Final Report for the The West Virginia Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas

Final Report 

for the 

The West Virginia Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas 

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources 

Wildlife Resources Section

Final Report for the 

West Virginia Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas 

13 April 2011 

revised 1 November 2011 

Prepared for: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section 

324 Forth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303 

Prepared by: Susan Olcott 

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, District 1 

1110 Railroad Street, PO Box 99, Farmington, WV 26571 

Front cover photographs clockwise from upper left: 

Aeshna canadensis (Canada Darner) by Stephen Cresswell 

Somatochlora tenebrosa (Clamp-tipped Emerald) by Giff Beaton 

Enallagma vesperum (Vesper Bluet) by Giff Beaton 

Gomphus viridifrons (Green-faced Clubtail) by Allen Barlow 

Argia apicalis (Blue-fronted Dancer) by Stephen Cresswell 

Ladona deplanata (Blue Corporal) by Jeffery Pippen 

Calopteryx angustipennis (Appalachian Jewelwing) by Giff Beaton 

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Table of Contents 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Species Collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Geographic Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Habitat Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Species Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Recent Taxonomic Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Figure 1. Historical and recent sampling effort (1835-2004) for Odonates in WV . . . . . . . 11 

Figure 2. Historical, recent, and Atlas sampling effort (1835 – 2010) for Odonates in WV . . 12 

Figure 3. Total number of Odonate records in West Virginia by county (1835 – 2010) . . . . 13 

Figure 4. Bailey eco-regions in West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Figure 5. Odonate species diversity in West Virginia by Bailey eco-region (1835 – 2010) . . 15 

Table 1. List of WV odonates, ranks, WV encounter frequency, and relative range . . . . . . 16 

Table 2. Number of Odonate species documented in three time periods in West Virginia . . . 21 

Table 3. Odonate species diversity and sample sites by county in West Virginia . . . . . . . .22 

Table 4. Historical Odonate species in West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Table 5. Odonate species diversity by Bailey eco-region in West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Odonata References and Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Appendix 1. Distribution maps, flight periods, and photographic examples of West Virginia 

Odonates. 

Figure 6. West Virginia counties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-1 

Calopterygidae (Broad-wing Damsels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-2 

Lestidae (Spread-wing Damsels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-7 

Coenagrionidae (Pond Damsels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-18 

Petaluridae (Petaltails) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-48 

aeshnidae (Darners) ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-49 

Gomphidae (Clubtails) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-61 

Cordulegastridae (Spiketails) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-88 

Macromiidae (Cruisers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-93 

Corduliidae (Emeralds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-97 

Libellulidae (Skimmers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 1-110 

Appendix 2. Odonate species diversity in West Virginia by Bailey eco-region . . Appendix 2-1 

Appendix 3 Photographic credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 3-1 

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Introduction 

West Virginia is a state of streams and rivers, and its topography is a result of the flowing of 

thousands of miles of waterways. Not surprisingly, one of the primary concerns of WV residents is 

the health of these streams (Responsive Management, 1998). The WV Division of Natural 

Resources contributes to monitoring the state’s waterways primarily through fish surveys that are 

labor and personnel intensive. A more efficient method requiring less personnel and labor was 

desired to accomplish preliminary aquatic habitat surveys. Within the class of animals called 

insects (Insecta), dragonflies and damselflies are placed in the order Odonata (colloquially 

odonates). Dragonflies are in the suborder Anisoptera, which includes seven families in West 

Virginia, damselflies reside in the suborder Zygoptera, with three families known from West 

Virginia. Odonates are known to be indicators of water quality for a variety of aquatic habitats. 

Adult odonates are easily observed, and many can be identified without in-hand examination. A 

decision was made to develop a wetland assessment protocol that incorporated odonates and other 

metrics. However, very little baseline data was available in West Virginia about this group of 

insects as most surveys were conducted at relatively few sites and were conducted three and four 

decades ago (Ahrens, 1968; Carle, 1982; Cruden, 1962; Harwood, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979; 

Kormondy, 1960). Additional surveys were made during the 1990s by Mullins (1994), Rawlins et 

al. (1996), Orr (1998), and Enz (2000), but the work was not systematic, nor representative of the 

entire state. 

In 2005, the WV Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas was initiated to help answer questions about 

odonates in the state and to develop a baseline for wetland assessments. The publication of several 

popular guides on odonates and development of close focusing binoculars supported increasing 

public interest on the taxa so that an atlas effort based on citizen volunteers became possible. 

Although initially planned for three years, the Atlas was expanded to five years as the increasing 

scope of the project became apparent (Atlas period = 2005-2009, with data from 2010 also 

included). The objectives of the Atlas were to: 

Methods 

1. Determine the occurrence, distribution, and status of adult Odonata in the state. 

2. Determine general habitat parameters of the state’s Odonata. 

3. Collect voucher specimens of WV Odonata for documentation and research purposes. 

Baseline 

Baseline information on odonates in WV was collected starting in 1999 from published literature 

and from known repositories of WV material (Figure 1). The most significant of these were 

specimens collected by Paul J. Harwood from 1953-1991 housed at the International Odonata 

Research Institute/Florida State University in Gainesville, FL. Other institutions or organizations 

queried were the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C., the 

University of Michigan’s Museum of Zoology, Colorado State University Gillette Museum, and the 

Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. Many individuals who house their own 

collections provided data on WV specimens. These specimens and literature from numerous 

published sources were used to produce a preliminary state list of 159 species. In 2002, the 

Dragonfly Society of the Americas (DSA) held their annual meeting in West Virginia. Their efforts 

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produced eight state records and over 170 county records. By the start of the Atlas in 2005, the 

preliminary list had been revised, based on additional surveys and taxonomic changes, to 145 

species. A digital database of known and published records was created and geo-referenced. 

Volunteer Surveys 

In cooperation with the WV Department of Agriculture (WVDA), the West Virginia Division of 

Natural Resources (WVDNR) developed materials for atlas volunteers, and planned several training 

classes around the state to prepare interested citizens to collect and process specimens. At least 130 

people were trained to participate in the Atlas, either through training classes or one-on-one with an 

experienced volunteer or project leader. Volunteers were recruited from several sources, including 

the WV Master Naturalists, the WV Natural History listserv, the WV Entomological Society, the 

Potomac Chapter of the National Audubon Society, Oglebay Good Zoo, and federal and state 

agencies. In additional, personal contacts with academia and parties known to be interested in this 

type of project were contacted. Of 130 people who went through training, a total of 83 participated 

by submitting specimens to the Atlas. Of these, 37 (44%), were defined as cooperators – those 

individuals whose participation was part of their job, such as DNR staff. Forty-six participants 

(56%) were defined as volunteers, those participating on their own time out of interest in the 

project. 

At the time of their training, volunteers were given gear for capture and processing of specimens, 

collection protocols, and resources for identification. Volunteers were responsible for capturing 

specimens, collecting data on habitat and weather conditions, processing specimens, identifying 

specimens to the family level, and sending specimens to the project leader. Gear included an insect 

net, container for acetone for processing, glassine envelopes, a thermometer, forceps for handling 

processed specimens, and a small ruler. The book “Stokes Beginners Guide to Dragonflies” by 

Blair Nikula, et al. (2002) gave volunteers and cooperators the resources needed to identify 

specimens to the family level and the West Virginia Odonate Survey Manual (2005) provided data 

sheets and other protocol information. 

Volunteers surveyed at sites that were primarily self-chosen, although before each field season they 

were given geographic, taxonomic, and habitat sampling priorities to focus their efforts. 

Other Surveys 

DNR staff and volunteers with experience conducted targeted surveys for poorly documented 

species at historical sites, at new sites with similar habitat, and in geographic areas and habitats that 

had little sampling effort. In addition, two bioblitz weekends were conducted – one in Tucker 

County and one in Harrison County – to concentrate sampling in a particular region. Three 

volunteers were also awarded WVDNR cooperative research grants in 2009 to survey in poorly 

covered areas – mostly in the southwestern and central part of West Virginia. 

Results and Discussion 

Overview 

The Atlas was successful in expanding knowledge of odonates in West Virginia. A total of 4628 

specimens were collected that included representatives from all families known to occur in the state. 

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Five state records and 655 county records were documented. Distribution for most species was 

expanded, some quite significantly. All 55 of West Virginia’s counties were surveyed (Figure 2), 

with an average of 12 sites visited in each county. State ranks were revised with 73 species 

warranting a change in their status based on data collected during the Atlas. Results for species 

distribution in West Virginia (Appendix 1) are based on 1994 and earlier for historical records and 

1995 -2010 for recent records. 

Taxonomy is the form accepted by the Dragonfly Society of the Americas as presented by Paulson 

and Dunkle (2011). 

Species Collected 

Of the 144 species documented from West Virginia, 119 (83%) were collected during the Atlas 

period, and 118 were documented during recent effort (1995-2004) (Table 1). Together these 

efforts verified 132 species (92%) of the state’s odonate fauna. Twelve species historically reported 

from West Virginia were not found. During the Atlas, damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) were better 

represented than dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera), with 41 (89%) of 46 species collected, 

compared with 78 (80%) of 98 species collected (Table 2). This difference likely represents both 

the ease in netting damselflies as compared with dragonflies, and the more challenging habitats that 

many underrepresented dragonfly taxa inhabit (ex. streams and rivers compared with ponds). The 

least represented taxa were the clubtails (family Gomphidae) which, except for two species, all 

occur on flowing water. Only 16 (59%) of 27 species were collected during the Atlas period. 

Gomphid species that weren’t collected historically occurred in poorly sampled geographic areas 

(SW West Virginia – Dromogomphus spoliatus), historically occurred on large and difficult to 

sample rivers (Stylurus plagiatus), or are extremely rare, and possibly extirpated in the state 

(Ophiogomphus incurvatus alleghaniensis). 

The most frequently collected odonates during the Atlas were some skimmers (family Libellulidae: 

Libellula luctuosa – 133 specimens, Plathemis lydia – 124 specimens, Sympetrum vicinum – 121 

specimens) and several pond damsels (family Coenagrionidae: Ischnura posita – 326 specimens, 

Ischnura verticalis – 295 specimens, Argia funipennis – 201 specimens, Enallagma exsulans – 198 

specimens). All of these species have virtually state-wide distributions, broad habitat requirements, 

and are easily netted. 

Geographic Coverage 

Every county in the state was surveyed during the Atlas period, some having greater coverage than 

others, with an average of 11.4 survey sites per county (Table 3). Tucker County had the largest 

number of survey sites (43) during the Atlas period, followed by Monongalia (34), and Greenbrier 

(32). Boone County had only one Atlas survey site (total 168.7 square miles per site), with 

McDowell (9 sites – total 49.5 square miles per site), Wayne (6 sites – total 46.5 square miles per 

site), and Wyoming (5 sites – total 46.1 square miles per site) also being under surveyed. Many of 

the under surveyed counties are in the chronically under surveyed SW area of the state (Figure 3). 

Access to survey sites in this area is difficult because of lack of access onto private mine lands and 

development along stream channels. In addition, many of the streams in this area of the state are 

impacted by sediment, sewage, and other pollutants. Although ponds exist in the area, they are 

often on private land and difficult to access. 

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Habitat Coverage 

Ponds and other still pooled waters were the most frequently surveyed habitat during the Atlas 

period, resulting in high numbers of skimmers (Libellulidae) and pond damsels (Coenagrionidae) 

being collected. High elevation wetlands were adequately surveyed during the Atlas period and 

immediately prior to it during the DSA meeting. Flowing waters were chronically under surveyed 

because of flooding and participants’ apprehension to wading in streams and rivers during normal 

and low flows. Some streams and rivers had also been impacted by pollutants and host no or a very 

low diversity and number of odonate fauna. 

Distributions 

Of the 144 species known from West Virginia, 131 have been documented in the state since 1995. 

This recent work has documented range expansions for 126 species, with an average of 9 counties 

added to each distribution (range 1 – 32 counties; Appendix 1). Although some of these could be 

actual increases in distribution, the vast majority likely reflect additional survey effort in under 

sampled areas. 

Those species that showed no distribution increase were often high elevation species with specific 

habitat requirements (ex. sphagnum bogs). This group has been fairly well documented in the 

mountain counties, and most apparently do not occur at lower elevations. Although the majority of 

distributional increases were for common species, some were for rarer species that have specific 

habitat requirements, such as ridge top spring fed streamlets for Tiger Spiketail (Cordulegaster 

erronea) or older, well vegetated ponds for Vesper Bluet (Enallagma vesperum). Once habitat 

requirements were understood, focused surveys were effective tools for documenting these species. 

Twelve species known from West Virginia have not been documented since at least 1995, most 

much earlier (Table 4). Most have extremely small areas of historical occurrence in the state (one 

or two sites), are at the periphery of their range, or may be vagrant in West Virginia. Unfortunately, 

the records for many of these species have vague locations associated with them, making finding 

the historic survey site very difficult. With additional survey effort, some of these species may yet 

be rediscovered in the state. 

Like other taxa in the state, several odonates reach their known range limit in West Virginia, 

especially northern species reaching their southern range limit (Table 1). Fifteen odonates occur no 

further south, north, or east than West Virginia (Odonata Central, 2011). The eleven that reach their 

southern limit here may be encountering climates that are too warm to support required cool 

wetland habitat that is only found at high elevations (typically above 2500 ft) further south. 

Although widespread further north (usually well into Canada) and often west, increasing 

precipitation and warming temperatures that some climatologists predict for the Appalachian region 

may push the edge of these species ranges further north, and eliminate them from West Virginia. 

An additional six species have the southern limit to their range adjacent to West Virginia, and could 

also be pushed north. 

Species Diversity 

Species diversity by Bailey eco-region (Figure 4) probably reflects a mixture of sampling effort in 

these areas and actual species diversity (Figure 5). The region exhibiting the highest species 

diversity was the Northern Ridge and Valley with 107 out of a possible 144 species (Table 5). This 

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egion had a tremendous amount of effort expended documenting odonate fauna and harbors a rich 

diversity of aquatic habitats from low to high elevation. In addition, its geographic position east of 

the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains allowed inclusion of predominantly coastal 

plain species that were unable to establish themselves over the mountains. Allegheny Mountain and 

Valley eco-region harbors just slightly fewer species (103). This area includes the species rich 

Greenbrier River near Alderson, high elevation wetlands, and was extensively sampled during the 

2002 DSA meeting. The mountain regions (Western Allegheny Mountains and High Allegheny 

eco-regions) supported a moderate number of species (97 and 96 species respectively). Although 

heavily sampled, these regions exhibit extreme conditions of temperature and water regimes 

providing inhospitable conditions for species adapted to more moderate conditions. The Great 

Valley and Eastern Hocking Plateau had some of the smallest diversities documented for the state. 

The tremendous development pressure and subsequent loss of habitat in the Great Valley may 

explain the fairly low 40 species documented for this area, even though it was very well sampled. 

The East Hocking Plateau only has a very small portion in West Virginia, and was not expected to 

produce a large number of species. Interestingly Northern Blue Ridge Mountains, on the very 

eastern edge of West Virginia with a very small area in the state, has almost double the species as 

Eastern Hocking Plateau, with 53 species. This may be due to the large number of historical 

specimens documented in the Harpers Ferry area in the early 1900s. A complete table of species 

found in each eco-region can be found in Appendix 2. 

Recent Taxonomic Changes 

Several species of odonates found in West Virginia have had taxonomic revisions in recent years. 

Most changes are due to a greater understanding of their genetic makeup, supporting a split from or 

a lump into a closely related species. 

In the Spreadwing family (Lestidae), the two subspecies comprising the Common Spreadwing 

(Lestes disjunctus disjunctus and L.d. australis) were split into full species: the Northern 

Spreadwing (Lestes disjunctus) and the Southern Spreadwing (Lestes australis). These two species 

and a third, Sweetflag Spreadwing (Lestes forcipatus), have been confused since they were first 

described (Donnelly, 2003). The morphological characters that separate them, although subtle, can 

usually be distinguished in fully adult and undamaged specimens. Donnelly (2003), separated the 

two subspecies based on emergence, range (to some extent), and morphological characters. 

Work done by Turgeon, et al. (2005) supported a split of the circumplolar species Enallagma 

cyathigerum into a Palearctic Enallagma cyathigerum and the Holarctic Enallagma annexum 

(Northern Bluet). These two continental populations separated geographically 1.0 – 1.3 million 

years ago resulting in significant differences in mitochrondrial and nuclear DNA, which supports 

their status as separate species. 

Recent work by Pilgrim and VonDohlen (2007) on Meadowhawks (genus Sympetrum, family 

Libellulidae) support the inclusion of Jane’s Meadowhawk (Sympetrum janeae ) as a race or form of 

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk (S. intrusum) by Paulson and Dunkle (2011) based on a lack of 

difference in morphology or genetics. Although the Ruby Meadowhawk (S. rubicundulum) was 

also included in this confusing group by Pilgrim and VonDohlen (2007), West Virginia specimens 

of this species have been consistently uniform and fairly straight forward to identify. 

