I went on a pilgrimage of sorts this week, to legendary Ten Acre Pond, in the Scotia Barrens of Centre County. I was looking to connect with the world of Odonata research and to understand a bit more of the legacy of our collection. Dragonflies and damselflies, after all, have been observed, recorded, studied, and collected extensively at this site, almost continuously since the 1950s, and we have the collection to prove it. This was actually my third pilgrimage to this locality this year, but it was the first time I knew Odonata would be active. (For the record, no Odonata were observed 20.iv.2013, the day after our last snow of the season!) And I was not disappointed. In 2.5 hours I saw the following species:
- Epitheca canis (Corduliidae), Beaverpond Baskettail – I’m not 100% sure, as they were all tenerals (literally just out of their ultimate instar exuvia), but the timing seems right for this species. I saw at least 4 individuals. Here’s an out-of-focus cell phone image of one and a photo of a different, tragically damaged individual. It didn’t seem sporting to collect them, as I could pick them up off the ground with my hands, so I left them for another time.
- Anax junius (Aeshnidae), Green Darner – I am 100% sure of this determination. I saw at least 4 individuals, including 2 in copula. They proved impossible to collect.
- Ischnura verticalis (Coenagrionidae), Eastern Forktail – I saw at least 2 individuals and was able to collect a male; I am 100% sure of this determination (see image below). It was stunningly beautiful!
- Lestes disjunctus (Lestidae), Northern Spreadwing – I think I saw one of these, but I’d have to put my confidence at 40%. I couldn’t catch it, and I never got a good look.
This brief foray into aquatic fieldwork was eye-opening:
- Training as a hymenopterist has resulted in the loss of all my aerial net skills. I was pathetically bad in my attempts to swing at approaching odes. Comically bad, I’m sure, to anyone watching me.
- Odonata are stunningly vibrant when alive. The specimen above literally made my jaw drop when I admired its color. The cheesy cell phone image doesn’t do it justice.
- Aquatic insects are compelling organisms, and Ten Acre Pond is one of the best localities to observe them. I saw tons of delightful dipterans, beautiful beetles, and bewitching backswimmers, which really got me thinking about future exhibits at the Frost.
This definitely won’t be the last trip to Ten Acre Pond. When I look at this list of Odonata seasonality at Ten Acre Pond, assembled by Hal White and Clark Shiffer, my mouth foams for July and August. Will be a fun adventure for the Frost interns!