[Odonata-l] Tattered wings

[Bob Reimer]

Thanks to all who responded to my note regarding tattered wings on
dragonflies.  I was out to another oasis a bit further south along the
mountains this afternoon and noticed the same phenomena there.  
 
Flight season here is pretty much year round.  Things slow down in the
winter (January/February), but I've seen dragonflies in every month of the
year here.  I wonder if it may be some of these dragonflies have
over-wintered?  I did see fresh exuvias in another part of the oasis I was
at today a few weeks ago.  Winter temperatures tend to run from lows of 10C
or so to highs of 20-25C.  Currently we are running lows of 20-25C and highs
of 35-45C.  Soon we'll be into the time were the temperature doesn't drop
much below mid 30's and 40-50C highs are the norm.  
 
Was a very good day today.  Saw my first Ceriagrion glabrum so now have seen
and photographed all the damselflies known to be found in UAE & Northern
Oman.  Had 4 species of damsels and 4 species dragonflies in the small part
of the oasis we visited today.  
 
Thanks again for all the good discussion.  
 
Warm regards,
Bob Reimer
Al Ain
United Arab Emirates
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwreimer


  _____  

From: Dennis Paulson [mailto:dennispaulson at comcast.net] 
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: [Odonata-l] Tattered wings


Bob, 


There is an extremely strong correlation between tattered wings and age. If
a dragonfly lives a long time, it's very likely that its wings will get
increasingly worn and frayed at the edges. I assume those Trithemis are
getting near the end of their lives. In strongly seasonal high latitudes,
you see lots of worn wings toward the end of the flight season. Is there
anything about this time of year in Oman that would make you think some
species were nearing the end of their flight season?

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