While surveying for Odonata in coastal peatlands and associated shoreline areas adjacent to Lake Superior in Wisconsin, we documented populations of two new state record species, the zig-zag darner (Aeshna sitchensis Hagen) and the alkali bluet (Enallagma clausum Morse). We also located a robust population of the state-endangered incurvate emerald (Somatochlora incurvata Walker) at the northwestern edge of the known range of this species. Adults and exuviae of A. sitchensis and S. incurvata were found at an insular fen on Stockton Island, Ashland County, within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (AINL). Breeding of both species had occurred in areas of the fen where small pools had dried by summer. Additionally, a single adult male A. sitchensis was collected in the City of Superior in Douglas County. Adult E. clausum were found at two sites: on the Lake Superior beach near the mouth of the Sand River within the AINL in Bayfield County, and along the northeast shore of Allouez Bay in the City of Superior in Douglas County

DuBois, Robert B

Epstein, Eric J

Mead, Kurt

Pleski, Julie M

Smith, William A

English

ValpoScholar

The Great Lakes Entomologist 
Volume 37 
Numbers 3 & 4 - Fall/Winter 2004 Numbers 3 & 
4 - Fall/Winter 2004 
Article 3 
October 2004 
First Records for Aeshna Sitchensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) and 
Enallagma Clausum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), and a 
Northwestern Record for the State-Endangered Somatochlora 
Incurvata (Odonata: Corduliidae) in Wisconsin 
Robert B. DuBois 
Department of Natural Resources 
Julie M. Pleski 
Department of Natural Resources 
William A. Smith 
Department of Natural Resources 
Eric J. Epstein 
Department of Natural Resources 
Kurt Mead 
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/tgle 
 Part of the Entomology Commons 
Recommended Citation 
DuBois, Robert B.; Pleski, Julie M.; Smith, William A.; Epstein, Eric J.; and Mead, Kurt 2004. "First Records 
for Aeshna Sitchensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) and Enallagma Clausum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), and a 
Northwestern Record for the State-Endangered Somatochlora Incurvata (Odonata: Corduliidae) in 
Wisconsin," The Great Lakes Entomologist, vol 37 (2) 
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/tgle/vol37/iss2/3 
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126 THE GREAT LAKES ENTOMOLOGIST Vol. 37, Nos. 3 & 4
FIRST RECORDS FOR AESHNA SITCHENSIS
(ODONATA: AESHNIDAE) AND ENALLAGMA CLAUSUM
(ODONATA: COENAGRIONIDAE), AND A NORTHWESTERN
RECORD FOR THE STATE-ENDANGERED SOMATOCHLORA
INCURVATA (ODONATA: CORDULIIDAE) IN WISCONSIN
Robert B. DuBois*1, Julie M. Pleski1, William A. Smith2,
Eric J. Epstein2 and Kurt Mead3
ABSTRACT
While surveying for Odonata in coastal peatlands and associated shore-
line areas adjacent to Lake Superior in Wisconsin, we documented populations
of two new state record species, the zig-zag darner (Aeshna sitchensis Hagen) and
the alkali bluet (Enallagma clausum Morse). We also located a robust popula-
tion of the state-endangered incurvate emerald (Somatochlora incurvata Walker)
at the northwestern edge of the known range of this species. Adults and exuviae
of A. sitchensis and S. incurvata were found at an insular fen on Stockton Island,
Ashland County, within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (AINL). Breed-
ing of both species had occurred in areas of the fen where small pools had dried
by summer. Additionally, a single adult male A. sitchensis was collected in the
City of Superior in Douglas County. Adult E. clausum were found at two sites:
on the Lake Superior beach near the mouth of the Sand River within the AINL in
Bayfield County, and along the northeast shore of Allouez Bay in the City of
Superior in Douglas County.
____________________
Aeshna sitchensis and Somatochlora incurvata
The zig-zag darner (Aeshna sitchensis Hagen) is a boreal dragonfly distrib-
uted across Canada and the northern United States. It has been reported from
northern Minnesota close to Wisconsin in the city of Duluth and the Upper
Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, but not from Wisconsin
(O’Brien 2002, Smith et al. 2003, Donnelly 2004a). It prefers small pools or
puddles that may dry during summer, usually 10 m2 or less in size, without
emergent plants, in sedge-dominated bogs or poor fens (Walker 1953, Cannings
1982). We collected adults and exuviae of A. sitchensis from a poor fen on Stock-
ton Island in Ashland County, which represent first records for the species in
Wisconsin. Additionally, a single adult male A. sitchensis was collected from a