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Threats 

Although most people are familiar with adult odonates, most of these species lives are spent as 

larvae underwater in the rivers, streams, ponds, bogs, and marshes of West Virginia preying on 

other invertebrates. They are intimately tied to aquatic habitats, and are affected by their quality. 

Odonates are under pressure world-wide, and throughout the United States because of deforestation, 

declining water quality, changes in water flows, changes in substrates, loss and degradation of 

habitat, and exotic species introduction (Moore, 1997). Twenty-seven odonates that occur in the 

United States are listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The single West Virginia 

listed species, Appalachian Snaketail (Ophiogomphus incurvatus alleghaniensis), may have been 

extirpated from the state possibly because of agricultural pesticide overspray and runoff. 

Approximately 15% of odonates are at risk of extinction in North America (Dunkle, 2000). In West 

Virginia, species most at risk are those whose larvae inhabit flowing waters and low elevation 

wetlands (often found along major rivers). Clubtails (family Gomphidae), who almost as a group 

inhabit streams and rivers, are particularly susceptible to pollutants including municipal, household, 

agricultural runoff, sedimentation, and mineral extraction effluents. Most need clear, clean streams 

with high oxygen levels. Other groups whose larvae inhabit streams and rivers include the broadwing 

damsels (family Calypterigidae), dancers (genus Argia, family Coenagrionidae), spiketails 

(family Cordulegastridae), cruisers (family Macromiidae), and shadowdragons (genus 

Neurocordulia, family Corduliidae). Although some rivers in eastern and north-central West 

Virginia (Cheat, Tygart, and Middle Fork among others) have made substantial recovery from 

unregulated logging, acid mine drainage, and unregulated municipal pollution from the 1900s, 

other West Virginia rivers and streams remain highly impacted. Others remain under threat from 

streamside development, mountain top removal mining, and the booming Marcellus Shale drilling 

industry. 

Because flat land for development is at such a premium in West Virginia, areas along our major 

rivers is often quickly developed, and the sloughs, back channels, and boggy pools that line the 

Ohio, Kanawha, Cacapon and other rivers are disappearing. Species that use these habitats include 

the Swamp Darner (Epiaeschna heros), Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans), Blue-faced 

Meadowhawk (Sympetrum ambiguum), spreadwings (family Lestidae), and Duckweed Firetail 

(Telebasis byersi). At least one species formerly recorded in West Virginia hasn’t been seen in 

decades; the habitat at the single know site has been severely degraded by cattle (Cyrano Darner – 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha). 

Acknowledgements 

The West Virginia Odonata Atlas was possible with assistance from an EPA State Wetland Program 

Development Grant (CD 973080-01-0) and the USFWS State Wildlife Grant program. Abundant 

thanks goes to the volunteers and cooperators who made this project possible. Without their 

commitment, time, and energy West Virginia’s odonate fauna would be much less well known and 

understood, and the Atlas would not have happened. Jennifer Wykle, formerly WV DNR, and Lois 

Swoboda, formerly WV Department of Agriculture, developed the Atlas from an idea, to a 

proposal, to a reality. Nick Donnelly volunteered his time and expertise to verify determinations of 

state records, county records, and more challenging specimens in the Lestidae and Gomphidae. 

Thank you also to WV DNR Wildlife Resources staff Mike Dougherty and Jeremy Rowan for 

essential database help, analysis guidance, and the generation of WV distribution and other maps. 

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Figure 1. Historical and recent sampling effort (1835-2004) for Odonates in West Virginia. 

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Figure 2. Historical, recent, and Atlas sampling effort (1835 – 2010) for Odonates in West 

Virginia. 

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Figure 3. Total number of Odonate records in West Virginia by county (1835 – 2010). 

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Figure 4. Bailey eco-regions in West Virginia. 

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Figure 5. Odonate species diversity in West Virginia by Bailey eco-region (1835 – 2010). Eastern 

and Western Coalfields have been combined into Coalfields; and North and South High Allegheny 

have been combined into High Allegheny; and Eastern and Western Allegheny Mountain and 

Valley have been combined into Allegheny Mountain and Valley. 

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Table 1. List of WV odonates, ranks, WV encounter frequency, and relative range 

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WV # 

Global State Recent Total % Total Occ. Range 

Rank Rank Counties 1 Counties 2 Records 3 Status 4 Status 7 

Suborder Zygoptera - Damselflies 

Family Calopterygidae - Broad-wing Damsels 

Calopteryx amata - Superb Jewelwing G4 S3 2 5 0.63 AR C 

Calopteryx angustipennis - Appalachian Jewelwing G4 S3 3 7 0.30 AR C 

Calopteryx maculata - Ebony Jewelwing G5 S5 20 53 3.77 AR C 

Hetaerina americana - American Rubyspot G5 S4 14 33 1.78 AR C 

Hetaerina titia - Smoky Rubyspot G5 S1 1 3 0.03 A C 

Family Lestidae - Spreadwing Damsels 

Archilestes grandis - Great Spreadwing G5 S3 7 10 0.25 AR C 

Lestes australis - Southern Spreadwing G5 S3 2 5 0.13 AR C 

Lestes congener - Spotted Spreadwing G5 S4 3 11 0.26 AR C 

Lestes disjunctus - Northern Spreadwing G5 S3 2 6 0.42 AR C 

Lestes dryas - Emerald Spreadwing G5 SH 0 2 0.02 H n 

Lestes eurinus - Amber-winged Spreadwing G4 S4 14 20 0.41 AR C 

Lestes forcipatus - Sweetflag Spreadwing G5 S3 6 10 0.14 A C 

Lestes inaequalis - Elegant Spreadwing G5 S3 6 6 0.56 AR C 

Lestes rectangularis - Slender Spreadwing G5 S5 24 36 2.09 AR C 

Lestes unguiculatus - Lyre-tipped Spreadwing G5 SNA 0 1

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WV # 



Enallagma hageni- Hagen's Bluet G5 S4 8 16 2.23 AR C 

Enallagma signatum - Orange Bluet G5 S5 24 45 1.03 AR C 

Enallagma traviatum - Slender Bluet G5 S4 23 31 1.12 AR C 

Enallagma vernale- Vernal Bluet G4 S1 2 3 0.03 AR N 

Enallagma vesperum - Vesper Bluet G5 S3 8 9 0.15 AR C 

Ischnura hastata - Citrine Forktail H5 S4 12 26 0.59 AR C 

Ischnura kellicotti - Lilypad Forktail G5 S1 1 1

Gomphus quadricolor - Rapids Clubtail 5 

WV # 



G3G4 S3 2 12 0.21 AR C 

Gomphus rogersi - Sable Clubtail G4 S1 2 3 0.05 R C 

Gomphus vastus - Cobra Clubtail G5 S2 4 7 0.22 AR C 

Gomphus viridifrons - Green-faced Clubtail 5 

G3G4 S3 4 4 0.32 AR C 

Hagenius brevistylus - Dragonhunter G5 S3 9 17 0.40 AR C 

Lanthus parvulus - Northern Pygmy Clubtail G4 S3 1 7 0.25 R N 

Lanthus vernalis - Southern Pygmy Clubtail G4 S1 1 1

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WV # 



Somatochlora linearis - M ocha Emerald G5 S3 5 8 0.13 A C 

Somatochlora tenebrosa - Clamp-tipped Emerlad G5 S4 8 17 0.37 AR C 

Family Libellulidae - Skimmers 

Celithemis elisa - Calico Pennant G5 S5 21 43 1.58 AR C 

Celithemis eponina - Halloween Pennant G5 S4 24 25 0.48 AR C 

Celithemis fasciata - Banded Pennant G5 S3 11 11 0.20 AR C 

Celithemis verna - Double-ringed Pennant G5 SNA 1 1

1. Number of recent counties = number of WV counties a 

species has been documented 1995-2010. The maximum 

number of counties is 55. 

2. The number of total WV counties that a species has 

been documented 1835-2010. Maximum number of 

counties is 55. 

3. Percent total records = the number of all records of a 

species (adult and larval) divided by the total number of 

WV records (11757) expressed as a percentage. 

4. Occurrence status: A=documented during the Atlas 

period (2005-2009); R=documented during recent efforts 

(1995-2004); H=historical, not documenterd in WV since 

1994 or earlier 

5. Globally rare species 

6. Sympetrum internum and S. janeae were recently 

lumped into one species based on a lack of genetic or 

morphological distinctiveless. See Results for further 

details. 

7. Range status = indication of whether a species is at its 

range periphery in West Virginia: C=central, not 

peripheral; N,n=a northern species at or near its 

southern limit in WV; S,s=a southern species at or near 

its northern limit in WV; E=primarily an eastern species; 

W= a western species at its eastern limit in WV; V=a 

vagrant or accidental species in WV 

- 20 -

Table 2. Number of Odonate species documented in West Virginia during three time periods. 

Maximum number of species: Zygoptera (damselflies) = 46, Anisoptera (dragonflies) = 98, Total = 

144. 

Record Number of Species 

Source Documented 

Zygoptera Anisoptera Total 

Atlas 41 78 119 

(2005-2010) 89% 80% 83% 

Recent 38 83 118 

(1995-2004) 83% 85% 82% 

additional species 

beyond Atlas 

0 12 12 

Total Atlas + Recent 42 90 132 

Historical 44 84 128 

(1835-1994) 96% 86% 89% 

additional species 

beyond Atlas + Recent 

4 8 12 

- 21 -

Table 3. Odonate species diversity and sample sites by county in West Virginia. 

Number Sample Sites Sample Sites Sq miles 

Counties Species 1 

Atlas 2 

Total 3 

per Site 4 

Barbour 50 11 27 12.7 

Berkley 49 14 17 19.1 

Boone 27 1 3 168.7 

Braxton 45 7 17 30.6 

Brooke 32 5 8 11.5 

Cabell 44 8 44 6.5 

Calhoun 33 5 17 16.4 

Clay 35 7 13 19.4 

Doddridge 20 8 14 23.0 

Fayette 48 12 19 35.0 

Gilmer 53 7 17 20.1 

Grant 48 12 23 20.8 

Greenbrier 89 32 67 15.3 

Hampshire 83 10 35 18.3 

Hancock 39 8 11 8.1 

Hardy 57 14 31 18.6 

Harrison 54 11 20 20.9 

Jackson 33 10 16 29.5 

Jefferson 64 13 23 9.2 

Kanawha 34 19 29 31.5 

Lewis 31 14 23 17.0 

Lincoln 29 12 17 25.7 

Logan 28 9 14 32.6 

Marion 34 10 14 38.4 

Marshall 31 10 19 16.5 

Mason 32 3 17 18.5 

McDowell 38 9 9 49.6 

Mercer 48 22 33 12.8 

Mineral 46 15 23 14.3 

Mingo 24 5 13 32.6 

Monongalia 56 34 40 9.2 

Monroe 63 9 26 18.2 

Morgan 43 16 20 11.6 

Nicholas 58 15 26 25.3 

Ohio 32 8 10 10.9 

Pendleton 50 6 23 30.3 

Pleasants 32 7 16 8.4 

- 22 -

Number Sample Sites Sample Sites Sq miles 

Counties Species 1 

Atlas 2 

Total 3 

per Site 4 

Pocahontas 77 12 55 17.1 

Preston 74 26 40 16.4 

Putnam 30 10 18 19.5 

Raleigh 51 10 21 29.0 

Randolph 81 22 56 18.7 

Ritchie 44 9 22 20.7 

Roane 38 6 14 34.7 

Summers 54 18 38 9.7 

Taylor 34 6 14 12.6 

Tucker 80 43 87 4.8 

Tyler 30 5 14 18.6 

Upshur 34 4 15 23.7 

Wayne 23 5 11 46.5 

Webster 44 1 28 20.0 

Wetzel 25 6 10 36.0 

Wirt 36 8 10 23.4 

Wood 36 13 20 18.9 

Wyoming 52 5 11 46.1 

1. Total number of species documented for each WV county (maximum possible = 144) 

2. Number of sampling sites in each WV county during the Atlas period (2005-2009) 

3. Total number of sampling sites in each WV county (Historical+Recent+Atlas) 

4. Square miles in each county divided by total sample sites 

Better Poorer 

Coverage Coverage 

- 23 -

Table 4. Historical Odonate species documented from West Virginia. 

Last 

seen Number Possibility of Specimens 

Species in WV of Sites Habitat Rediscovery Available? 

Lestes dryas - 

Emerald Spreadwing 

Lestes unguiculatus - 

Lyre-tipped 

Spreadwing 

Enallagma boreale - 

Boreal Bluet 

Ischnura prognata - 

Furtive Forktail 

Naiaeschna 

pentacantha - Cyrano 

Darner 

Dromogompus 

spoliatus - Flagtailed 

Spinyleg 

Gomphus 

abbreviatus - Spinecrowned 

Clubtail 

Ophiogomphus 

incurvatus 

alleghaniensis - 

Allegheny Snaketail 

Stylurus plagiatus - 

Russet-tipped 

Clubtail 

Stylurus scudderi - 

Zebra Clubtail 

Libellula 

quadrimaculata - 

Four-spotted 

Skimmer 

Sympetrum 

corruptum - 

Varigated 

Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum janeae - 

Jane's Meadowhawk 

1974 2 

1971 1 

ponds, marshes, 

slow streams, stream 

back channels 

small ponds, 

sloughs, oxbows 

- 24 - 

unknown no 

unknown no 

1972 1 pools, marshes unknown no 

1835 1 

1961 1 

1976 21 

1973 3 

1980 1 

seeps, swampy 

edges, boggy ponds 

swampy streams, 

ponds 

rivers with muddy 

bottomed pools 

clean streams, rivers 

with muck deposits 

open streams at low 

elevations with 

sandy/gravel riffles 

unlikely no 

unlikely 

yes - ID 

confirmed 

likely unknown 

likely 

unlikely 

1930 2 large rivers likely 

1990 3 

1930 1 

1975 2 

1982 1 

clear forest streams, 

small rivers with 

riffles and 

sandy/mucky bottom 

boggy lakes and 

ponds 

open ponds and slow 

streams 

ponds, lakes, slow 

streams 

unknown 

yes - ID 

confirmed 

yes - ID 

confirmed 

one ID 

confirmed, 

one unknown 

yes - ID 

confirmed 

for adults, 

but not larva 

unlikely no 

unlikely 

yes - ID not 

confirmed 

unknown unknown 

Comments 

2 adult specimens - historical sites 

vague or no longer exist in Hampshire 

and Ritchie Counties 

1 specimen (unknown age) - vague 

location in Hardy County 

1 reared larval specimen - vague 

location in Tucker County 

habitat at site no longer exists - if ID 

correct was likely a vagrant 

one adult specimen - pond at Mason 

County site filled in 

all records are from larval specimens 

- mostly vague locations in Braxton, 

Cabell, Hampshire, Mineral, Ritchie, 

Wayne, and Wyoming Counties 

5 adult specimens 

19 specimens collected in 3 day 

period - Visits in 2007 and 2008 to 

site produced no sightings - evidence 

of herbicide use around stream - 

hardly any aquatic invertebrates 

present - population likely extirpated 

current records from neighboring 

Maryland (Potomac River) 

2 adult records (Greenbrier, 

Pocahontas counties), 1 larval record 

(Raleigh Co.) with vague location 

1 record from extreme western WV in 

Jackson County - vague location - 

probable vagrant 

3 adult specimens - vague locations in 

Hardy and Grant counties- probable 

vagrant 

1 adult specimen - paratype - 

taxonomic issues - now considered a 

form of Sympetrum internum - 

species lumped

Table 5. Odonate species diversity by Bailey eco-region in West Virginia (1835 – 2010). 

Bailey Eco-region Number of Species 

Allegheny Mountain and Valley 1 

103 

Central Low Plateau 90 

Coalfields 2 

89 

Eastern Hocking Plateau 26 

Great Valley 40 

High Allegheny 3 

96 

Northern Blue Ridge Mountains 53 

Northern Ridge and Valley 107 

Ohio Vally Lowlands 78 

Teays-Elk Plateau 48 

Western Allegheny Mountains 97 

1. Allegheny Mountain and 

Valley includes Eastern 

Allegheny Mountain and Valley 

and Western Allegheny 

Mountain and Valley ecoregions. 

2. Coalfields includes Eastern 

Coalfields and Western 

Coalfields eco-regions. 

3. High Allegheny includes 

Northern High Allegheny and 

Southern High Allegheny ecoregions. 

