Join a local group of insect and photography enthusiasts
INSECT WATCHING AND PHOTO FIELD TRIPS
A small group of insect watchers and photographers gets together for field trips from late spring through the summer, mostly to look for dragonflies and butterflies. These field trips are strongly weather-dependent (warm, sunny days only), so they are typically arranged (and often rearranged) at short notice. For up-to-date details, please subscribe to the Manitoba Natural History chat group.
Photos & Story by: Deanna Dodgson
Insects. They contribute greatly to our province's biodiversity but we often don't notice them at all, except those that are flashy, or those that sting or bite us.
I became interested in dragonflies about eight years ago. One of the very first ones I identified was an Ebony Boghaunter. Known only from very few locations in southeastern Manitoba, this was an exciting discovery for me. I was hooked. As time went on, other species followed suit. Some were common, others not so common. There are some that I have yet to see.
The Ebony Boghaunter is an odd Emerald, sometimes perching on tree trunks but equally happy to perch on the ground, in the manner of Skimmers. Most Emeralds perch vertically, hanging on to leaves or branches. Racket-tailed Emeralds are good examples. Most Emeralds are not often seen because they spend a great deal of time in the air and their natural habitat (bogs) are difficult to access. Sometimes, the Somatochlora (or striped) Emeralds will feed in swarms, and if you're lucky you might get an individual or two that will come to rest long enough to snap a photo, or allow close scrutiny. Delicate, Brush-tipped, Ocellated…how can you not find these names intriguing?
The large Darners are the most recognized. The Common Green comes to us in very early spring from southern climes to breed, then the next generation makes the journey southward in autumn. The wide-ranging and common are the Canada and Variable. The Springtime, a stream species, is found only in the southeast. The Zigzag has lateral thoracic markings in the zigzag shape. The list goes on.
Some of the most charismatic dragonflies are the Clubtails – named for the terminal abdominal segments that expand and form a distinct “club” in males. Denizens of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers, many species are at their most northwesterly ranges in the southeast corner of the province. The Dusky is rather small and dull-coloured, and the Lancet and the Pronghorn are delicate. There is one particularly brutish-looking species, the Dragonhunter, that preys on anything it can overpower, from large butterflies to dragonflies. Oh, and the Twin-spotted Spiketail and Swift River Cruiser. While most are combinations of yellow and black, the Snaketails (Rusty, Boreal) are stunning in green, brown and black.
Skimmers can be early season species, like the Whitefaces (Hudsonian, Dot-tailed, and Belted), Chalk-fronted Corporals, Four-spotted Skimmers. The Variegated Meadowhawk is another migratory species. The Meadowhawks are often difficult to identify, while the Red-veined is an uncommon skimmer. White- and Cherry-faced Meadowhawks are also found in Manitoba. The spunky Band-winged is patchily distributed but easy to spot by the amber flush to the middle of its four wings.
There are many others. If you have a little time, some patience and are willing to put in a little effort, the rewards are great. Not only do you learn how to identify these insects, you also learn about their habits and the habitats in which they live. A good field guide and a pair of binoculars are all you need to get started.