New York Dragonfly and Damselfly Survey

Dragonfly
© Joseph Molon

Dragonflies in Depth

While they are among New York's most aggressive hunters, damselflies and dragonflies also have some of the most colorful names: American rubyspot, green darner, cherry-faced meadowhawk, golden-winged skimmer. Both belong to the same biological family, Odonata, but damselflies are weaker and more fragile. Both have large, multifaceted eyes ( the dragonfly's are closer together), two pairs of translucent wings, and an elongated body. Dragon and damselflies are generally found near water or wetlands because their larvae are aquatic. Despite their quick speed and strange looks, neither species bites or stings humans. On the contrary, they are valued as predators that help control the population of other bothersome insects, such as mosquitoes.

Dragonfly
© Mamoru Yodshida

New York Nature Conservancy and DEC to Conduct Wildlife Research

Dragon and Damselflies to be Focus of New Statewide Atlas

In the summer of 2005, the New York Nature Conservancy and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced a partnership created to survey the nearly 200 species of dragon and damselflies living in the state. The results will help to map their distribution across New York as well as highlight areas with exceptional diversity and further the conservation of imperiled species.

The survey will be conducted by the New York Natural Heritage program and will span three years, with funding from the State Wildlife Grants Program. Much of the work will be performed by dragonfly and damselfly experts as well as interested community members. Henry Tepper, State Director for The Nature Conservancy, said, "We're still learning about New York's environment, and this atlas will give us a better understanding of it. Plus, the Atlas is a project that everyone can participate in. Look for dragonflies whenever you're near water - what you see will surprise you."

How You Can Volunteer!

While the The New York Dragonfly and Damselfly Atlas is being coordinated during the next three years by staff from the New York Natural Heritage Program, its success also depends on the help and dedication of members of the public. For more information about how to volunteer, please contact the New York Natural Heritage Program at (518) 402-8935 or email nydds@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Training workshops and materials will be available to project volunteers throughout the three-year survey.

The New York Natural Heritage Program

The New York Natural Heritage Program (www.nynhp.org) is a partnership between the DEC and The Nature Conservancy that enables and enhances conservation of rare animals, rare plants, and significant ecosystems. The Program accomplishes this mission by combining thorough field inventories, scientific analyses, expert interpretation, and the most comprehensive database on New York's distinctive biodiversity to deliver the highest quality information for natural resource planning, protection, and management.