Stream Cruiser Dragonfly

Description:

Male Stream Cruisers have a brown thorax with pale hairs, and a single yellow lateral stripe. There is also a pale dorsal bar at the base of the wings. On the dorsal surface of the abdomen there are paired yellow spots, sometimes fused. The terminal appendages are pale on the dorsal surfaces. The abdomen is mildly clubbed, primarily at segments 8 and 9. The eyes are brown to pale green. Female Stream Cruisers have similar markings, but the abdomen is thicker and unclubbed.Length: typically 52-58 mm. One of these photographs shows a mating pair.

Habitat:

These dragonflies are found along creeks and small rivers that have sandy bottoms; they avoid fast-moving streams. The species is sometimes found at lakes or ponds. The flight period takes in May, June, and July. These were photographed at Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve near Clarks Hill, SC.

Notes:

Stream Cruisers hang from vegetation when they perch, typically less than a meter off the ground. Males, as the family’s common name says, cruise or patrol along the shore.