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Smith Canal Cosumnes

The life cycle of Dragonflies is in 3 stages; egg, larva(nymph) and adult. After the larvae emerge from the egg they grow and develop underwater. This stage can last from 1 month to 8 years. The larvae are heavy eaters of aquatic insects, especially fly larvae. Pesticides in the water can kill the larvae. Reduced oxygen in the water because of organic wastes and run-off from over-fertilized gardens is also toxic. Overcutting of sedges, tules and reeds at creek's edge reduces the places for adult females to lay eggs. Because Dragonflies and Damselflies, both larval and adult, eat such a large quantity of insects we benefit from their preservation. Flame Skimmers, Tule Bluets, Western Pondhawks and Black Saddlebags have been the most commonly seen around the creek in past years.

Dragonflies
Flame Skimmer    click here for an image
Four-spotted Skimmer
Eight-spotted Skimmer
Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Western Pond Hawk
Black Saddlebags
Common Green Darner
Blue Dasher
Beaverpond Baskettail
Grappletail
Common Whitetail
Pacific Clubtail

Damselflies
Tule Bluet     click here for an image
Northern Bluet
California Spreadwing
Black Spreadwing