Gray Damselfly

Wow, Christine! Thank you so much for this great information! I have seen butterflies emerge as we raise Monarchs every year. They are completely exhausted!! I never realized how so much change could take a toll on their bodies. I think you are right about the dragonfly being tired! Thanks for the book recommendation! I will definitely invest in that guide! Thanks again Christine!

In taxonomy, both dragonflies and damselflies belong to a superorder called "Odonata". "Zygoptera" just means that it's a damselfly, not a dragonfly "Epiprocta". There are many types of damselflies, including some that rest with their wings open, looking like dragonflies. I didn't classify the insect any more than to say it was certainly a damselfly, so you were looking in the right place!

All arthropods have to shed their old bodies to emerge in a new form any time they change during the aging process. This is really exhausting! Your damselfly was still very newly adult, and likely hadn't eaten yet. Its poor flight was probably due to two things: lack of energy, and wings that weren't fully stiff. Go check out video of a freshly emerged butterfly pumping up its wings. When they first come out, an insect's wings are soft and not too much help.

It's not just counting, it's also the arrangement of the cells, like a stained glass window. If you think of it that way it may help. I recommend if you have an interest in odonata in your area, you try to find a local field guide. That will help you to learn how other people identify the species in your area. Also, if you have a general interest in tiny animals, pick up a copy of the National Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders. It's soft bound in a water resistant cover and small enough to throw in a backpack.

The wings are clear now, but that spot may appear as they dry out. It's just like the damselfly itself may be violet or turquoise. You won't know for sure until it's dry, BUT if you have your original image and a good picture of the insect you think it is, you can compare the "window arrangement". There's no color right now, but veining won't change and it is specific to species.

You're welcome :)

Thanks so much for your wonderful information, Christine!!

The damselfly was larger than what you would call "normal damselflies." Is this characteristic of zygoptera?

The damselfly was flying very awkwardly and had to stop in the grass frequently, as if it was injured. Is this also characteristic of newly emerged adults?

For future reference, how should I count the veins to help with identification?

Thanks so much Christine! I do not think it is the Eastern Forktail for only one detail: there is no wing marking on my damselfly and on the Eastern Forktail, there is a black mark at the top corner of the wing. This damselfly was quite large, too.

Thanks again Christine!

Odonata can be really tough! Some even alter color during the year and I saw one pic of a female that had covered herself in mud for camouflage (the boys are mean)!

The wing position and shape says it's a true damselfly (zygoptera). Here's what my research told me: What you have a picture of is a newly-emerged adult. It would have taken a couple of days for you to see the actual colors of the insect. Since the wings are laid one over the other, it's really hard to count veins. So I really can't do better than that.

After much searching, I found this listing of damselflies of Central Park. I believe yours is a forktail. The same site also explains the coloration, under Eastern Forktail, and while a very similar pic is posted there, don't assume that's your i.d.! It's a guess at best.
http://homepage.mac.com/edlam/damselthum...

Thanks Christine! I wish I could ID it, though.

Great job!

Thanks Cindy!!! It's amazing how Mother Nature can make gray so beautiful!

What a beauty! Great photo's!