- 25 -

Odonata References and Sources 

Publications and Reports 

Ahrens, C. 1968. A list of Odonata taken in Cranesville Swamp in 1966. Arboretum Newsletter, 

West Virginia University 17(4):6. 

Ahrens, Carsten, G.H. Beatty, and A.F. Beatty. 1968. A survey of the Odonata of 

western Pennsylvania. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 

42:103-109. 

Carle, Frank L. 1982. Ophiogomphus incurvatus: a new name for O. carolinus Hagen. 

Entomological Society of America 75:335-339. 

Carle, F.L. 1992. Sympertrum janeae Spec. Nov. From Eastern North America. With 

A Key To Neartic Sympetrum (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), Odonatologica 

22:1-16. 

Chordas, Steve. 1999. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Scientific Collecting Permit 

Report. 

Cruden, R.W. 1962. A Preliminary Survey of West Virginia Dragonflies (Odonata). 

Entomological News 73:156-160. 

Donnelly, T.W. 2003. Lestes disjunctus, forcipatus, and australis: a confusing complex of North 

American damselflies. Argia 15(3)10-13. 

Donnelly, T.W. 2004a. Distribution of North American Odonata, Part I: Aeshnidae, Petaluridae, 

Gomphidae, Cordulegastridae. Bull. American Odonatology 7:61-90. 

Donnelly, T.W. 2004b. Distribution of North American Odonata, Part II: Macromiidae, 

Cordulidae, and Libellulidae. Bull. American Odonatolgy 8:1-32. 

Harwood, Paul D. 1971. Synopsis of James G. Needham's (Cornell University) 

unpublished manuscript "The Dragonflies of West Virginia". Proceedings of 

the West Virginia Academy of Sciences 43:72-73. 

Harwood, Paul D. 1973. Notes on Damselflies from West Virginia. Proceedings of the WV 

Academy of Science 45:167-169. 

Harwood, Paul D. 1974. Dragonflies of Pendleton Co. The Redstart 41: 81-84. 

Harwood, Paul D. 1975. Dragonflies of Ritchie County. The Redstart 42:18-21. 

Harwood, Paul D. 1979. The dragonflies of Pocahontas County, WV. The Redstart 46:35-38. 

Kormondy, Edward J. 1960. New North American records of Anisopterous odonata. 

Entomological News 71:121-130. 

- 26 -

Mauffrey, Bill and Steve Roble. 2000. New state records of Odonata for West Virginia in the 

collection of the late Paul D. Harwood. Argia 12(3):29-30. 

Mullins, L.A.; May, 1994. Marshall University, unpub. thesis 

Olson, Carl. 1972. A taxonomic survey of the larval Odonata fauna of Cabell Co. Marshall 

University, Unpublished thesis. 

Orr, Richard. 2005. Dragonflies and damselflies, significant non-target insects likely to be affected 

by West Nile virus management in the National Capitol Parks. Report submitted to the National 

Park Service (PIMIS #76797), 40pg. 

Orr, Richard. 1998. The dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Cranesville Swamp, 

Garrett County, Maryland and Preston County, West Virginia. Maryland Naturalist 42(3-4):52-59. 

Odonata Central. 2011. Distribution maps of North American Odonata. online at: 

www.odonatacentral.org. 

ORSANCO Macroinvertebrate Database. 1991-2000. Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission. 

Online at www.orsanco.org/macroinvetebrate. 

Paulson, Dennis and Sidney Dunkle. 2011. A checklist of North American Odonata: including 

English name, etymology, type locality, and distribution. Originally published as Occasional Paper 

No. 56, Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound, June 1999; completely 

revised March 2009; updated February 2011. Online; available at: 

http://www.odonatacentral.org/docs/NA_Odonata_Checklist_2011.pdf. 

Pilgrim, E. M., S.A. Roush, and D.E. Krane. 2002. Combining DNA sequences and morphology 

in systematics: testing the validity of the dragonfly species Cordulegaster bilineata. Heredity 89: 

184-190. 

Pilgrim, Erik M. and Carol D. VonDohlan. 2007. Molecular and morphological study of specieslevel 

questions within the dragonfly genus Sympetrum (Odonata: Libellulidae). Ann. 

Entomological Society of America100:688-702. 

Rawlins, John E., Chen W. Young, and Robert L. Davidson. 1996. Arthropod survey in Four 

Different Habitat Types in WV, submitted to WVDNR 

Responsive Management. 1998. West Virginia residents’ attitudes toward the land acquisition 

program and fish and wildlife management. Harrisonburg, VA: West Virginia Division of Natural 

Resources. 

Turgeon, Julie, Robby Stoks, Ryan A. Thum, Jonathan M. Brown, and Mark A. McPeek. 2005. 

Simultaneous Quaternary radiations of three damselfly clades in the Holarctic. American Naturalist 

165:78-107. 

- 27 -

Institutional Collections 

Colorado State University C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity – Boris Kondratieff 

Florida State University/ International Odonata Research Institute – Bill Mauffrey 

National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian) – Jerry Louton 

University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (Insect Division) – Mark O’Brien 

University of Texas Insect Collection at Brackenridge Field Laboratory – John C. Abbot 

WV Department of Agriculture Odonata Collection – Laura Miller 

Personal Collections 

John C. Abbot, Allen Barlow, Omar R. Bocanegra, Robert W. Cruden, Duncan Cuyler, Jerrell J. 

Daigle, T. Nick Donnelly, Sid W. Dunkle, John Enz, Oliver Flint, Rosser W. Garrison, Robert 

Glotzhober, George L. Harp, Steve Hummel, James Johnson, M.J. Kotzer, Steve Krotzer, Ellis L. 

Laudermilk, Brian MacDonald, Dennis Paulson, Erik Pilgrim, Andrew Rehn, Steve Roble, Thomas 

Schultz, Kenneth J. Tennessen, Deana L. Terry, Harold B. White 

Identification and Natural History Resources 

Beaton, Giff. 2007. Dragonflies and damselflies of Georgia and the Southeast. University of 

Georgia Press, Athens, GA, 355 pg. 

Carle, Frank L. 1983. A new Zoraena (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) from eastern North America, 

with a key to the adult Cordulegastridae of America. Ann. Entomological Soc. America 76: 61-68. 

Corbett, Philip S., 1999. Dragonflies: behavior and ecology of Odonata. Cornell University Press, 

Ithaca, NY, 829 pg. 

Dunkle, Sidney W. 2000. Dragonflies through binoculars: a field guide to dragonflies on North 

America. Oxford Univ. Press, NY. 266pg. 

Glotzhober, Robert and Dave McShaffrey, eds. 2002. Guide to dragonflies and damselflies of 

Ohio. Bulletin of the Ohio Biological Survey 14(2) 342 pg. 

Lam, Ed. 2006. Damselflies of the northeastern United States. Biodiversity Books, Forest Hills, 

NY, 96 pg. 

Mead, Kurt. 2006. Dragonflies of the north woods. Kollath-Stensaas Publishers, Duluth, MN, 203 

pg. 

Moore, Norman W. 1997. Dragonflies – status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN/SSC 

Odonata Specialist group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, 28 pg. 

- 28 -

Needham, James G., Minter Westfall and Michael May. 2000. Dragonflies of North America. 

Scientific Publishers, Gainesville, FL, 939 pg. 

Nikula, Blair, Jackie Sones, Donald Stokes and Lillian Stokes. 2002. Beginners guide to 

dragonflies. Little, Brown and Co., NY, 159 pg. 

Nikula, Blair, Jennifer L. Ryan, and Matthew R. Burne. 2007. A field guide to dragonflies and 

damselflies of Massachusetts. MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA, 197 pg. 

Rosche, Larry, Judy Semroc and Linda Gilbert. 2008. A guide to the dragonflies and damselflies 

of northeast Ohio, 2 nd edition. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH, 300 pg. 

Westfall, Minter and Michael May. 1996. Damselflies of North America. Scientific Publishers, 

Gainesville, FL, 649 pg. 

- 29 -

Appendix 1. Distribution maps, flight periods, and photographic examples of West Virginia 

Odonata. 

Distribution maps are divided into historical (1994 and earlier = ○) and recent (1995 – 2010 = ●) and 

include all valid known WV records of a species. A shaded county indicates that the species has 

been documented there. See Figure 6 (below) for West Virginia county names. 

Flight period data includes all known adult records of the species from West Virginia with valid dates 

and provide an estimate of a species’ greatest adult activity period during the year. Valid dates are for 

adults with complete dates including month and day. On some of the flight period graphs there may 

be a significant spike in late June. This is due to the collecting from the Dragonfly Society of the 

Americas meeting that took place in West Virginia in June 2002. 

See Appendix 3 for photo credits. 

Species are presented one per page, and listed taxonomically by suborder and family, then 

alphabetically by genus and species within each family. 

Appendix 1 - 1 

Figure 6. West Virginia counties.

Suborder Zygoptera 

Family Calopterygidae 

Calopteryx amata 

Superb Jewelwing 

Calopteryx amata male 

Calopteryx amata female 

Calopteryx amata is a high 

elevation (above 2500 ft) 

species in West Virginia. 

It is found in riffle areas of 

clear, clean, forested 

mountain streams. 

Calopteryx amata distribution based on 74 records. Open dots are 1994 

and earlier records; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Calopteryx amata adults have been documented from 12 May — 

10 August with 72 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 2



Calopteryx angustipennis 

Appalachian Jewelwing 

Calopteryx angustipennis male 

Calopteryx angustipennis female 

Calopteryx angustipennis 

inhabits both high elevation 

streams (above 2500 ft) in 

the mountains, and streams 

in the Eastern Panhandle. 

Sampling earlier in Eastern 

Panhandle counties may 

produce additional sites. 

Calopteryx angustipennis distribution based on 35 records. Open dots 

are 1994 and earlier records; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Calopteryx angustipennis adults have been documented from 16 

May — 22 July with 32 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 3



Calopteryx maculata 

Ebony Jewelwing 

Calopteryx maculata male 

Calopteryx maculata female 

Ubiquitous throughout 

West Virginia, Calopteryx 

maculata is likely found 

in every county. It breeds 

in flowing water with 

overhanging vegetation. 

Calopteryx maculata distribution based on 443 records. Open dots are 

1994 and earlier record; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Calopteryx maculata adults have been documented from 1 May — 

30 September with 387 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 4



Hetaerina americana 

American Rubyspot 

Hetaerina americana male 

Hetaerina americana female 

Absent from high 

elevation rocky mountain 

streams (above 2500 ft), 

Hetaerina americana is 

found throughout the rest 

of West Virginia. It is 

especially common on 

streams with pool and 

riffle areas edged with 

patches of water willow 

(Justicia americana). 

Hetaerina americana distribution based on 209 records. Open dots are 

1994 and earlier records; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Hetaerina americana adults have been documented from 12 June 

— 19 September with 206 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 5



Hetaerina titia 

Smoky Rubyspot 

Hetaerina titia male 

Hetaerina titia female 

Hetaerina titia distribution based on 3 records. Open dots are 1994 and 

earlier records; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Hetaerina titia was 

rediscovered in West 

Virginia on Wheeling 

Island on the Ohio River 

after a 34 year hiatus. It is 

known to have a fairly late 

and short (4 week) flight 

period, and prefers larger 

streams and rivers with 

moderate current and 

overhanging vegetation. It 

likely occurs in other areas 

of West Virginia including 

the Kanawha, Little 

Kanawha, Potomac, and 

Shenandoah rivers, and 

additional sites on the Ohio 

River. 

Hetaerina titia adults have been documented from 3 August — 26 

August with 2 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 6


Family Lestidae 

Archilestes grandis 

Great Spreadwing 

Archiletes grandis male 

Archilestes grandis female 

Archilestes grandis is most 

common in late summer 

along forested and brushy 

edges with small streams. 

They likely have a wider 

distribution in the state than 

records indicate. 

Archilestes grandis distribution based on 29 records. Open dots are 


Archilestes grandis adults have been documented from 21 June — 

20 October with 26 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 7



Lestes australis 

Southern Spreadwing 

Lestes australis male 

Lestes australis female 

Lestes australis was split 

from the Common 

Spreadwing (Lestes 

disjunctus) in 2003. More 

records for it certainly exist 

in West Virginia, but 

specimens with the former 

name were unavailable for 

examination. Like most 

spreadwings, it prefers pond 

and marsh edges with 

abundant vegetation. 

Because of the difficulty in 

separating it from L. 

disjunctus and L. forcipatus, 

historical records of these 

three species may not be 

entirely accurate. 

Lestes australis distribution based on 11 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lestes australis adults have been documented from 25 May — 21 


Appendix 1 - 8



Lestes congener 

Spotted Spreadwing 

Lestes congener male 

Lestes congener female oviposit- 

Lestes congener is mostly a 

species of higher elevation 

ponds and wetlands in West 

Virginia, and is found 

mostly in the mountain 

counties. It is likely more 

widespread than records 

indicate, but its dark 

coloration, thickly vegetated 

habitat, and late flight 

period may have limited its 

detection by collectors. 

Lestes congener distribution based on 31 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lestes congener adults have been documented from 17 June — 4 

October with 27 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 9



Lestes disjunctus 

Northern Spreadwing 

Lestes disjunctus male 

Lestes disjunctus female 

Lestes disjunctus was split 

from the Common 

Spreadwing (Lestes d. 

disjunctus) in 2003. More 

records for it certainly exist 

in West Virginia, but 

specimens with the former 

name were unavailable for 

examination. Like most 

spreadwings this species 

prefers well vegetated pond 

and marsh edges, and is 

found only in the mountain 

counties. Because of the 

difficulty in separating it 

from L. australis and L. 

forcipatus, historical 

records of these three 

species may not be entirely 

accurate. 

Lestes disjunctus distribution based on 44 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lestes disjunctus adults have been documented from 27 April — 


Appendix 1 - 10



Lestes dryas 

Emerald Spreadwing 

Lestes dryas male 

Lestes dryas female 

Lestes dryas was last 

documented in West 

Virginia in 1974. 

Primarily a northern and 

western species, it 

approaches its southern 

limit in the east in West 

Virginia. It is known to 

have a fairly early flight 

period (starting in early 

May), and is found around 

pond and marsh edges, 

including ephemeral 

ponds. 

Lestes dryas distribution based on 2 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


One Lestes dryas adult has been documented from 15 June. 

Appendix 1 - 11



Lestes eurinus 

Amber-winged Spreadwing 

Lestes eurinus male 

Lestes eurinus female 

Recent survey work has 

expanded the West 

Virginia distribution of 

Lestes eurinus 

significantly. Formerly 

documented from only six 

counties, it is now known 

from an additional 

fourteen counties. It is 

most commonly found 

along well vegetated 

edges of ponds, ditches. 

and marshes. 

Lestes eurinus distribution based on 48 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Lestes eurinus adults have been documented from 31 May — 26 


Appendix 1 - 12



Lestes forcipatus 

Sweetflag Spreadwing 

Lestes forcipatus male 

Lestes forcipatus female 

Recent survey work has 

significantly increased the 

West Virginia distribution of 

Lestes forcipatus. 

Historically known from 

only four counties, it has 

been documented from six 

additional counties and is 

likely found in several more. 


separating it from L. 

australis and L. disjunctus, 

historical records of these 

three species may not be 

entirely accurate. 

Lestes forcipatus distribution based on 16 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lestes forcipatus adults have been documented from 25 May — 1 

September with 15 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 13



Lestes inaequalis 

Elegant Spreadwing 

Lestes inaequalis male 

Lestes inaequalis female 

Although a widespread 

eastern species, Lestes 

inaequalis has only 

scattered records in 

primarily higher elevation 

areas of West Virginia. 

Perhaps because it prefers 

forested ponds, forested 

slow streams, and deeper 

marshy areas bordered with 

thick vegetation, collectors 

either haven’t looked for it, 

or have found it difficult to 

physically sample where it 

occurs. 

Lestes inaequalis distribution based on 67 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lestes inaequalis adults have been documented from 1 June — 23 


Appendix 1 - 14



Lestes rectangularis 

Slender Spreadwing 

Lestes rectangularis male 

Lestes rectangularis female 

The most frequently 

encountered spreadwing 

in West Virginia, Lestes 

rectangularis is 

ubiquitous at ponds and 

other well vegetated still 

water, and is likely found 

statewide. Its dark dorsal 

coloration and unobtrusive 

behavior may have 

allowed it to escape the 

notice of collectors in 

areas where it hasn’t been 

documented. 

Lestes rectangularis distribution based on 245 records. Open dots are 


Lestes rectangularis adults have been documented from 31 May 


Appendix 1 - 15



Lestes unguiculatus 

Lyre-tipped Spreadwing 

Lestes unguiculatus male 

Lestes unguiculatus female 

Primarily a northern and 

western species, Lestes 

unguiculatus approaches 

the southern limit of its 

range in West Virginia. It 

is known from one record 

from 1971 that has only a 

vague location. Survey of 

low elevation marshy 

ponds, oxbows, and 

sloughs may produce 

additional records. 

