[Paisley_Tx]

Hiya folks.

I was wondering if I might could get some help on identifying these two dragonflies. Both were seen in North central Texas, USA.

thanks in advance! :)

[harry eales]

Originally Posted by Paisley_Tx

Hiya folks.

I was wondering if I might could get some help on identifying these two dragonflies. Both were seen in North central Texas, USA.

thanks in advance! :)

Hi Paisley,
I'm afraid I cannot be much help to you being on the other side of the 'Pond'.
Your no.1 photograph appears to be a Sympetrum species. No.2 is a Damselfly
Neither photograph shows areas which are critical to identification. Sorry, I wish I could have been of more help.

Harry

[Surreybirder]

There are so many N. American dragonflies that it's almost impossible for a Brit to ID females or teneral males, without some field experience. It looks a bit like some of the female skimmers to me. But I wouldn't put money on it. The damselflies are virtually impossible to ID unless you can see the markings on top of the abdomen. I wonder if Forecreeks is still around. He's a whizz at US odos but I haven't seen any postings from his recently (and I think he's based in Oregon rather than Texas.)

[Paisley_Tx]

I appreciate you both trying anyhow.

[KCFoggin]

Your first photo looks to be the female "Blue Dasher" and your second one is I believe a damsel fly that goes by the name of "Vivid Dancer" although I might be off on that one. Nice shots of both.

[Forcreeks]

Agree pretty well with KC. The skimmer is Blue Dasher, and the damsel certainly in the Argia genus with the Vivid. A field guide to TX species to see what breeds in that particular area and/or some very detailed photos needed for absolute confirmation of spp.