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An excellent field guide to damselflies and dragonfiles.
With 459 pages, 621 photos, 93 line drawings and 167 “species-by-species distribution maps”, the newest field guide in the gift shop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the definitive resource to Arizona odonata (dragonflies of Sonora, too).
Quite literally from A-Z (that’s Anisoptera to Zygoptera), the thorough book is lavishly illustrated with closeups that reveal subtle field marks and explains characteristics, distribution, and genera and species numbers. Authors Rich Bailowitz, Doug Danforth and Sandy Upson provide general information about habits and habitats of all species, noteworthy and singular behaviors, plus selected information about history and biology.
A guided walk on Aug. 6 is a chance to see Blue Dashers, Mexican Amberwings and other poetically-named insect predators as they patrol and hunt over the waters of Ayer Lake. What makes the Arboretum rank high for odonate viewing?
“The Arboretum is located near the northern limit of the subtropical influence of the Sonoran Desert,” says Bailowitz. “Two species which have been seen at the park that reflect this location are the Black Setwing and the Straw-colored Sylph. They are both common in northwestern Mexico and are near the northern limits of their distributions at the Arboretum. One other species which may well turn up here is the Claw-tipped Bluet. It, too, is a derivative of the subtropics and has recently been found at Oak Flat, several miles to the east of BTA. You all need to keep your eyes peeled!”
Dragonflies by Jim Van Housen
Bring your camera because our guides safely net a few dragonflies for visitors to view and photograph close-up, before releasing the insects unharmed. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and is included with daily admission.
The Arboretum is located at milepost #223 on U.S. Hwy. 60 near the historic copper mining town of Superior, about one hour’s drive due east of Phoenix on the Superstition Freeway. Arriving from Tucson? Take Oracle Road North to Highway 79, continue through and past the town of Florence to the junction where Highway 79 meets Highway 60, then turn right and drive another 12 miles East on Highway 60 to our front gate.
Adult Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 12; children under age five are admitted free.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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