Lestes unguiculatus distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 


One valid adult record for Lestes unguiculatus from 22 July. 

Appendix 1 - 16



Lestes vigilax 

Swamp Spreadwing 

Lestes vigilax male 

Lestes vigilax female 


only one county in West 

Virginia, the distribution 

for Lestes vigilax has 

significantly increased to 

include twenty additional 

counties. It prefers well 

vegetated edges of shaded 

ponds, boggy ditches, and 

swamps. 

Lestes vigilax distribution based on 68 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Lestes vigilax adults have been documented from 5 June — 6 October 

with 63 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 17


Family Coenagrionidae 

Amphiagrion saucium 

Eastern Red Damsel 

Amphiagrion saucium male 

Amphiagrion saucium female 

Recent surveys have 

documented Amphigrion 

saucium from six 

additional counties from its 

previous five, significantly 

expanding its West 

Virginia distribution. This 

little damselfly can be 

found along well vegetated 

edges of ponds, pools, 

marshes, seeps, and 

ditches. Often difficult to 

detect, it may have a more 

extensive distribution than 


Amphiagrion saucium distribution based on 132 records. Open dots are 


Amphiagrion saucium adults have been documented from 12 May 

— 13 August with 130 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 18



Argia apicalis 

Blue-fronted Dancer 

Argia apicalis male 

Argia apicalis female blue 

phase—can also be tan 

Common along most 

streams and rivers in the 

western part of West 

Virginia, Argia apicalis is 

generally absent from high 

elevations and less 

common in the Eastern 

Panhandle. 

Argia apicalis distribution based on 250 records. Open dots are 1994 


Argia apicalis adults have been documented from 24 May — 12 


Appendix 1 - 19



Argia fumipennis violacea 

Variable Dancer 

Argia fumipennis violacea male 


female 

One of the most 

frequently encountered 

odonates in West Virginia, 


can be found over a 

variety of aquatic habitats 

including streams, rivers, 

ponds, ditches, and 

swamps. 

Argia fumipennis violcaea distribution based on 403 records. Open dots 


Argia fumipennis violacea adults have been documented from 11 

May — 3 October with 378 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 20



Argia moesta 

Powdered Dancer 

Argia moesta male 

Argia moesta female tan phase— 

can also be blue 

One of the most common 

odonates on West Virginia 

streams and rivers, Argia 

moesta is commonly 

observed from June into 

September. They are 

known to congregate in 

large numbers on exposed 

twigs or branches 

protruding above the 

surface of the water. 

Argia moesta distribution based on 440 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Argia moesta adults have been documented from 17 May — 19 


Appendix 1 - 21



Argia sedula 

Blue-ringed Dancer 

Argia sedula male 

Argia sedula female 

West Virginia’s least 

common dancer, Argia 

sedula is most frequently 

encountered in the Eastern 

Panhandle along streams 

with riffles and pools. 

Argia sedula distribution based on 94 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Argia sedula adults have been documented from 21 June — 9 September 


Appendix 1 - 22



Argia tibialis 

Blue-tipped Dancer 

Argia tibialis male 

Argia tibialis female 

Argia tibialis is encountered 

most frequently on streams 

in the west central part of 

West Virginia. It may be 

more common, but the dark 

dorsal coloration of the male 

makes it difficult to detect 

against the dark water of 

streams. It may have a 

broader distribution than 


Argia tibialis distribution based on 92 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Argia tibialis adults have been documented from 27 May — 26 


Appendix 1 - 23



Argia translata 

Blue-tipped Dancer 

Argia translata male 

Argia translata female 

Argia translata is a 

ubiquitous resident of West 

Virginia streams and rivers 

in mid to late summer. It 

flies along the banks away 

from vegetation and perches 

on rocks, soil, and flotsam. 

Argia translata distribution based on 241 records. Open dots are 1994 


Argia translata adults have been documented from 11 May — 6 


Appendix 1 - 24



Chromagrion conditum 

Aurora Damsel 

Chromagrion conditum male 

Chromagrion conditum female 

Chromagrion conditum 

primarily inhabits the 

mountains and foothills of 

West Virginia, and is mostly 

absent from the western part 

of the state. It is found most 

commonly at well vegetated 

ponds. 

Chromagrion conditum distribution based on 183 records. Open dots 


Chromagrion conditum adults have been documented from 1 May 


Appendix 1 - 25



Enallagma annexum 

Northern Bluet 

Enallagma annexum male 

Enallagma annexum pair in 

tandem 

As its common name 

implies, Enallagma 

annexum has the bulk of its 

distribution at northern 

latitudes with a southern 

extension down the 

Appalachians. Most of its 

West Virginia range is in 

mountain counties at 

marshy ponds and bogs. It 

was formerly included in a 

circumpolar taxon, but in 

2005 was split from the Old 

World Enallagma 

cyathigerum. 

Enallagma annexum distribution based on 19 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma annexum adults have been documented from 12 May 


Appendix 1 - 26



Enallagma antennatum 

Rainbow Bluet 

Enallagma antennatum male 

Enallagma antennatum female 

One of the most colorful 

damsels in the eastern U.S., 

Enallagma antennatum has 

been documented in recent 

survey work at only one 

historic site. Although its 

habitat (well vegetated 

ponds) has been well 

sampled, no additional sites 

for this species have been 

documented. 

Enallagma antennatum distribution based on 11 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma antennatum adults have been documented from 9 June 

— 30 July with 4 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 27



Enallagma aspersum 

Azure Bluet 

Enallagma aspersum male 

Enallagma aspersum female 

Enallagma aspersum is a 

widely distributed bluet in 

West Virginia, and likely 

occurs in every county. 

Locally common, it is most 

frequently encountered early 

in its flight period. 

Enallagma aspersum distribution based on 123 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma aspersum adults have been documented from 25 May 

— 9 October with 120 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 28



Enallagma basidens 

Double-striped Bluet 

Enallagma basidens male 

Enallagma basidens female 

The diminutive Enallagma 

basidens, with almost hairfine 

stripes on its thorax, is 

a commonly encountered 

bluet in well vegetated 

ponds and ditches. It likely 

occurs in every county. 

Enallagma basidens distribution based on 132 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma basidens adults have been documented from 21 May 


Appendix 1 - 29



Enallagma boreale 

Boreal Bluet 

Enallagma boreale male 

Enallagma boreale female 

In West Virginia, 

Enallagma boreale was 

documented from one 

larval specimen that was 

subsequently raised and 

identified in 1972. It was 

collected along Red Creek 

in the Dolly Sods 

Wilderness Area in Tucker 

County, but has not been 

documented since. 

Although habitat exists for 

this species at high 

elevations (fishless bogs, 

pools, and marshes), it is 

unknown if it still exists in 

West Virginia, or if the 

original determination was 

correct. The West Virginia 

type specimen may no 

longer exist. 

Enallagma boreale distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 


No Enallagma boreale adults have been documented in West 


Appendix 1 - 30



Enallagma civile 

Familiar Bluet 

Enallagma civile male 

Enallagma civile female 

Enallagma civile has the 

longest flight period of any 

West Virginia bluet, and is 

the most frequently 

encountered. It is likely 

distributed statewide at most 

aquatic habitats including 

ponds, ditches, pools, and 

marshes. 

Enallagma civile distribution based on 191 records. Open dots are 1994 

and earlier records solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Enallagma civile adults have been documented from 5 May — 


Appendix 1 - 31



Enallagma divagans 

Turquoise Bluet 

Enallagma divagans male 

Enallagma divagans female 

Historically documented 

from only seven counties, 

Enallagma divagans is now 

known from an additional 

seventeen counties mostly 

in the mountains and 

foothills. This dark bluet 

prefers slow sections of 

streams. 

Enallagma divagans distribution based on 89 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma divagans adults have been documented from 22 May 


Appendix 1 - 32



Enallagma exsulans 

Stream Bluet 

Enallagma exsulans male 

Enallagma exsulans female 

Enallagma exsulans is 

arguably the most 

commonly encountered 

damsel on West Virginia 

streams. It can occur in 

large numbers, especially in 

riffle areas with patches of 

water willow (Justicia 

americana) or overhanging 

vegetation. 

Enallagma exsulans distribution based on 434 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma exsulans adults have been documented from 24 May 


Appendix 1 - 33



Enallagma geminatum 

Skimming Bluet 

Enallagma geminatum male 

Enallagma geminatum female 

Enallagma geminatum, 

although widely distributed 

in West Virginia, likely 

occurs in more counties than 

records indicate. Its habit of 

skimming along the surface 

of ponds well out from the 

bank makes this odonate 

somewhat challenging to 

document. 

Enallagma geminatum distribution based on 82 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma geminatum adults have been documented from 5 

May — 20 September with 77 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 34



Enallagma hageni 

Hagen’s Bluet 

Enallagma hageni male 

Enallagma hageni female 

Although found less 

commonly at lower 

elevations, Enallagma 

hageni’s stronghold is in 

high elevations (above 2500 

ft). It is usually the only 

bluet there and is typically 

present in significant 

numbers and at every pond, 

ditch, and pool. 

Enallagma hageni distribution based on 262 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma hageni adults have been documented from 1 June — 


Appendix 1 - 35



Enallagma signatum 

Orange Bluet 

Enallagma signatum male 

Enallagma signatum female 

Enallagma signatum likely 

occurs statewide at ponds 

and impoundments with 

floating vegetation near the 

shore. The bright orange 

coloration of the males 

make this species easy to 

detect and identify. 

Enallagma signatum distribution based on 121 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma signatum adults have been documented from 24 May 


Appendix 1 - 36



Enallagma traviatum 

Slender Bluet 

Enallagma traviatum male 

Enallagma traviatum female 

Enallagma traviatum is 

represented by two 

subspecies in West 

Virginia. E.t. traviatum 

occurs in the Eastern 

Panhandle, while E.t. 

westfalli occurs from the 

Allegheny Front west. 

Males of the two 

subspecies can be separated 

based on cerci morphology, 

but females can not. This 

species can be found in 

large numbers during June 

at ponds and 

impoundments. 

Enallagma traviatum distribution based on 133 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma traviatum adults have been documented from 1 June 


Appendix 1 - 37



Enallagma vernale 

Vernal Bluet 

Enallagma vernale male 

Enallagma vernale pair in 

tandem 

Formerly a subspecies of 

the circumpolar taxon 

Enallagma cyathigerum, 

Enallagma vernale was 

split out in 2005, although 

some experts question its 

taxonomic validity because 

of morphological overlaps 

with E. annexum. A 

northern bluet, the West 

Virginia population is well 

south of the other records, 

and could possibly be a 

disjunct population. When 

present, it is typically 

found at marshes and 

ponds at high elevations 

(above 2500 ft). 

Enallagma vernale distribution based on 4 records. Open dots are 1994 


Enallagma vernale adults have been documented from 18 June 

Appendix 1 - 38



Enallagma vesperum 

Vesper Bluet 

Enallagma vesperum male 

Enallagma vesperum female 


one site in West Virginia, 

Enallagma vesperum’s 

distribution has been 

increased significantly to 

nine sites in eight 

additional counties. It 

prefers older, well 

established ponds with 

floating vegetation, 

especially lilypads 

(Nymphaea sp.). Because 

it often occurs well away 

from shore on floating 

vegetation, this bluet may 

have gone undetected at 

other sites. 

Enallagma vesperum distribution based on 18 records. Open dots are 


Enallagma vesperum adults have been documented from 20 June 


Appendix 1 - 39



Ischnura hastata 

Citrine Forktail 

Ischnura hastata male 

Ischnura hastata female 

One of West Virginia’s 

smallest and most delicate 

damsels, Ischnura hastata 

is widely distributed. 

Often difficult to detect in 

the thick grassy vegetation 

it prefers, it is likely more 

widely distributed than 


Ischnura hastata distribution based on 69 records. Open dots are 1994 


Ischnura hastata adults have been documented from 27 April — 


Appendix 1 - 40



Ischnura kellicotti 

Lilypad Forktail 

Ischnura kellicotti male 

Ischnura kellicotti female 

First documented in West 

Virginia in 2009, Ischnura 

kellicotti is currently only 

known from Plum Orchard 

Wildlife Management Area 

in Fayette County. Its 

requirement for lilypads 

(Nymphaea sp.) and older, 

well established ponds and 

impoundments makes 

choosing survey sites 

straightforward, although 

actual surveys may require a 

boat or swimming to gain 

access to areas were these 

forktails can be detected. 

Ischnura kellicotti distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 


One Ischnura kellicotti adult has been documented from 5 September. 

Appendix 1 - 41



Ischnura posita 

Fragile Forktail 

Ischnura posita male 

Ischnura posita female 

The most frequently 

encountered, and likely the 

most numerous odonate in 

West Virginia, Ischnura 

posita is found statewide. 

It uses virtually any 

vegetated still water habitat 

including ponds, ditches, 

impoundments, marshes, 

and bogs. 

Ischnura posita distribution based on 489 records. Open dots are 1994 


Ischnura posita adults have been documented from 23 April — 13 


Appendix 1 - 42



Ischnura prognata 

Furtive Forktail 

Ischnura prognata male 

Ischnura prognata female 

Ischnura prognata distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 


The earliest documented 

historical record of an 

odonate in West Virginia is 

Ischnura prognata, known 

from a single record from 

1835. This southern 

forktail was documented 

from a seepy area near the 

historic hotel in Berkeley 

Springs. The seepy habitat 

no longer exists at this site, 

and no other specimens 

have ever been collected in 

the state, so this species 

should be considered an 

accidental occurrence. 

Ischnura prognata adults have no valid records for flight season in 

West Virginia. 

Appendix 1 - 43



Ischnura verticalis 

Eastern Forktail 

Ischnura verticalis male 

Ischnura verticalis female 

Another forktail only 

slightly less frequently 

encountered than the 

ubiquitous Ischnura posita 

is Ischnura verticalis. It is 

also found statewide and 

inhabits a similar broad 

variety of vegetated still 

water habitats. 

Ischnura verticalis distribution based on 576 records. Open dots are 


Ischnura verticalis adults have been documented from 28 April — 


Appendix 1 - 44



Nehalennia gracilis 

Sphagnum Sprite 

Nehalennia gracilis male 

Nehalennia gracilis female 

Known from two sites in 

West Virginia, only one 

recently, Nehalennia 

gracilis approaches its 

southern limit in West 

Virginia. It is restricted to 

high elevation (above 2500 

ft) wetlands including 

marshy ponds and bogs. 

Nehalennia gracilis distribution based on 4 records. Open dots are 1994 


Nehalennia gracilis adults have been documented from 22 June — 

28 June with 4 valid records. 

Appendix 1 - 45



Nehalennia irene 

Sedge Sprite 

Nehalennia irene male 

Nehalennia irene female 

Nehalennia irene is a fairly 

common inhabitant of high 


wetlands, ponds, and 

ditches. Most frequently 

encountered in Canaan 

Valley and Dolly Sods, it is 

somewhat uncommon 

elsewhere. 

Nehalennia irene distribution based on 101 records. Open dots are 1994 


Nehalennia irene adults have been documented from 12 June — 


Appendix 1 - 46



Telebasis byersi 

Duckweed Firetail 

Telebasis byersi male 

Telebasis byersi female 

Telebasis byersi, an 

odonate common south and 

west of West Virginia, is 

found only at Greenbottom 

Wildlife Management Area 

in Cabell County. It 

prefers ponds with 

significant mats of floating 

vegetation, especially 

duckweed (Spirodella and 

Lemna sp.). 

Telebasis byersi distribution based on 7 records. Open dots are 1994 


Telebasis byersi adults have been documented from 26 June — 11 

July with 7 valid records. 

Appendix 1—47

Suborder Anisoptera 

Family Petaluridae 

Tachopteryx thoreyi 

Gray Petaltail 

Tachopteryx thoreyi male 

Tachopteryx thoreyi female 

Along with two species that 

occur in Asia, petaltails are 

among the oldest of the 

odonates. Tachopteryx 

thoreyi may be scattered 

throughout West Virginia, 

but is so well camouflaged 

and difficult to detect when 

not flying that it can easily be 

overlooked. It prefers forest 

edges and openings with 

seeps and springs. 

Tachopteryx thoreyi distribution based on 13 records. Open dots are 


Tachopteryx thoreyi adults have been documented from 6 June — 

11 July with 13 valid records. 

Appendix 1—48


Family Aeshnidae 

Aeshna canadensis 

Canada Darner 

Aeshna canadensis male 

Aeshna canadensis female 

Aeshna canadensis is a 

northern species whose 

southern distribution extends 

down the Appalachians. It is 

typically found at high 

elevations (above 2500 ft) in 

marshes, beaver ponds, and 

bogs in late summer. 

Aeshna canadensis distribution based on 17 records. Open dots are 1994 


Aeshna canadensis adults have been documented from 11 July — 


Appendix 1—49



Aeshna tuberculifera 

Black-tipped Darner 

Aeshna tuberculifera male 

Aeshna tuberculifera female 

ovipositing 

Aeshna tuberculifera occurs 

in scattered locations in the 

mountain counties and foot 

hills in West Virginia. Like 

other mosaic darners, A. 

tuberculifera is active during 

late summer and fall and 

likely has a larger distribution 

than records indicate. The 

low number of documented 

counties is due to the 

difficulty of netting them to 

confirm identification. 

Aeshna tuberculifera distribution based on 24 records. Open dots are 


Aeshna tuberculifera adults have been documented from 6 June — 


Appendix 1—50



Aeshna u. umbrosa 

Shadow Darner 

Aeshna umbrosa male 

Aeshna umbrosa female 

Aeshna u. umbrosa is the 

most frequently encountered 

mosaic darner in West 

Virginia. It may occur 

statewide on slow sections of 

forested streams and shaded 

sides of ponds. 

Aeshna u. umbrosa distribution based on 95 records. Open dots are 


Aeshna u. umbrosa adults have been documented from 9 June — 

22 November with 72 valid records. 

Appendix 1—51



Aeshna verticalis 

Green-striped Darner 

Aeshna verticalis male 

Aeshna verticalis female 

Aeshna verticalis is a 

northern species that 

approaches its southern limit 

of distribution in West 

Virginia. Uncommon across 

its range, it is most likely 

encountered in high elevation 

(above 2500 ft) wetland areas 

such as Canaan Valley in 

Tucker County and 

Cranesville Swamp in 

Preston County that have 

abundant marshy meadows 

and ponds. 

Aeshna verticalis distribution based on 19 records. Open dots are 1994 


Aeshna verticalis adults have been documented from 26 June — 


Appendix 1—52



Anax junius 

Common Green Darner 

Anax junius pair ovipositing 

Anax junius female 

Likely occurring statewide at 

ponds and impoundments 

with emergent vegetation and 

in marshes, Anax junius is 

the most common darner in 

West Virginia. The bimodal 

pattern of the flight period 

reflects the movement of 

migrants heading north in the 

spring, followed by the 

emergence of their progeny 

during the summer and fall. 

Anax junius distribution based on 127 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Anax junius adults have been documented from 5 April — 11 

November with 99 valid records. 

Appendix 1—53



Anax longipes 

Comet Darner 

Anax longipes male 

Anax longipes female 

Anax longipes is 

infrequently encountered in 

West Virginia, possibly 

reflecting their preference 

for ponds and marshes 

without fish inhabiting 

them, a rare condition in the 

state. Their bright green 

and red coloration make 

them easy to identify in 

flight, supporting the 

conclusion that they are 

indeed rare, not simply 

overlooked. 

Anax longipes distribution based on 12 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Anax longipes adults have been documented from 10 June — 9 


Appendix 1—54



Basiaeschna janata 

Springtime Darner 

Basiaeschna janata male 

Basiaeschna janata female 

One of West Virginia’s 

earliest emerging odonates, 

Basiaeschna janata is found 

in flight over slow streams 

and ponds with bare banks by 

early May. Its early flight 

habits may have caused 

collectors to miss it in many 

areas. 

Basiaeschna janata distribution based on 74 records. Open dots are 


Basiaeschna janata adults have been documented from 5 May 

— 29 June with 42 valid records. 

Appendix 1—55



Boyeria grafiana 

Ocellated Darner 

Boyeria grafiana male 

Boyeria grafiana female 

Boyeria grafiana is a 

northern species that is 

encountered fairly 

frequently down the 

Appalachians to GA, and 

likely occurs statewide in 

West Virginia. It prefers 

shaded rocky streams in late 

summer and frequently is 

active until dark. 

Boyeria grafiana distribution based on 63 records. Open dots are 1994 


Boyeria grafiana adults have been documented from 3 May — 8 


Appendix 1—56



Boyeria vinosa 

Fawn Darner 

Boyeria vinosa male 

Boyeria vinosa female 

Boyeria vinosa is a common 

late summer darner on 

forested streams and rivers 

throughout West Virginia. 

It is inactive most of the 

day, but frequently flies 

until dark after becoming 

active in the afternoon, and 

may be attracted by porch 

lights. 

Boyeria vinosa distribution based on 147 records. Open dots are 1994 


Boyeria vinosa adults have been documented from 22 June — 7 


Appendix 1—57



Epiaeschna heros 

SwampDarner 

Epiaeschna heros male 

Epiaeschna heros female 

ovipositing 

Primarily a resident of 

southern swamps and 

coastal plain streams, 

Epiaeschna heros in West 

Virginia is found at forest 

pools, shaded oxbow 

ponds, flooded 

woodlands , and swamps. 

It is likely more common 

than records indicate. 

Epiaeschna heros distribution based on 10 records. Open dots are 1994 


Epiaeschna heros adults have been documented from 20 May — 


Appendix 1—58



Nasiaeschna pentacantha 

CyranoDarner 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha male 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha female 

ovipositing 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha is 

a southern species primarily 

found at low elevations along 

the coastal plain and 

Missisissippi River drainage. 

The single West Virginia 

record is from 1962 at a pond 

next to the Ohio River in 

Mason County. The pond, 

now in a cow pasture, has 

since filled in from 

sedimentation and no other 

records are known. This 

individual may have been a 

vagrant from Ohio 

populations. 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 


One Nasiaeschna pentacantha adult has been documented on 7 

July. 

Appendix 1—59



Rhionaeschna mutata 

SpatterdockDarner 

Rhionaeschna mutata male— 

sexes similar 

Rhionaeschna mutata head detail 

Rhionaeschna mutata 

occurs at fishless ponds 

supporting spatterdock 

(Nuphar sp.) at two sites in 

West Virginia. Rare or 

uncommon range wide, it is 

categorized as threatened, 

endangered, or a species of 

conservation concern in 

most states or provinces 

where it occurs. Formerly 

in the genus Aeshna, it is 

now considered more 

closely related to some 

neotropical darners and 

was reclassified to 

Rhionaeschna in 2003. 

Rhionaeschna mutata distribution based on 31 records. Open dots are 


Rhionaeschna mutata adults have been documented from 18 

June—28 June with 31 valid records. 

Appendix 1—60


Family Gomphidae 

Arigomphus villosipes 

Unicorn Clubtail 

Arigomphus villosipes male 

Arigomphus villosipes female 

One of WestVirginia’s two 

pond clubtails, Arigomphus 

villosipes is fairly common 

in the northern part of the 

state. The lack of records in 

the south may reflect 

collectors lack of access to 

ponds in this area, although 

this species will also use 

slow stream pools. 

Arigomphus villosipes distribution based on 124 records. Open dots are 

1994 and earlier records;, solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Arigomphus villosipes adults have been documented from 28 

May —1 August with 113 valid records. 

Appendix 1—61



Dromogomphus spinosus 

Black-shouldered Spinyleg 

Dromogomphus spinosus male 

Dromogomphus spinosus female 

Dromogomphus spinosus 

is one of West Virginia 

most common clubtails 

and is frequently 

encountered in the 

summer on streams and 

rivers throughout the state. 

It is especially easy to see 

perched on gravel roads 

and trails that parallel 

rivers such as the 

Monongahela and 

Greenbrier. 

Dromogomphus spinosus distribution based on 118 records. Open dots 


Dromogomphus spinosus adults have been documented from 1 

June —21 September with 102 valid records. 

Appendix 1—62



Dromogomphus spoliatus 

Flag-tailed Spinyleg 

Dromogomphus spoliatus male 

Dromogomphus spoliatus female 

Dromogomphus spoliatus 

is known only from larval 

records mostly from the 

1970s and has not been 


Virginia since then. A 

species primarily of the 

central plains, it reaches the 

eastern limit of its 

distribution in West 

Virginia. A focused effort 

at historical sites may be 

able to determine if this 

species still inhabits the 

state. It is mostly found on 

rivers with mud bottomed 

pools. 

Dromogomphus spoliatus distribution based on 26 records. Open dots 


No Dromogomphus spoliatus adults have been documented in 


Appendix 1—63



Gomphus abbreviatus 

Spine-crowned Clubtail 

Gomphus abbreviatus male 

Gomphus abbreviatus female 

Gomphus abbreviatus is an 

increasingly rare northern 

species, which is considered 

threatened, endangered, or a 

species of conservation 

concern by most states and 

provinces. It has been 

found in Hampshire and 

Randolph counties, but has 

not been documented in the 

state since 1973. It prefers 

clean streams or rivers with 

muck bottomed pools. 

Gomphus abbreviatus distribution based on 5 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus abbreviatus adults have been documented from 10 

May —10 June with 5 valid records. 

Appendix 1—64



Gomphus adelphus 

Moustached Clubtail 

Gomphus adelphus male 

Gomphus adelphus female 

Gomphus adelphus is 

regularly encountered in 

clear, clean mountain 

streams in Randolph, 

Pendleton, and Pocahontas 

counties. It is a northern 

species whose southern 

distribution stretches down 

the Appalachians. 

Gomphus adelphus distribution based on 36 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus adelphus adults have been documented from 14 May 

—25 June with 35 valid records. 

Appendix 1—65



Gomphus descriptus 

Harpoon Clubtail 

Gomphus descriptus male 

Gomphus descriptus female 

Although historically 

documented from several 

counties west of the 

mountains, all recent 

records of Gomphus 

descriptus in West Virginia 

come from clean, clear 

streams in Randolph and 

Pocahontas counties. This 

apparent range contraction 

may reflect degraded habitat 

in western counties. 

Gomphus descriptus distribution based on 58 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus descriptus adults have been documented from 12 May 

—24 June with 37 valid records. 

Appendix 1—66



Gomphus exilis 

Lancet Clubtail 

Gomphus exilis male 

Gomphus exilis female 

Gompus exilis, a pond 

breeding clubtail, is likely 

the most abundant clubtail 

in West Virginia. It 

probably occurs in every 

county, and can be quite 

numerous at some sites. 

Gomphus exilis distribution based on 166 records. Open dots are 1994 


Gomphus exilis adults have been documented from 10 May —22 

July with 139 valid records. 

Appendix 1—67



Gomphus fraternus 

Midland Clubtail 

Gomphus fraternus male 

Gomphus fraternus female 

Not documented in West 

Virginia since 1974, 

Gomphus fraternus was 

rediscovered in 2007 at 

Cheat River in Monongalia 

County and later at Middle 

Island Creek in Tyler 

County. Primarily a 

Midwestern species, it 

prefers riffles and small 

rapid areas of larger streams 

and rivers. 

Gomphus fraternus distribution based on 9 records. Open dots are 1994 


Gomphus fraternus adults have been documented from 24 June 


Appendix 1—68



Gomphus lineatifrons 

Splendid Clubtail 

Gomphus lineatifrons male 

Gomphus lineatifrons female 

Although known historically 

from several counties, 

Gomphus lineatifrons has 

recently only been 

documented in Pocahontas 

and Greenbrier counties on 

the Greenbrier River. A 

clubtail of the southern 

Appalachians, this species 

prefers riffle areas of larger 

streams and rivers that are 

clean and clear. 

Gomphus lineatifrons distribution based on 18 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus lineatifrons adults have been documented from 10 

June — 22 June with 17 valid records. 

Appendix 1—69



Gomphus lividus 

Ashy Clubtail 

Gomphus lividus male 

Gomphus lividus female 

Gomphus lividus is fairly 


throughout West Virginia at 

slow streams and rivers and 

in open areas nearby. The 

deeply undulating courtship 

flights of the male is easily 

seen in open areas. 

Gomphus lividus distribution based on 144 records. Open dots are 1994 


Gomphus lividus adults have been documented from 3 May — 


Appendix 1—70



Gomphus quadricolor 

Rapids Clubtail 

Gomphus quadricolor male 

Gomphus quadricolor female 

All recent records of 

Gomphus quadricolor in 

West Virginia have been 

from the mountains or 

foothills in Barbour, 

Pocahontas, and Greenbrier 

counties, suggesting a 

distributional withdrawal 

from lower elevations. 

Lower elevation watersheds 

may have experienced 

degraded water quality that 

is detrimental to this 

species. It is considered to 

be threatened, endangered, 

or a species of conservation 

concern in most states and 

provinces where it occurs. 

Gomphus quadricolor distribution based on 25 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus quadricolor adults have been documented from 6 May 


Appendix 1—71



Gomphus rogersi 

Sable Clubtail 

Gomphus rogersi male 

Gomphus rogersi female 

Gomphus rogersi is a 

secretive, dark, small 

clubtail that inhabits small, 

shaded mountain streams. 

Its distribution is limited 

almost entirely to the 

Appalachians. Because of 

the difficulty in detecting it, 

this species likely has a 

broader distribution in West 

Virginia than records 

indicate. 

Gomphus rogersi distribution based on 6 records. Open dots are 1994 


Gomphus rogersi adults have been documented from 22 June — 


Appendix 1—72



Gomphus vastus 

Cobra Clubtail 

Gomphus vastus male 

Gomphus vastus female 

A clubtail of large rivers, 

Gomphus vastus has been 

documented from several of 

West Virginia’s rivers, 

including the Potomac, 

Shenandoah, Greenbrier, and 

Ohio. It likely occurs on 

others, but challenges 

inherent to sampling on large 

rivers have limited its 

discovery. 

Gomphus vastus distribution based on 26 records. Open dots are 1994 


Gomphus vastus adults have been documented from 6 May — 9 


Appendix 1—73



Gomphus viridifrons 

Green-faced Clubtail 

Gomphus viridifrons male 

Gomphus viridifrons female 

Unlike other riverine 

clubtails, recent records for 

Gomphus viridifrons 

documented an increase in 

distribution from five 

counties to fourteen in West 

Virginia. Although typically 

found at clear rocky rivers 

and streams, several records 

have come from reservoirs or 

other impoundments. 

Gomphus viridifrons distribution based on 38 records. Open dots are 


Gomphus viridifrons adults have been documented from 30 

April — 30 June with 35 valid records. 

Appendix 1—74



Hagenius brevistylus 

Dragonhunter 

Hagenius brevistylus male 

Hagenius brevistylus female 

Arguably one of the most 

dramatic of North American 

odonates, and the largest 

clubtail, Hagenius 

brevistylus has been 

documented from much of 

the eastern portion of West 

Virginia. It prefers clean, 

clear, moderately flowing 

forested streams and small 

rivers. 

Hagenius brevistylus distribution based on 47 records. Open dots are 


Hagenius brevistylus adults have been documented from 21 June 


Appendix 1—75



Lanthus parvulus 

Northern Pygmy Clubtail 

Lanthus parvulus male 

Lanthus parvulus female 

Preferring small, shady 

mountain streams and rarely 

flying for long periods, 

Lanthus parvulus is known 

from seven counties in West 

Virginia. It likely occurs in 

others with similar habitat, 

including Greenbrier and 

Preston. It reaches the 

southern limit of its range in 


Lanthus parvulus distribution based on 29 records. Open dots are 1994 


Lanthus parvulus adults have been documented from 10 April — 


Appendix 1—76



Lanthus vernalis 

Southern Pygmy Clubtail 

Lanthus vernalis male 

Lanthus vernalis female 

The single record of Lanthus 

vernalis at Cranesville 

Swamp in Preston County 

remains puzzling as this 

small secretive clubtail 

should have been 

documented at other sites in 

the mountain counties over 

the years—especially areas 

like Cranberry Glades 

Botanical Area in Pocahontas 

County. Its habitat of very 

small shady streams may 

have been of little interest to 

collectors. 

Lanthus vernalis distribution based on 29 records. Open dots are 1994 


One Lanthus vernalis adult has been documented on 14 June. 

Appendix 1—77



Ophiogomphus carolus 

Riffle Snaketail 

Ophiogomphus carolus male 

Ophiogomphus carolus female 

Ophiogomphus carolus is a 

northern species that reaches 

the southern limit of its range 

in West Virginia and 

neighboring VA. The recent 

record is from the speciesrich 

Greenbrier River area in 

Pocahontas County. It 

prefers clear, clean, rocky 

streams. 

Ophiogomphus carolus distribution based on 2 records. Open dots are 


Ophiogomphus carolus adults have been documented from 31 

May—21 June with 2 valid records. 

