Gliders
What are they?
Gliders are similar in shape to the saddlebags dragonflies and closely related to them, but lack any obvious dark markings on the wings. These are well-known migratory species that often undertake movements in tens- sometimes hundreds of thousands through our region. The Wandering Glider is well-known for its movements across oceans and is probably the most widespread dragonfly in the world.
Identification
Gliders can be difficult to identify at times simply because they land so infrequently. Both species have a orangey to yellowish-brown abdomen and thorax and distinctly broadly triangular hindwings. In flight, look at face color and general shape and when perched, look for the presence or absence of a dark spot on the base of the hindwing. Males and females are outwardly very similar.
Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens
Length: 1.9 inches. Flight time: Mid June to early November. A summer immigrant to our region with numbers varying from year to year, but this species should be expected anywhere at the right time of year, especially in coastal areas. Usually less common than Spot-winged Glider. The overall color is usually a rich ochre-yellow with males aften acquiring a dusky tip to the wings.
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Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea
Length: 1.8-1.9 inches. Flight time: Mid May to late October. A summer immigrant to our region with numbers varying from year to year, but often appearing in vast swarms which move north with warm fronts during the summer and south ahead of cold fronts in the fall. It should be expected anywhere at the right time of year, especially in coastal areas. Best told from Wandering Glider in flight by its structurally different appearance, having a relatively shorter body and larger head. When seen head-on, the rich red coloration of the eyes and face is also very apparent on mature individuals. If seen at rest, the dark, circular spot at the base of the hindwing should be looked for (occasionally visible in flight with good views) but it lies alongside the body when the insect is at rest so can be easy to miss.
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dew on wings |