The first presentation is an introduction to the life history quirks of Odonates and to family level identification. The second presentation explores how many Odes can be identified by sight. Others can be identified from photographs, but only if you managed to catch the correct field marks in the photo. Then there are those best examined in hand and then released. Finally, there are a few troublemakers that need good magnification for safe identification. This presentation gives you a foundation in Odonate ID in field, photos, and lab.

The insect order that includes the dragonflies and damselflies evolved over 260 million years ago within the key adaptation of insect wings. These and other physical features have been key to the success of these insects in a range of aquatic habitats. The complex life cycle of odonates poses a great system with many opportunities for research and observation. In this presentation, I will cover some of the key discoveries in the ecology and evolution of dragonflies and damselflies and will reference the ethics of carrying out entomological research.

Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies) are one of the better studied orders of insects in North America, and Maine is no exception. This talk reviews some of the survey and research work that has contributed to our knowledge of the status, distribution, and habitat relationships of over 158 odonates known from Maine, with a focus on the state's rare and endangered species.