Appendix 1—78



Ophiogomphus incurvatus 

alleghaniensis 

Appalachian Snaketail 

Ophiogomphus i. alleghaniensis 

male 

Ophiogomphus i. alleghaniensis 

female 

Ophiogomphus incurvatus 

alleghaniensis was 

documented from a single 

site on Rich Creek in 

Monroe County in 1980. 

Recent repeated visits to this 

site produced no larva or 

adults, but evidence of 

herbicide use in the pasture 

the creek runs through was 

observed. This evidence, 

and the lack of virtually any 

other stream invertebrates, 

indicate that this population 

is likely extirpated. There 

are no other sites known for 

it in West Virginia. 

Ophiogomphus i. alleghaniensis distribution based on 19 records. Open 

dots are 1994 and earlier records; solid dots are 1995-2010 records. 

Ophiogomphus i. alleghaniensis adults have been documented 

from 12 June —14 June with 9 valid records. 

Appendix 1—79



Ophiogomphus mainensis 

fastigiatus 

Maine Snaketail 

Ophiogomphus m. fastigiatus 

male 

Ophiogomphus m. fastigiatus 

female 

Ophiogomphus mainensis 

fastigiatus is a northern 

clubtail whose southern 

distribution extends down 

the Appalachians to GA. It 

can be found in clear, cold, 

gravelly mountain streams 

in Randolph and Pocahontas 

counties. 

Ophiogomphus m. fastigiatus distribution based on 21 records. Open 


Ophiogomphus m. fastigiatus adults have been documented from 

21 June —10 August with 20 valid records. 

Appendix 1—80



Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis 

Rusty Snaketail 


male 


female 

Ophiogomphus 

rupinsulensis has the largest 

distribution of the snaketails 

in West Virginia. It inhabits 

several rivers including the 

Tygart, Potomac, Lost, and 

Greenbrier with fifteen 

recent records. 

Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis distribution based on 19 records. Open 


Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis adults have been documented from 

5 May —5 August with 19 valid records. 

Appendix 1—81



Progomphus obscurus 

Common Sanddragon 

Progomphus obscurus male— 

sexes similar 

Progomphus obscurus males 

The distribution of 

Progomphus obscurus in 

West Virginia is mostly west 

of the mountains. This 

distribution may reflect this 

species’ habitat preference 

for slower flows and less 

rocky substrate in streams 

and rivers. 

Progomphus obscurus distribution based on 23 records. Open dots are 


Progomphus obscurus adults have been documented from 1 May 

—11 September with 9 valid records. 

Appendix 1—82



Stylogomphus albistylus 

Eastern Least Clubtail 

Stylogomphus albistylus male 

Stylogomphus albistylus female 

This small dark clubtail of 

riffley streams and rivers 

has a wide distribution in 

West Virginia. The dark 

body and darting flight of 

Stylogomphus albistylus 

make it difficult to detect 

and capture. It likely has a 

wider distribution in the 

state than records indicate. 

Stylogomphus albistylus distribution based on 111 records. Open dots 


Stylogmphus albistylus adults have been documented from 26 

May —8 August with 105 valid records. 

Appendix 1—83



Stylurus notatus 

Elusive Clubtail 

Stylurus notatus male 

Stylurus notatus female 

A single specimen of 

Stylurus notatus was 

documented in 2009 from 

Ohio River Islands NWR 

in Marshall County. This 

difficult to document 

species likely occurs 

elsewhere on the Ohio and 

on other West Virginia 

rivers including the 

Potomac, Greenbrier, 

Shenandoah, and Kanawha. 

Stylurus notatus distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 and 


One Stylurus notatus adult has been documented on 4 September. 

Appendix 1—84



Stylurus plagiatus 

Russet-tipped Clubtail 

Stylurus plagiatus male 

Stylurus plagiatus female 

Stylurus plagiatus is a 

species of large, slow rivers 

at low elevations. Recent 

records from the Potomac 

River in MD document its 

continued occurrence in 

that watershed, although it 

has not been recently found 

in West Virginia. 

Stylurus plagiatus distribution based on 2 records. Open dots are 1994 


One Stylurus plagiatus adult has been documented on 9 September. 

Appendix 1—85



Stylurus scudderi 

Zebra Clubtail 

Stylurus scudderi male 

Stylurus scudderi female 

Stylurus scudderi is a 

northern clubtail whose 

southern distribution 

extends south down the 

Appalachians to GA. It is 

infrequently encountered 

throughout its range, and 

West Virginia has one 

larval and two adult 

records from the 

southeastern part of the 

state It prefers streams and 

rivers with low to moderate 

flow and sandy to muddy 

substrate. 

Stylurus scudderi distribution based on 3 records. Open dots are 1994 


Stylurus scudderi adults have been documented from 26 September - 


Appendix 1—86



Stylurus spiniceps 

Arrow Clubtail 

Stylurus spiniceps male 

Stylurus spiniceps female 

Stylurus spiniceps occurs in 

a large range across much 

of the eastern U.S. As 

such, it likely occurs in a 

broader distribution in 

West Virginia than records 

indicate. Its preference for 

larger streams may have 

deterred collectors. 

Stylurus spiniceps distribution based on 7 records. Open dots are 1994 


Stylurus spiniceps adults have been documented from 2 July— 10 


Appendix 1—87


Family Cordulegastridae 

Cordulegaster bilineata 

Brown Spiketail 

Cordulegaster bilineata male 

Cordulegaster bilineata female 

Cordulegaster bilineata is 

primarily a southern species 

that reaches its northern 

limit in the Appalachians in 

West Virginia. It also 

occurs in the Midwest. In 

West Virginia, it is found at 




Cordulegaster bilineata distribution based on 57 records. Open dots are 


Cordulegaster bilineata adults have been documented from 27 

May— 7 August with 57 valid records. 

Appendix 1—88



Cordulegaster diastatops 

Delta-spotted Spiketail 

Cordulegaster diastatops male 

Cordulegaster diastatops female 

Cordulegaster diastops is a 

northern species that 

reaches its southern limit in 

West Virginia. It inhabits 




Recent records have come 

from Preston, Tucker, 

Randolph and Pocahontas 

counties. 

Cordulegaster diastatops distribution based on 54 records. Open dots 


Cordulegaster diastatops adults have been documented from 9 

June— 11 July with 44 valid records. 

Appendix 1—89



Cordulegaster erronea 

Tiger Spiketail 

Cordulegaster erronea male 

Cordulegaster erronea female 

Cordulegaster erronea is likely 

more common in West Virginia 

than records indicate, but its 

habitat is often not surveyed. It 

inhabits very small spring fed 

streamlets in forests, often near 

openings, frequently near 

ridgetops. Seven recent records 

have expanded its known West 

Virginia distribution 

considerably. 

Cordulegaster erronea distribution based on 9 records. Open dots are 

Cordulegaster erronea adults have been documented from 2 

June— 23 August with 7 valid records. 

Appendix 1—90



Cordulegaster maculata 

Twin-spotted Spiketail 

Cordulegaster maculata male 

Cordulegaster maculata female 

Cordulegaster maculata is the 

most frequently encountered 

spiketail in West Virginia, and 

has the broadest distribution. 

It inhabits small to medium 

shallow streams in forested 

habitat. 

Cordulegaster maculata distribution based on 79 records. Open dots are 


Cordulegaster maculata adults have been documented from 11 

May— 17 August with 46 valid records. 

Appendix 1—91



Cordulegaster obliqua 

Arrowhead Spiketail 

Cordulegaster obliqua male 

Cordulegaster obliqua female 

Records for Cordulegaster 

obliqua are scattered through 

West Virginia. It inhabits 

spring fed mucky woodland 

streamlets, and likely occurs 

statewide. Because collectors 

may be unaware of these small 

streamlets, these areas are often 

not surveyed, resulting in the 

low number of records. 

Cordulegaster obliqua distribution based on 19 records. Open dots are 


Cordulegaster obliqua adults have been documented from 7 

June—18 July with 5valid records. 

Appendix 1—92


Family Macromiidae 

Didymops transversa 

Stream Cruiser 

Didympos transversa male 

Didymops transversa female 

Didymops transversa is one of 

West Virginia’s earliest flying 

odonates, with adult records 

from early May. It is widely 

distributed in the state, and 

likely occurs statewide. 

Males patrol long stretches of 

slow forested streams and 

lakes in search of females. 

Didymops transversa distribution based on 21 records. Open dots are 


Didymops transversa adults have been documented from 10 

May—8 July with 19 valid records. 

Appendix 1—93



Macromia alleghaniensis 

Allegheny River Cruiser 

Macromia alleghaniensis male 

Macromia alleghaniensis female 

Macromia alleghaniensis is a 

large strikingly patterned 

odonate of streams that 

approaches its northern range 

limit in West Virginia. This 

species must be in hand for 

positive identification and is 

challenging to net. Because 

of this limitation, it may have 

a wider distribution in the 


Macromia alleghaniensis distribution based on 16 records. Open dots 


Macromia alleghaniensis adults have been documented from 3 

May—3 September with 9 valid records. 

Appendix 1—94



Macromia illinoiensis 

illinoiensis 

Macromia i. illinoiensis male 

Macromia i. illinoiensis female 

Macromia i. illinoiensis is 

West Virginia’s most 


cruiser on streams. It flies 

long patrols over pool and 

riffle areas. This species must 

be in hand for positive 

identification and is 

challenging to net. Because 

of this limitation, it may have 

a wider distribution in the 


Macromia i. illinoiensis distribution based on 56 records. Open dots are 


Macromia i. illinoiensis adults have been documented from 3 

May—20 August with 45 valid records. 

Appendix 1—95



Macromia taeniolata 

Royal River Cruiser 

Macromia taeniolata male 

Macromia taeniolata female 

Macromia taeniolata is found 

on West Virginia’s rivers and 

rarely on streams. It has been 

documented from the Ohio, 

Potomac, Monongahela, 

North, and Cacapon rivers. 


surveying for this species and 

the requirement for in hand 

identification, it likely has a 

broader distribution in West 

Virginia than records indicate. 

Macromia taeniolata distribution based on 21 records. Open dots are 


Macromia taeniolata adults have been documented from 11 

May—24 August with 10 valid records. 

Appendix 1—96


Family Corduliidae 

Cordulia shurtleffi 

American Emerald 

Cordulia shurtleffi male 

Cordulia shurtleffi female 

A northern species, 

Cordulia shurtleffi 

approaches its southern 

limit in West Virginia. It is 

common at high elevation 

(above 2500 ft) ponds, 

marshy pools, bogs, and 

marshes in the mountain 

counties. 

Cordulia shurtleffi distribution based on 73 records. Open dots are 1994 


Cordulia shurtleffi adults have been documented from 5 May—25 


Appendix 1—97



Epitheca canis 

Beaverpond Baskettail 

Epitheca canis male 

Epitheca canis male 

Epitheca canis is found 

infrequently at high 


ponds and wetlands in West 

Virginia. When present, 

however, it may be locally 

abundant. It is a northern 

species that reaches its 

southern range limit in the 

state. 

Epitheca canis distribution based on 19 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Epitheca canis adults have been documented from 23 May—24 

June with 18 valid records. 

Appendix 1—98



Epitheca costalis 

Slender Baskettail 

Epitheca costalis male 

Epitheca costalis female 

Epitheca costalis is a pond 

species of the coastal plain 

and Mississippi River 

drainage. It tends to avoid 

mountainous areas and is 

lacking from the 

Appalachian region except 

for this one record from 

Greenbrier County. It is 

likely a vagrant into the state. 

Epitheca costalis distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 


One Epitheca costalis adult has been documented on 21 June. 

Appendix 1—99



Epitheca cynosura 

Common Baskettail 

Epitheca cynosura male 

Epitheca cynosura female 

Epitheca cynosura is a 

ubiquitous species on 

ponds and slow streams 

throughout West Virginia 

in the spring. Like most 

emeralds, males stay on the 

wing for extended periods 

patrolling breeding habitat 

in search of females and 

defending territory. 

Epitheca cynosura distribution based on 249 records. Open dots are 


Epitheca cynosura adults have been documented from 24 April— 


Appendix 1—100



Epitheca princeps 

Prince Baskettail 

Epitheca princeps male 

Epitheca princeps female 

Epitheca princeps probably 

occurs statewide. Flying 

tirelessly over ponds and 

slow streams and rivers, its 

large size, patterned wings, 

and typically green eyes 

make for an easy 

identification without 

capturing it. 

Epitheca princeps distribution based on 108 records. Open dots are 


Epitheca princeps adults have been documented from 20 May —2 


Appendix 1—101



Helocordulia uhleri 

Uhler’s Sundragon 

Helocordulia uhleri male 

Helocordulia uhleri female 

A little emerald of early 

spring, Helocordulia uhleri is 

found flying patrols in sunny 

patches of fast flowing clear 

streams. Because collectors 

may miss its early flight 

period, this species likely has 

a more extensive distribution 

in West Virginia than records 

indicate. 

Helocordulia uhleri distribution based on 21 records. Open dots are 


Helocordulia uhleri adults have been documented from 24 April 

— 24 June with 19 valid records. 

Appendix 1—102



Neurocordulia molesta 

Smoky Shadowdragon 

Neurocordulia molesta male 

Neurocordulia molesta female 

Neurocordulia molesta is 

documented from larval 

specimens from the Ohio River. 

Because it is a night flying 

species, and inactive during the 

day, the collection of adults is 

extremely challenging or a matter 

of luck. It is unknown if this 

species could be found on other 

rivers such as the Kanawha or 

New, although the Ohio currently 

appears to be the eastern edge of 

its range. 

Neurocordulia molesta distribution based on 29 records. Open dots are 


No Neurocordulia molesta adults have been documented in West 


Appendix 1—103



Neurocordulia obsoleta 

Umber Shadowdragon 

Neurocordulia obsoleta male 

Neurocordulia obsoleta male 

Neurocordulia obsoleta is 

documented in West Virginia 

from only two Ohio River larval 

specimens. A night flying 

species, adults are very 

challenging to collect. Records 

in adjacent states (OH, KY, VA, 

PA) indicate that this species 

may occur more widely in West 

Virginia than our data indicate, 

although it appears to be 

primarily a coastal plain species. 

Neurocordulia obsoleta distribution based on 21 records. Open dots are 


No Neurocordulia obsoleta adults have been documented in West 


Appendix 1—104



Neurocordulia yamaskanensis 

Stygian Shadowdragon 


male 


female 

Neurocordulia 

yamaskanensis is likely the 

most common shadowdragon 

in West Virginia. It occurs 

on both rivers and slow 

flowing streams. Like other 

shadowdragons, however, it 

flies only at night and 

remains a challenge to collect 

as an adult. 

Neurocordulia yamaskanensis distribution based on 10 records. Open 


Neurocordulia yamaskanensis adults have been documented from 

29 May — 4 September with 4 valid records. 

Appendix 1—105



Somatochlora elongata 

Ski-tipped Emerald 

Somatochlora elongata male 

Somatochlora elongata female 

terminal appendages 

Somatochlora elongata is a 


range extends south in the 

Appalachians to SC. In 

West Virginia it is 

restricted to high elevation 

(above 2500 ft) ponds, 

marshes, and bogs. 

Somatochlora elongata distribution based on 21 records. Open dots are 


Somatochlora elongata adults have been documented from 6 May 


Appendix 1—106



Somatochlora forcipata 

Forcipate Emerald 

Somatochlora forcipata male 

Somatochlora forcipata female 

Somatochlora forcipata is a 


southern limit occurs in 

West Virginia. The 

southern-most population of 

this species apparently 

occurs at bogs on Dolly 

Sods in Tucker County. 

Somatochlora forcipata distribution based on 7 records. Open dots are 


Somatochlora forcipata adults have been documented from 6 May 

— 14 September with 10 (7) valid records. REDO 

Appendix 1—107



Somatochlora linearis 

Mocha Emerald 

Somatochlora linearis male 

Somatochlora linearis female 

A widespread eastern 

species, Somatochlora 

linearis likely has a wider 

distribution in West Virginia 

than records indicate. It 

prefers wooded or brushy 

hollows and valleys with 

small, often almost dried up 

streams. Recent surveys 

increased the number of 

counties it has been 

documented in from three to 

eight. 

Somatochlora linearis distribution based on 15 records. Open dots are 


Somatochlora linearis adults have been documented from 18 July 


Appendix 1—108



Somatochlora tenebrosa 

Clamp-tipped Emerald 

Somatochlora tenebrosa male 

Somatochlora tenebrosa female 

terminal appendages 

Somatochlora tenebrosa is a 

widespread eastern species. 

In West Virginia, it is found 

patrolling small forest 

streams, and foraging along 

roads, trails, and in sunny 

clearings. It likely has a 

more extensive distribution 

in the state than records 

indicate. 

Somatochlora tenebrosa distribution based on 44 records. Open dots are 


Somatochlora tenebrosa adults have been documented from 22 

May—10 September with 36 valid records. 

