Uhler’s Sundragon (Helocordulia uhleri). Ulster County, New York, USA.

A phenomenal find to start the dragonfly season here in upstate New York. The Uhler's sundragon requires clean, rocky streams with fine substrate and a decent flow as larvae, and the adults are most often found in the surrounding habitat. This was one of two Odonate species spotted today, with the other predictably being a green darner (Anax junius). I've found these to be easily confused with baskettails in the field, but a closer look at these emeralds will quickly separate them from lookalikes thanks to the unique orange and black wing markings.

Several things are noteworthy here. First, we have not even reached May. This dragonfly is an early species, but temperatures have not been high lately, making this find much earlier than expected - quite surprising. Second, historical Ulster County records exist for this species but they are at least twenty years old. It is listed as S3 by the New York Natural Heritage Program: "Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State". Third, this species is elusive, scarce, and seldom seen across its range - but I was lucky enough to see two at once this afternoon! Finally, these were incredibly difficult to track through the spotty forest sunlight. The dark coloration was cryptic against the leafy background and required a fair amount of concentration amongst the passing hikers and their eager dogs.

A very rare find indeed. I couldn't think of a more wonderful way to kick off the 2022 flight season.

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