Odonata

The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 2: Anisoptera

lepidopteran — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:34:53 +0000

The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 2: Anisoptera lepidopteran Wed, 11/12/2025 - 23:34

Abstract: In this, the second of two publications about the odonate fauna of North Carolina, USA, we present accounts for each of the 136 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) recorded in the state. These species accounts draw on our database of over 63,000 specimen, photographic, sight, and literature records of odonates spanning nearly 200 years (1826–2023). Each account describes the distribution, abundance, conservation status, flight seasons, habitats, and behavior of the species. Five dragonfly species were added to the state list since 2005, while another nine species have not been reported for at least 20 years. Populations of five additional species have declined in recent decades, while a dozen others have increased in abundance and/or geographic range within the state.

/sites/default/files/publications/BAO-14-3%20Odonates%20of%20NC%20Part%202%20Dragonflies.pdf

Harry LeGrand, Tom Howard, John Petranka, Mark Shields

2025

LeGrand, H. E., Howard, T. E., Petranka, J., & Shields, M. (2025). The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 2: Anisoptera. Bulletin of American Odonatology, 14(3).

Odonata

The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 1: Introduction and Zygoptera

lepidopteran — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 04:11:54 +0000

The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 1: Introduction and Zygoptera lepidopteran Wed, 03/05/2025 - 23:11

Abstract: In this, the first of two publications about the odonate fauna of North Carolina, USA, we present a brief historical account of odonatology in the state, describe the major biogeographic regions, and provide species accounts for each of the 53 species of damselflies (Zygoptera) known to occur in North Carolina. The second publication will provide species accounts for the 136 species of dragonflies documented in North Carolina. Together, they are a full treatment of the 189 total odonates species known from the state. These species accounts draw on our database of over 63,000 records and describe the distribution, abundance, conservation status, flight seasons, habitats, and behavior of each species.

/sites/default/files/publications/BAO-14-2%20Final.pdf

Harry LeGrand, Tom Howard, John Petranka, Mark Shields

2025

LeGrand, H. E., Howard, T. E., Petranka, J., & Shields, M. (2025). The Odonata of North Carolina, Part 1: Introduction and Zygoptera. Bulletin of American Odonatology, 14(2).

Odonata

First record for North Carolina of Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner)

lepidopteran — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:53:26 +0000

First record for North Carolina of Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner) lepidopteran Wed, 03/06/2024 - 00:53

This article details a surprising record for a western dragonfly species by Brian Bockhahn in Onslow County, North Carolina in 2020.

/sites/default/files/publications/Bockhahn%20Blue-eyed%20Darner.pdf

Brian Bockhahn

2022

Bockhahn, B. (2022). First record for North Carolina of Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner). Argia.

Odonata

Novel Behavioral Observations from North Carolina of The Poorly Known Neurocordulia alabamensis (Alabama Shadowdragon)

lepidopteran — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:31:23 +0000

Novel Behavioral Observations from North Carolina of The Poorly Known Neurocordulia alabamensis (Alabama Shadowdragon) lepidopteran Sun, 02/12/2023 - 02:31

Neeurocordulia alabamensis (Alabama Shadowdragon) is one of the most poorly known dragonfly species in eastern North America. On 8 June 2020, we observed three N. alabamensis along Bones Fork, the outflow creek below Lake Baggett in Richmond County, North Carolina.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bf443d3f8370a0c796d6447/t/5f791237f54a4…

Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn

2020

Kittelberger, K., and Bockhahn, B. (2020). Novel behavioral observations from North Carolina of the poorly known Neurocordulia alabamensis (Alabama Shadowdragon). Argia 32(3): 24-25.

Odonata