Appendix 1—109


Family Libellulidae 

Celithemis elisa 

Calico Pennant 

Celithemis elisa male 

Cleithemis elisa female 

Celithemis elisa is a 

widespread species that is 

likely found throughout 

West Virginia at ponds and 

other still water. It prefers 

perching at the tip of grass 

stems and other vegetation 

at pond edges. 

Celithemis elisa distribution based on 185 records. Open dots are 1994 


Celithemis elisa adults have been documented from 2 May—1 


Appendix 1—110



Celithemis eponina 

Halloween Pennant 

Celithemis eponina male 

Cleithemis eponina female 

Celithemis eponina is 

widespread in West Virginia, 

and is found at ponds and 

marshes around the state. It 

appears to prefer well 

established ponds with some 

emergent vegetation. 

Celithemis eponina distribution based on 56 records. Open dots are 


Celithemis eponina adults have been documented from 17 June — 


Appendix 1—111



Celithemis fasciata 

Banded Pennant 

Celithemis fasciata male 

Cleithemis fasciata female 


Virginia in 2002 in Summers 

County, Celithemis fasciata 

has been found in ten 

additional counties. It 

prefers older ponds with well 

developed edge vegetation. 

Celithemis fasciata distribution based on 24 records. Open dots are 


Celithemis fasciata adults have been documented from 9 June —5 


Appendix 1—112



Celithemis verna 

Double-ringed Pennant 

Celithemis verna male 

Cleithemis verna female 

Celithemis verna is a coastal 

plain and southern species 

that approaches its northern 

limit in West Virginia. 

Found at a single pond in 

Jefferson County in 2005, it 

hasn’t been documented 

since in the state. It is likely 

a vagrant from MD 

populations. 

Celithemis verna distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 1994 and 


One Celithemis verna adult has been documented on 18 June. 

Appendix 1—113



Erythemis simplicicollis 

Eastern Pondhawk 

Erythemis simplicicollis male 

Erythemis simplicicollis female 

with meadowhawk prey 

A ubiquitous species over 

much of the United States, 

Erythemis simplicicollis is 

found statewide at ponds, 

lakes, and pools of slow 

streams and rivers. It is one 

of the most frequently 

encountered odonates in 


Erythemis simplicicollis distribution based on 307 records. Open dots 


Erythemis simplicicollis adults have been documented from 31 

March — 4 October with 281 valid records. 

Appendix 1—114



Erythrodiplax minuscula 

Little Blue Dragonlet 

Erythrodiplax minuscula male 

Erythrodiplax minuscula female 


Virginia in 1930, a second 

Erythrodiplax minuscula was 

found in 2002 in Greenbrier 

County. It is primarily a 

southern species and 

approaches its northern limit 

in West Virginia. These 

specimens are likely vagrants 

from VA populations. 

Erythrodiplax minuscula distribution based on 2 records. Open dots are 


One Erythrodiplax minuscula adult has been documented on 27 

June. 

Appendix 1—115



Ladona deplanata 

Blue Corporal 

Ladona deplanata male 

Ladona deplanata female 

Ladona deplanata is an 

early flying species that was 

first documented in West 

Virginia in Greenbrier 

County in 2002. Since then, 

its distribution in the state 

has been significantly 

expanded. It appears to 

avoid high elevations in 

favor of ponds in the 

Eastern Panhandle and 

western part of the state. 

Ladona deplanata distribution based on 47 records. Open dots are 1994 


Ladona deplanata adults have been documented on 23 April—22 


Appendix 1—116



Ladona julia 

Chalk-fronted Corporal 

Ladona julia male 

Ladona julia female 

Ladona julia is a northern 

species whose southern range 

limit lies in West Virginia. It 

inhabits high elevation 

(above 2500 ft) wetlands 

and ponds in the state, and 

can be locally abundant. 

Ladona julia distribution based on 60 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Ladona julia adults have been documented on 27 May—12 July 


Appendix 1—117



Leucorrhinia glacialis 

Crimson-ringed Whiteface 

Leucorrhinia glacialis male 

Leucorrhinia glacialis female 

Leucorrhinia glacialis is a 

widespread northern species 

whose southern limit in the 

east occurs in West Virginia 

in Canaan Valley and on 

Dolly Sods in Tucker 

County. Recent surveys for 

this species at appropriate 

habitat in Randolph and 

Pocahontas counties failed to 

document any additional 

sites. It prefers high 


bogs. 

Leucorrhinia glacialis distribution based on 8 records. Open dots are 


Leucorrhinia glacialis adults have been documented on 24 June 


Appendix 1—118



Leucorrhinia hudsonica 

Hudsonian Whiteface 

Leucorrhinia hudsonica male 

Leucorrhinia hudsonica female 

Leucorrhinia hudsonica is a 

common odonate at high 


bogs and wetlands in West 

Virginia. This is another 


that reaches the southern 

limit of its range in West 


Leucorrhinia hudsonica distribution based on 57 records. Open dots are 


Leucorrhinia hudsonica adults have been documented on 29 May 


Appendix 1—119



Leucorrhinia intacta 

Dot-tailed Whiteface 

Leucorrhinia intacta male 

Leucorrhinia intacta female 

Leucorrhinia intacta is a 


that approaches its southern 

range limit in the east in 

West Virginia. It is a 

common species at ponds 

and wetlands when present. 

It is especially abundant at 

sites in Hancock, Brooke, 

and Ohio counties. 

Leucorrhinia intacta distribution based on 78 records. Open dots are 


Leucorrhinia intacta adults have been documented on 15 May — 


Appendix 1—120



Libellula auripennis 

Golden-winged Skimmer 

Libellula auripennis male 

Libellula auripennis female 

Libellula auripennis has been 

documented twice in West 

Virginia: at Cranesville 

Swamp in Preston County 

and on Dolly Sods in Tucker 

County. It is almost strictly a 

coastal plain species and the 

West Virginia records are 

likely vagrant individuals 

from populations in MD. 

Libellula auripennis distribution based on 3 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula auripennis adults have been documented 24 June—25 


Appendix 1—121



Libellula axilena 

Bar-winged Skimmer 

Libellula axilena male 

Libellula axilena female 

Libellula axilena was first 

documented in West Virginia 

in 2004 in Hampshire County 

at Short Mountain WMA, 

and has been documented at 

2 additional sites since then. 

Although it is primarily a 

coastal plain and southern 

species that approaches its 

northern range limit in West 

Virginia, the multiple records 

may indicate that it could 

establish (or already has 

established) viable 

populations in the state. 

Libellula axilena distribution based on 4 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula axilena adults have been documented 22 June — 20 July 


Appendix 1—122



Libellula cyanea 

Spangled Skimmer 

Libellula cyanea male 

Libellula cyanea female 

Libellula cyanea is a 

widespread species in the 

eastern U.S. It is found 

throughout West Virginia at 

ponds, lakes, and marshes 

with well developed edge 

vegetation. 

Libellula cyanea distribution based on 150 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula cyanea adults have been documented 25 May — 31 August 


Appendix 1—123



Libellula flavida 

Yellow-sided Skimmer 

Libellula flavida male 

Libellula flavida female 

Libellula flavida is 

primarily a coastal plain 

and southern species whose 

interior northern range 

limit lies in central PA. 

Recent records have come 

from Cranesville Swamp in 

Preston County and Short 

Mountain WMA in 

Hampshire County. It 

prefers marshy ponds and 

bogs. 

Libellula flavida distribution based on 8 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula flavida adults have been documented 9 June — 16 August 


Appendix 1—124



Libellula incesta 

Slaty Skimmer 

Libellula incesta male 

Libellula incesta female 

Libellula incesta is 

primarily a coastal plain and 

southern species. Recent 

surveys have significantly 

expanded its distribution in 

West Virginia to cover most 

of the southern half of the 

state and the Eastern 

Panhandle. It prefers ponds 

and lakes with some 

emergent vegetation and 

muddy bottoms. 

Libellula incesta distribution based on 83 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula incesta adults have been documented 12 June — 29 


Appendix 1—125



Libellula luctuosa 

Widow Skimmer 

Libellula luctuosa male 

Libellula luctuosa female 

One of the most frequently 

encountered odonates in 

West Virginia, Libellula 

luctuosa is common at 

ponds, marshes, lakes, 

ditches, and bogs. It is often 

very abundant in herbaceous 

vegetation surrounding 

ponds and lakes. 

Libellula luctuosa distribution based on 276 records. Open dots are 


Libellula luctuosa adults have been documented 13 May — 4 October 


Appendix 1—126



Libellula pulchella 

Twelve-spotted Skimmer 

Libellula pulchella male 

Libellula pulchella female 

Libellula pulchella can be 

found statewide at vegetated 

ponds, ditches, marshes, and 

lake edges. Although 

typically not locally 

abundant, it is a commonly 

encountered species. 

Libellula pulchella distribution based on 191 records. Open dots are 


Libellula pulchella adults have been documented 31 March — 3 


Appendix 1—127



Libellula quadrimaculata 

Four-spotted Skimmer 

Libellula quadrimaculata male 

Libellula quadrimaculata 

female 

The single record of Libellula 

quadrimaculata in West Virginia 

is a larval specimen from an 

unspecified pond in Mason 

County collected in 1930. 

Primarily a northern and western 

species, it reaches the southern 

limit of its range in the east with 

this record. This species is likely 

a vagrant in West Virginia from 

northern populations. 

Libellula quadrimaculata distribution based on 1 record. Open dots are 


No Libellula quadrimaculata adults have been documented in 


Appendix 1—128



Libellula semifasciata 

Painted Skimmer 

Libellula semifasciata male 

Libellula semifasciata female 

Libellula semifasciata is 

primarily found in the 

mountain counties and the 

Eastern Panhandle in West 

Virginia. This distribution 

reflects the species 

preference for marshy and 

boggy habitat that is found 

in the state in these areas, 

especially at high 

elevations (above 2500 ft). 

Libellula semifasciata distribution based on 49 records. Open dots are 


Libellula semifasciata adults have been documented from 10 May 


Appendix 1—129



Libellula vibrans 

Great Blue Skimmer 

Libellula vibrans male 

Libellula vibrans female 

Libellula vibrans was first 


Virginia in 2004 in 

Jefferson and Hampshire 

Counties. Additional 

records in Kanawha and 

Putnam counties expanded 

its range in the state 

considerably. It prefers 

swamps, forest pools, and 

slow wooded streams. 

Libellula vibrans distribution based on 7 records. Open dots are 1994 


Libellula vibrans adults have been documented from 15 June — 


Appendix 1—130



Pachydiplax longipennis 

Blue Dasher 

Pachidiplax longipennis male 

Pachydiplax longipennis female 

Pachydiplax longipennis is 

a very common, 

widespread, and abundant 

odonate at ponds, lakes, 

slow streams, rivers, and 

marshes in West Virginia. 

Its numbers at some sites 

out number all other 

odonates combined. 

Pachydiplax longipennis distribution based on 316 records. Open dots 


Pachydiplax longipennis adults have been documented from 1 

June — 3 October with 297 valid records. 

Appendix 1—131



Pantala flavescens 

Wandering Glider 

Pantala flavescens male 

Pantala flavescens female 

Although Pantala 

flavescens breeds in West 

Virginia, many records are 

likely from migratory 

individuals. It prefers 

shallow, non-vegetated 

pools, remaining after rain 

events. Eggs can develop 

into adults in just over a 

month. They are found 

world wide. 

Pantala flavescens distribution based on 16 records. Open dots are 1994 


Pantala flavescens adults have been documented from 11 July — 


Appendix 1—132



Pantala hymenaea 

Dot-winged Glider 

Pantala hymenaea male 

Pantala hymenaea female 

Pantala hymenaea could be 

found anywhere in West 

Virginia as this is a highly 

migratory species. They 

prefer shallow, nonvegetated 

pools for 

breeding, although they will 

use almost any open still 

water. They’ve been 

observed attempting to 

oviposit on wet parking lot 

pavement and on the hoods 

and roofs of cars. 

Pantala hymenaea distribution based on 19 records. Open dots are 1994 


Pantala hymenaea adults have been documented from 29 May — 


Appendix 1—133



Perithemis tenera 

Eastern Amberwing 

Perithemis tenera male 

Perithemis tenera female 

Perithemis tenera is a very 

common, widespread, and 

abundant species in West 

Virginia. It can be found at 

virtually every pond, and can 

tolerate high levels of 

organic pollution. 

Perithemis tenera distribution based on 187 records. Open dots are 1994 


Perithemis tenera adults have been documented from 1 June — 


Appendix 1—134



Plathemis lydia 

Common Whitetail 

Plathemis lydia male 

Plathemis lydia female 

Plathemis lydia is a 

common, widespread 

species found statewide at 

ponds, lakes, marshes, 

ditches, and pools of slow 

streams and rivers. 

Plathemis lydia distribution based on 307 records. Open dots are 1994 


Plathemis lydia adults have been documented from 15 May — 19 


Appendix 1—135



Sympetrum ambiguum 

Blue-faced Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum ambiguum male 

Sympetrum ambiguum female 

Sympetrum ambiguum 

occurs primarily south and 

west of West Virginia, 

avoiding the Appalachians 

almost entirely. It prefers 

marshy ponds associated 

with river bottoms, and the 

sites in the state reflect that 

preference. It has been 

found at Greenbottom 

WMA in Cabell County, 

Winfield Wetlands in 

Putnam County, and at the 

Palestine State Fish 

Hatchery in Wirt County. 

Sympetrum ambiguum distribution based on 5 records. Open dots are 


Sympetrum ambiguum adults have been documented from 26 June 


Appendix 1—136



Sympetrum corruptum 

Varigated Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum corruptum male 

Sympetrum corruptum female 

Sympetrum corruptum in 

West Virginia is 

documented by two records 

from Grant and Hardy 

counties in the Eastern 

Panhandle. The bulk of 

this species’ range lies west 

of the Mississippi River. 

This species is quite 

migratory, and these West 

Virginia records are likely 

vagrant individuals. 

Sympetrum corruptum distribution based on 3 records. Open dots are 


Sympetrum corruptum adults have been documented from 30 

April — 2 July with 3 valid records. 

Appendix 1—137



Sympetrum internum 

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk 

and 

Sympetrum janeae 

Jane’s Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum internum/janeae 

male 

Sympetrum internum/janeae 

female 

Sympetrum internum has been 

documented in two counties 

in West Virginia, the most 

recent record in 2002 in 

Tucker County. 

The questionable species 

Sympetrum janeae was 

documented from a single site 

in 1982 in Berkeley County. 

Although the taxon is 

accepted by some 

odontologists, and rejected by 

others, increasing evidence is 

supporting that it is a race or 

form of S. internum (Pilgrim, 

2007; Paulson and Dunkle, 

2011). West Virginia will 

henceforth treat is as a race or 

form of S. internum. 

Sympetrum internum/janeae distribution based on 4 records. Open dots 


Sympetrum internum/janeae adults have been documented from 

24 June — 2 August with 3 valid records. 

Appendix 1—138



Sympetrum obtrusum 

White-faced Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum obtrusum male 

Sympetrum obtrusum female 

Sympetrum obtrusum is 

primarily found at high 

elevations (above 2500 ft) 

in West Virginia. Often, at 

locations such as in Canaan 

Valley, they are ubiquitous 

and are very abundant. 

They are found in fields 

and open areas surrounding 

ponds, marshes, bogs, and 

other still water. 

Sympetrum obtrusum distribution based on 74 records. Open dots are 


Sympetrum obtrusum adults have been documented on 18 June — 


Appendix 1—139



Sympetrum rubicundulum 

Ruby Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum rubicundulum male 

Sympetrum rubicundulum 

female 

Sympetrum rubicundulum is 

one of the most widespread 

and common meadowhawks 

in West Virginia. Not 

appearing until mid-June or 

later, it will fly late into the 

autumn. It can be found 

around ponds and other still 

water perched on 

herbaceous vegetation. 

Sympetrum rubicundulum distribution based on 164 records. Open dots 


Sympetrum rubicundulum adults have been documented on 15 

June — 14 November with 144 valid records. 

Appendix 1—140



Sympetrum semicinctum 

Band-winged Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum semicinctum male 

Sympetrum semicinctum 

female 

Sympetrum semicinctum, 

West Virginia’s smallest 

meadowhawk, has been 

documented at scattered 

locations around the state. 

Its preferred habitat of 

marshy areas fed primarily 

by spring fed streams may 

account for its spotty 

distribution. 

Sympetrum semicinctum distribution based on 27 records. Open dots are 


Sympetrum semicinctum adults have been documented on 15 June 


Appendix 1—141



Sympetrum vicinum 

Autumn Meadowhawk 

Sympetrum vicinum male 

Sympetrum vicinum female 

Sympetrum vicinum is an 

abundant and ubiquitous 

odonate in West Virginia 

from mid-June until frost. 

