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Photo#494722
Twin-spotted Spiketail - Zoraena diastatops - male
Copyright © 2011 Joshua Stuart Rose

Twin-spotted Spiketail - Zoraena diastatops - Male
New Salem, powerline cut across Route 202 north of town, Franklin County, Massachusetts, USA
June 5, 2010
I had spent most of the day chasing dragonflies with the Athol Bird & Nature Club. I had been disappointed that we had tromped through so many streams, creeks and rivers but not encountered any species of Cordulegaster all day. Then, on my way home, I stopped to admire the spectacular Mountain Laurel flower display in a powerline cut, took a short walk, and found this beast chasing pollinators around one of the flower-carpeted shrubs.
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Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose on 2 March, 2011 - 8:12pm
Last updated 21 June, 2011 - 7:25pm

Comments

Moved
Moved from Twin-Spotted Spiketail.
… Ben Coulter, 21 June, 2011 - 7:25pm login or register to post comments

Delta-spotted
Hey Josh, this is actually a Delta-spotted Spiketail (Cordulegaster diastatops). The triangular lateral spots on the abdomen are diagnostic in New England. The spots are smaller and positioned dorsally on maculata.
… Ben Coulter, 21 June, 2011 - 7:24pm login or register to post comments

 
It does look that way...
Looking at the other images on the Guide, I'm not sure why I thought this was maculata, it's very different!
… Joshua Stuart Rose, 21 June, 2011 - 8:59pm login or register to post comments

 
Lifer!
I think that's a new species for me? But why "in New England"? Does one of the species look different outside of New England, or is there another Spiketail elsewhere that has that field mark but which does not occur in these parts?
… Joshua Stuart Rose, 21 June, 2011 - 8:56pm login or register to post comments

 
Brown Spiketail
The Brown Spiketail (Cordulegaster bilineata) of the Southeast and Midwest looks very similar, with large lateral triangular markings, and is essentially like a paler version of Delta-spotted. There is occasional speculation about whether it is a southern ecotype of diastatops, though they are currently split.
… Ben Coulter, 21 June, 2011 - 10:42pm login or register to post comments

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