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Dragonfly ID #758958

Asked June 28, 2021, 9:18 PM EDT

I photographed these two Dragonflies at the U of M Arboretum. I am having difficulty identifying them. Any help you can give will be appreciated. Thanks.

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

Dragon flies are amazing animals. I just love them.

Your first picture shows a Spiny Baskettail (Epitheca spinigera). It is especially common in northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota. It favors wet areas so I suspect that you found this near a lake or a stream. See the following:

https://wiatri.net/inventory/odonata/SpeciesAccounts/SpeciesDetail.cfm?TaxaID=65

The second picture is of a Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata). This particular species migrates south in the fall in huge flocks. Perhaps you have seen them?  See:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/1374301

Thanks again for your question and enjoy these beautiful creatures.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2021, 12:58 AM EDT

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