In some areas, young adults 

will almost carpet 

herbaceous vegetation along 

trails and forest roads near 

breeding areas such as 

ponds and marshes. 

Sympetrum vicinum distribution based on 244 records. Open dots are 


Sympetrum vicinum adults have been documented on 17 June — 

20 November with 197 valid records. 

Appendix 1—142



Tramea carolina 

Carolina Saddlebags 

Tramea carolina male 

Tramea carolina female 

Tramea carolina has been 

documented sporadically in 

West Virginia in five 

counties. A highly 

migratory species, they may 

migrate into the state from 

significant southern 

populations. Breeding 

behavior has been 

documented in the state. 

Tramea carolina distribution based on 8 records. Open dots are 1994 


Tramea carolina adults have been documented on 24 May — 22 


Appendix 1—143



Tramea lacerata 

Black Saddlebags 

Tramea lacerata male & female 

in tandem 

Tramea lacerata female 

Tramea lacerata is a 

common species found 

around breeding ponds and 

foraging above fields and 

other open areas. Difficult 

to net because of its swift 

high flight, its black 

coloration and large basal 

wing spots makes it easy to 

identify in flight. It likely 

occurs statewide. 

Tramea lacerata distribution based on 79 records. Open dots are 1994 


Tramea lacerata adults have been documented on 20 May — 9 


Appendix 1—144



Tramea onusta 

Red Saddlebags 

Tramea onusta male 

Tramea onusta female 

Tramea onusta was first 


Virginia in 2005 in Mingo 

County. One other 

individual was collected in 

2006 in Monongalia 

County. A highly migratory 

species, these records are 

likely from individuals 

migrating east from western 

populations, although 

breeding behavior has been 

observed. 

Tramea onusta distribution based on 2 records. Open dots are 1994 and 


Tramea onusta adults have been documented on 30 June — 22 


Appendix 1—145

Appendix 2. Odonate species diversity in West Virginia by Bailey eco-region. See Figure 4 for 

a map of the eco-regions in the state. 

Northern Allegheny Western Central Ohio Northern Eas t 

Family Genus Species Ridge & Mountain & Allegheny High Low Valley Blue Ridge Teays-Elk Great Hocking 

Valley Valley 1 Mountains Allegheny 2 Plateau Coalfields 3 Lowlands Mountains Plateau Valley Plateau 

Calopterygidae Calopteryx amata x x x x 

Calopteryx angustipennis x x x 

Calopteryx maculata x x x x x x x x x x 

Hetaerina americana x x x x x x x x x 

Hetaerina titia x x x 

Lestidae Archilestes grandis x x x x 

Lestes australis x x x 

Lestes congener x x x x x 

Lestes disjunctis x x x ? 

Lestes dryas x x 

Lestes eurinus x x x x x x x 

Lestes forcipatus x x x x x x 

Lestes inaequalis x x x x 

Lestes rectangularis x x x x x x x x x 

Lestes unguiculatus x 

Lestes vigilax x x x x x x x 

Coenagrionidae Amphigrion saucium x x x x x x x 

Argia apicalis x x x x x x x x x x 

Argia fumipennis x x x x x x x x x x x 

Argia moesta x x x x x x x x x x 

Argia sedula x x x x x x x x 

Argia tibialis x x x x x x x x 

Argia translata x x x x x x x x x x 

Chromagrion conditum x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma annexum x x x x x 

Enallagma antennatum x x x 

Enallagma aspersum x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma basidens x x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma boreale x 

Enallagma civile x x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma divigans x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma exsulans x x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma geminatum x x x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma hageni x x x x x x x 

Enallagma signatum x x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma traviatum x x x x x x x x 

Enallagma vernale x x x 

Enallagma vespersum x x x x x 

Ischnura hastata x x x x x x x x 

Ischnura kellicotti x 

Ischnura posita x x x x x x x x x x x 

Ischnura prognata x 

Ischnura verticalis x x x x x x x x x x x 

Nehalennia gracilis x x 

Nehalennia irene x x x x x 

Telebasis byersi x 

Petaluridae Tachopteryx thoreyi x x x x x 

Aaeshnidae Aeshna canadensis x x x 

Aeshna tuberculifera x x x x x x 

Aeshna umbrosa x x x x x x x x 

Aeshna verticalis x x x x x 

Anax junius x x x x x x x x x x 

Anax longipes x x x x x x 

Basiaeschna janata x x x x x x x x x x 

Boyeria grafiana x x x x x x x 

Boyeria vinosa x x x x x x x x x 

Appendix 2 - 1




Epiaeschna heros x x x x x x x 

Nasiaeschna pentacantha x 

Rhionaeschna mutata x x 

Gomphidae Arigomphus villosipes x x x x x x x 

Dromogomphus spinosus x x x x x x x x x 

Dromogomphus spoliatus x x x x x 

Gomphus abbreviatus x x 

Gomphus adelphus x x x 

Gomphus descriptus x x x x x x 

Gomphus exilis x x x x x x x x x 

Gomphus fraternus x x x x 

Gomphus lineatifrons x x x 

Gomphus lividus x x x x x x x x x 

Gomphus quadricolor x x x x x x x 

Gomphus rogersi x x x 

Gomphus vastus x x x x x x 

Gomphus viridifrons x x x x x x x x 

Hagenius brevistylus x x x x x x x 

Lanthus parvulus x x x x x 

Lanthus vernalis x 

Ophiogomphus carolus x x 

Ophiogomphus incurvatus alleghan x x 

Ophiogomphus mainensis fastig x x 

Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis x x x 

Progomphus obscurus x x x x x x 

Stylogomphus albistylus x x x x x x x 

Stylurus notatus x 

Stylurus plagiatus x x 

Stylurus scudderi x 

Stylurus spiniceps x x x 

Cordulegastridae Cordulegaster bilineata x x 

Cordulegaster diastatops x x x x 

Cordulegaster erronea x x x x x 

Cordulegaster maculata x x x x x x x x 

Cordulegaster obliqua x x x x x x 

Macromiidae Didymops transversa x x x x x x x x 

Macromia alleghaniensis x x x x x 

Macromia illinoiensis x x x x x x x x x 

Macromia taeniolata x x x x 

Corduliidae Cordulia shurtleffi x x x x x x 

Epitheca canis x x 

Epitheca costalis x 

Epitheca cynosura x x x x x x x x x 

Epitheca princeps x x x x x x x x x x 

Helocordulia uhleri x x x x x 

Neurocordulia molesta x x 

Neurocordulia obsoleta x 

Neurocordulia yamaskanensis x x x x 

Somatochlora elongata x x x 

Somatochlora forcipata x 

Somatochlora linearis x x x x 

Somatochlora tenebrosa x x x x x x x x 

Libellulidae Celithemis elisa x x x x x x x x x x 

Celithemis eponina x x x x x x x x x x 

Celithemis fasciata x x x x x x 

Celithemis verna x 

Erythemis simplicicollis x x x x x x x x x x x 

Erythrodiplax miniscula x x 

Ladona deplanata x x x x x 

Ladona julia x x x x 

Leucorrhinia glacialis x 

Leucorrhinia hudsonica x x 

Appendix 2 - 2




Leucorrhinia intacta x x x x x x x 

Libellula auripennis x x 

Libellula axilena x x 

Libellula cyanea x x x x x x x x x x 

Libellula flavida x x x 

Libellula incesta x x x x x x x x x x 

Libellula luctuosa x x x x x x x x x x x 

Libellula pulchella x x x x x x x x x x 

Libellula quadrimaculata x 

Libellula semifasciata x x x x x x x 

Libellula vibrans x x x x 

Pachydiplax longipennis x x x x x x x x x x x 

Pantala flavescens x x x x x x x x x 

Pantala hymenaea x x x x x x x x 

Perithemis tenera x x x x x x x x x x x 

Plathemis lydia x x x x x x x x x x 

Sympetrum ambiguum x 

Sympetrum corruptum x 

Sympetrum internum x x x 

Sympetrum obtrusum x x x x x 

Sympetrum rubicundulum x x x x x x x x x x x 

Sympetrum semicinctum x x x x x x 

Sympetrum vicinum x x x x x x x x x x 

Tramea carolina x x x x 

Tramea lacerata x x x x x x x x x x x 

Tramea onusta x x 

Total Species 107 103 97 96 90 89 78 53 48 40 26 

= species documented from at least 9 of the 11 eco-regions in West Virginia 

1. Allegheny Mountain and Valley includes Eastern Allegheny Mountain and Valley and Western Allegheny Mountain and Valley eco-regions 

2. High Allegheny includes Northern High Allegheny and Southern High Allegheny eco-regions 

3. Coalfields includes Eastern Coalfields and Western Coalfields eco-regions 

Appendix 2 - 3

Appendix 3. Photographic credits 

Photographs are listed in the order that they appear in Appendix 1 for each photographer. All 

photographers donated their work free of charge for educational and illustrative purposes for the 

West Virginia Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas. M = image of male specimen, F = image of 

female specimen. 

Giff Beaton (www.giffbeaton.com/dragonflies.htm) 

Calopteryx angustipennis MF, Hetaerina titia MF, Archilestes grandis F, Lestes australis F, 

Lestes congener M, Lestes eurinus M, Lestes inaequalis M, Amphigrion saucium F, Argia 

apicalis F, Argia sedula F, Argia translata F, Chromagrion conditum F, Enallagma basidens 

MF, Enallagma civile F, Enallagma divagans MF, Enallagma geminatum MF, Enallagma 

signatum F, Enallagma traviatum MF, Enallagma vesperum F, Ischnura kellicotti MF, Ischnura 

prognata MF, Nehalennia gracilis MF, Telebasis byersi MF, Tachopteryx thoreyi F, Aeshna 

umbrosa F, Anax junius F, Anax longipes F, Basiaeschna janata F, Boyeria grafiana M, Boyeria 

vinosa F, Nasiaeschna pentacantha MF, Arigomphus villosipes M, Dromogomphus spoliatus M, 

Gomphus lineatifrons F, Gomphus lividus MF, Gomphus rogersi F, Gomphus vastus M, 

Hagenius brevistylus M, Lanthus vernalis M, Ophiogomphus incurvatus alleghaniensis F, 

Ophiogomphus mainensis fastigiatus MF, Progomphus obscurus 2M, Stylogomphus albistylus 

M, Stylurus plagiatus MF, Cordulegaster bilineata F, Cordulegaster erronea MF, Cordulegaster 

maculata F, Cordulegaster obliqua MF, Didymops transversa M, Macromia alleghaniensis M, 

Epitheca costalis F, Epitheca princeps M, Helocordulia uhleri MF, Neurocordulia molesta MF, 

Neurocordulia obsoleta MF, Somatochlora linearis F, Celithemis elisa F, Celithemis eponina F, 

Celithemis fasciata F, Celithemis verna MF, Erythrodiplax minuscula MF, Ladona deplanata F, 

Libellula auripennis MF, Libellula cyanea F, Libellula incesta F, Libellula luctuosa F, Libellula 

pulchella F, Libellula vibrans MF, Pantala flavescens MF, Sympetrum ambiguum MF, 

Sympetrum corruptum F, Sympetrum rubicundulum MF, Sympetrum vicinum F, Tramea carolina 

MF, Tramea onusta M 

Allen Barlow 

Gomphus quadricolor MF, Gomphus viridifrons M, Neurocordulia yamaskanensis M 

Michael Blust 

Sympetrum internum/janeae MF 

Steve Collins 

Somatochlora forcipata F 

Glenn Corbiere (www.dragonhunter.net) 

Rhionaeschna mutata MF, Ophiogomphus carolus MF, Somatochlora forcipata M 

Stephen Cresswell (www.stephencresswell.com) 

Calopteryx maculata M, Hetaerina americana M, Archilestes grandis M, Lestes australis F, 

Lestes congener F, Lestes vigilax M, Argia apicalis M, Argia fumipennis M, Argia translata M, 

Enallagma exsulans M, Enallagma hageni M, Enallagma signatum M, Enallagma vesperum M, 

Ischnura hastata M, Ischnura posita M, Ischnura verticalis MF, Aeshna canadensis M, Aeshna 

Appendix 3 - 1

tuberculifera F, Dromogomphus spinosus M, Gomphus adelphus M, Gomphus exilis M, 

Cordulegaster diastatops M, Erythemis simplicicollis M, Leucorrhinia glacialis M, Leucorrhinia 

hudsonica M, Leucorrhinia intacta M, Libellula cyanea M, Libellula pulchella M, Libellula 

semifasciata M, Sympetrum corruptum M, Sympetrum obtrusum M, Sympetrum semicinctum F, 

Sympetrum vicinum M, Tramea lacerata MF 

Dave Czaplak (odolep.com/index.htm) 

Lestes inaequalis F, Argia tibialis MF, Enallagma aspersum MF, Enallagma exsulans F, 

Enallagma hageni F, Nehalennia irene F, Aeshna canadensis F, Aeshna tuberculifera F, Aeshna 

verticalis MF, Basiaeschna janata M, Arigomphus villosipes F, Dromogomphus spinosus F, 

Gomphus descriptus M, Gomphus lineatifrons M, Gomphus rogersi M, Gomphus vastus F, 

Gomphus viridifrons F, Lanthus parvulus F, Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis M, Cordulegaster 

bilineata M, Cordulegaster maculata M, Macromia alleghaniensis F, Macromia i, illinoiensis F, 

Macromia taeniolata M, Cordulia shurtleffi MF, Epitheca canis MF, Somatochlora elongata 

MF, Somatochlora tenebrosa MF, Leucorrhinia glacialis F, Libellula axilena M 

Marion Dobbs 

Ophiogomphus incurvatus incurvatus M to illustrate O. i. alleghaniensis M 

Charles Fortney 

Plathemis lydia F 

Linda Gilbert 

Enallagma antennatum F 

Christine Hanrahan 

Stylurus notatus M 

Joey Herron 

Plathemis lydia M 

Cheryl Jennings 

Pantala hymenaea M 

Greg W. Lasley (www.greglasley.net/dragonix.html) 

Lestes dryas F, Argia moesta M, Dromogomphus spoliatus F, Enallagma annexum M & pair, 

Macromia taeniolata F, Epitheca princeps F, Ladona julia M, Leucorrhinia intacta F, 

Sympetrum obtrusum F, Tramea onusta F 

David McShaffrey (www.marietta.edu/~odonata/images.html) 

Calopteryx amata M, Hetaerina americana F, Lestes rectangularis M, Lestes unguiculatus MF, 

Enallagma antennatum M, Anax junius tandem, Anax longipes M, Boyeria vinosa M, 

Epiaeschna heros F, Hagenius brevistylus F, Macromia i. illinoiensis M, Epitheca cynosura F, 

Libellula incesta M, Perithemis tenera MF 

Appendix 3 - 2

Thomas Murray (www.pbase.com/tmurray74) 

Calopteryx amata F, Argia moesta F, Lestes disjunctus MF, Lestes eurinus F, Argia fumipennis 

F, Enallagma boreale MF, Enallagma civile M, Ischnura hastata F, Gomphus abbreviatus MF, 

Gomphus adelphus F, Gomphus descriptus F, Lanthus parvulus M, Lanthus vernalis F, 

Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis F, Stylurus spiniceps MF, Cordulegaster diastatops F, Epitheca 

cynosura F, Neurocordulia yamaskanensis F, Ladona julia F, Leucorrhinia hudsonica F, 

Libellula quadrimaculata F 

Darrin O’Brien 

Stylurus notatus M 

Susan Olcott 

Lestes rectangularis F, Aeshna umbrosa M, Boyeria grafiana M, Celithemis eponina M, 

Libellula luctuosa M, Sympetrum semicintum M 

Dennis Paulson (www.ups.edu/x5667.xml) 

Enallagma vernale MF, Gomphus fraternus MF 

Jeffery S. Pippen (www.duke.edu/~jspippen/dragonflies.htm) 

Calopteryx maculata F, Lestes dryas M, Lestes vigilax F, Amphigrion saucium M, Argis sedula 

M, Chromagrion conditum M, Ischnura posita F, Epiaeschna heros M, Gomphus exilis F, 

Progomphus obscurus M, Stylurus albistylus F, Didymops transversa F, Epitheca costalis M, 

Somatochlora linearis M, Celithemis elisa M, Celithemis fasciata M, Ladona deplanata M, 

Libellula axilena F, Libellula quadrimaculata M, Libellula semifasciata F, Pachydiplax 

longipennis MF 

Mark Plonsky (www.pbase.com/mplonsky/dragons) 

Nehalenniia irene M, Erythemis simplicicollis F 

Appendix 3 - 3

Final Report for the The West Virginia Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas

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