Amateur odonatist Bob Marr led a one day beginner’s workshop August 14th for eleven participants. The workshop focused on the identification, safe capture and release, and observation of these “winged dragons” and “neon toothpicks.”

The day started with a short (about 45 minute) overview of life cycle, ecology, morphology, and behavior followed by field identification, lunch, and more more field observation. Everyone was encouraged to net specimens for study and release. Insect nets and magnifying lenses were provided for use by those without their own equipment. There were plenty of opportunities for pictures. Field guides such as Dragonflies of the North Woods by Kurt Mead and Damselflies of the North Woods by Bob DuBois were available for reference at the workshop.

Another workshop is planned for 2011.

Bob is helping to develop the database on odonata in the Keweenaw by submitting some odonata he collects to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ)