168. Paddle-tailed Darner

This is one of the commonest darners that you will encounter in B.C. (there are 13 in total in case anyone asks*).  Aeshna palmata flies from May until late October and there are even records from November. They frequent a range of habitats, particularly lakes and ponds. The male appendages shown in the middle photograph are the source of the English and scientific name for this species. Look also for the dark stripe on the face and the relatively straight thoracic stripes - these distinguish this guy from the other two "paddle-tails". 

I have collected several Aeshna exuvia, one of which may be this species. Once I am certain I will add that photograph to this account. It is very exciting to find the abandoned exuvia at the edge of the pond as this shows that the pond is actually being used by these critters to breed and it isn't just a feeding stop-over for the short-lived adults. It's and indicator that we have created a wee functional ecosystem that is healthy enough for odonates. And that the bullfrogs haven't eaten them all! 
  
I was bound and determined to not post any dragonflies unless I got some good in flight photos..ha!  Bloody difficult. Even when I knew exactly where this fellow was going to be released, it is a bit of a blur! 

*have I ever mentioned how I caught eight species in one afternoon at one location by myself? Not at Leaning Oaks unfortunately!