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Ryan Brady | profile | all galleries >> Dragonflies 2008 >> Skimmers (Family Libellulidae) >> Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)

One of only two members of its genus to occur in Wisconsin, and rather unique -- worldwide in distribution, the most highly-evolved dragonfly, and highly migratory. Adults migrate into Wisconsin mostly in mid-late summer (July-August) from points south. Medium in size (~2"), they have (1) clear, broad-based wings, (2) yellowish-orange body with black abdominal top-spots, and (3) yellow to red faces. These features make them recognizable in flight as they glide almost constantly over temporary pools and ponds. The similar Spot-winged Glider (P. hymenaea) has a dark spot near the base of the hindwing. I saw only a couple of individuals in 2008 and managed just one good photo.
Wandering Glider (P. flavescens) - male?
Wandering Glider (P. flavescens) - male?