Peak dragonfly and damselfly season

In 2020, I learned that the peak firefly season (in the eastern U.S.) is right around the Fourth of July. More recently, I’ve gotten into oding and am learning that dragonflies and damselfies (Odonata) have seasons as well.

Odonata spend most of their life as nymphs underwater. Here in southeast Ohio, the first emergence depends on the weather but usually happens in April, with more and more adults showing up until we hit the peak around the middle of June.

Most interesting (to me) Odonata fact: Many Odonata species are like spring wildflowers in that they only show up as adults for a short time.

Best way to get photos of Odonata: Go out in a kayak first thing in the morning as nymphs crawl up onto rushes and sedges then break out of their exoskeletons. For a few hours, the newborn creatures are pale and soft and — critically for those of us without a fast shutter finger — not yet able to fly.

Best time of day for Odonata: Despite what I just said above, dragonflies and damselflies are sluggish until the day warms up. To see the maximum number, go out in the afternoon (but then they’ll be moving fast!).

Most addictive element of oding: Here in Ohio, Odonata enthusiasts are even faster to ID on iNaturalist than birders are.

My iNaturalist Odonata life list to date: 59 species

Odonata I don’t even try to identify to species: Bluets (except for Orange Bluets which are orange, not blue…)

Biggest danger of oding: You have to look down to notice most of them, which means fewer pictures of birds!

Recommended reading: If you live in my state, A Naturalist’s Guide to the Odonata of Ohio is well worth the price.

_{Note on links: I only recommend books I adore, but I do get a few pennies if you buy the guide I recommend using the affiliate link above.}