Maxwell, 29 November, 2007 - 7:23am

Female corporal

This is a very mature female Ladona corporal. I've never seen so much pruinosity on a female! With the abdominal pattern covered by pruinosity, I'm not sure how to ID this lady past the genus level.

… Nick Block, 28 November, 2007 - 8:05pm

Thanks!

It's not the greatest image but I put it in the guide at genus level. If it isn't useful it can always be frassed.
Funny, now I need a picture of a common whitetail, seems I've just lost mine :-)

… John R. Maxwell, 28 November, 2007 - 9:15pm