sidewalk in downtown Superior in Douglas County on 1 October 2004. The loca-
tion of the breeding site that produced this specimen is unknown.
The state-endangered incurvate emerald (Somatochlora incurvata Walker) is
distributed throughout the northeastern United States, its range extending only as
far west as Wisconsin (Donnelly 2004b). Here, the species is known from small
numbers of individuals at about two dozen sedge- and sphagnum-dominated poor
fens in 10 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties (Wisconsin Odonata Survey 2005). Most of
these sites are located in the bed of former Glacial Lake Wisconsin in several of
1Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 1401 Tower
Avenue, Superior, Wisconsin 54880.
2Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South
Webster Street, Post Office Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707.
3Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland,
Minnesota 55603.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: Robert.DuBois@dnr.state.wi.us, Phone: 715-392-6976.
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DuBois et al.: First Records for Aeshna Sitchensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) a
Published by ValpoScholar, 2004
2004 THE GREAT LAKES ENTOMOLOGIST 127
Wisconsin’s central counties (Smith et al. 2003). We discovered a robust popula-
tion of this species co-existing with A. sitchensis at the Stockton Island poor fen,
which is at the northwestern edge of its known range. Other northern popula-
tions of S. incurvata are known from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including
areas adjacent to the Lake Superior shore (Walker 1925, Donnelly 2004b, Michi-
gan Odonata Survey 2005).
The Stockton Island Tombolo (T52N-R1W, Sec. 36) is a designated State
Natural Area within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (AINL), which is
managed by the National Park Service. The Apostle Islands lie in the Wisconsin
waters of Lake Superior, with Stockton Island located about 7 km offshore in
Ashland County. The Stockton Island Tombolo contains a complex combination
of aquatic communities with many rare species of plants and animals (Epstein
et al. 2002). Two sandspits connect Presque Isle Point to the main body of the
island. The spits enclose a large wetland and lagoon, which are traversed by a
series of narrow, parallel, sand ridges.
A large insular poor fen is located at the base of the Tombolo. We made
four visits to this fen, on 29 June, 16 July, 20 July, and 25 August 2004. Al-
though we searched the entire fen for exuviae and adults of Odonata, most of our
efforts were focused along the slightly wetter south and east margins to which
breeding activity of the two rare species appeared to be limited. Exuviae of both
species were found in close proximity, indicating use of the same habitat. No
surface water was present during any of our visits, but water was readily found
just below the surface. The breeding areas of the fen were comprised of small
islands of Sphagnum mounds, which were surrounded by interconnected, canal-
like areas and drying pools of damp, dark peat forming a reticulated pattern.
The pools averaged less than 10 m2 in size with peaty banks of 2 to 5 cm. The soil
had a dark, silty composition and was thickly interlaced with plant roots. The
open mat was dominated by fine sedges, including running bog sedge (Carex
oligosperma) and beaked sedge (C. utriculata), as well as cotton grasses
(Eriophorum spp. and Scirpus hudsonianus), and pod-grass (Scheuchzeria
palustris). The mounds of Sphagnum spp. also contained coast sedge (C. exilis),
white beak-rush (Rhynchospora alba), and twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides). In
or along the damp, peaty canals were bladderworts (Utricularia spp.) and sun-
dews (Drosera spp.). The fen was edged with black spruce (Picea mariana), tama-
rack (Larix laricina), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), and pitcher plant
(Sarracenia purpurea).
Two exuviae of A. sitchensis were collected on 29 June and again on 16 July,
and a single exuviae was taken on 20 July. A total of 43 S. incurvata exuviae
were found on 29 June, 16 July, and 20 July, and a single exuviae was found on
25 August. All exuviae of both species were found on sedge (Cyperaceae) stems
in or along the edges of the damp, peaty canals and drying pools described above.
Cannings (1982) and Walker (1922) previously documented breeding of A.
sitchensis in shallow bog pools, largely devoid of vegetation, that had dried by
summer. Shiffer (1969) also described oviposition of S. incurvata in small pools
within a Pennsylvania bog that were nearly dry in summer. Adults of both
species were seen in flight in the same areas during the July and August visits.
At least 16 adult A. sitchensis and at least 6 dozen adult S. incurvata were
observed in the fen during our visits. This evidence indicates at least a two-
month flight period and asynchronous emergence for both species.
Five adults (4 males, 1 female) of A. sitchensis were netted and retained as
vouchers. Considerable effort was required to net them because they would fly
50 m or more when startled by our approach. They often perched horizontally in
sedges, mainly near the pools, or vertically in the nearby trees. Mating behavior
of A. sitchensis was not observed. We netted more than 20 adult S. incurvata at
the site. Most were examined in hand and released, with some vouchers re-
tained. Many S. incurvata were observed while emerging, mating, and oviposit-
ing. In mid-July females oviposited by tapping their abdomens in wetter areas
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The Great Lakes Entomologist, Vol. 37, No. 2 [2004], Art. 3
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128 THE GREAT LAKES ENTOMOLOGIST Vol. 37, Nos. 3 & 4
where a thin film of water lay over the peat. Shiffer (1969) also noted that
females tapped their abdomens only into wet mud or water, not into Sphagnum.
On 20 July, three newly emerged tenerals were flushed from small areas of
damp peat where their exuviae were subsequently found. Male S. incurvata
behaved aggressively toward each other and toward A. sitchensis males, chasing
them out of defended territories. Males of A. sitchensis did not respond aggres-
sively toward males of S. incurvata or each other. A lack of aggressive behavior
on the part of A. sitchensis males was similarly observed by Cannings (1982).
Other Odonata observed and likely breeding in the same areas used by A.
sitchensis and S. incurvata were sedge sprite (Nehalennia irene (Hagen)),
Hudsonian whiteface (Leucorrhinia hudsonica (Selys)), white-faced meadowhawk
(Sympetrum obtrusum (Hagen)), and ebony boghaunter (Williamsonia fletcheri
Williamson).
Enallagma clausum
The alkali bluet (Enallagma clausum Morse) is a damselfly found through-
out the northern and western United States and southern and western Canada
(Donnelly 2004c). It is typically found at lakes with saline or alkaline waters, or
at large, freshwater lakes with little vegetation (Kennedy 1917, Walker 1953,
Cannings and Stuart 1977, Westfall and May 1996). E. clausum is known from
northern Minnesota and had been reported in previous years from several cen-
tral Wisconsin counties (Donnelly 2004c). However, all previous Wisconsin
records were of larvae and we were unable to confirm that any of them were this
species. We collected adult and teneral E. clausum from sites in Bayfield County
near the mouth of the Sand River, and in Douglas County on Wisconsin Point
along the northeast shore of Allouez Bay.
The mouth of Sand River in Bayfield County (T51N-R6W, Sec. 32) is
located in a complex of wetlands separated from Lake Superior by a narrow,
forested sandspit. The lower portions of the Sand River are bordered by north-
ern sedge meadow and an alder thicket. A mostly open peatland with coastal
fen, coastal bog, and tamarack swamp habitats lies east of the river mouth.
This wetland complex supports a diverse assemblage of plants, animals, and
communities including many rare species (Epstein et al. 2002). On 19 August
2004, an adult male and adult female E. clausum were collected near each other
on the Lake Superior beach among grasses close to the coastal fen. Conditions
were sunny and cool with strong winds. The Lake Superior shore at this site has
a sand and gravel substrate with no aquatic vegetation in the immediate vicin-
ity. The breeding site was not discovered, and it is possible that the strong
winds could have blown the pair from a considerable distance.
Wisconsin Point in Douglas County (T49N-R13W, Sec. 28) forms the east-
ern part of a long coastal barrier spit that separates Lake Superior from Allouez
Bay. Allouez Bay is part of the St. Louis River estuary and is situated between
the City of Superior’s east-side neighborhood of Allouez and Wisconsin Point.
Major site features at Wisconsin Point include several miles of open sand beach
and dunes, small interdunal wetlands, and a pine forest. The northeast shore-
line of Allouez Bay contains beds of graminoid plants, including lake sedge
(Carex lacustris), water sedge (C. aquatilis), creeping spike-rush (Eleocharis
palustris), softstem-bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), water-bulrush
(S. subterminalis), broad-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), and cat-tails
(Typha spp.). On 14 July 2004, a newly emerged teneral E. clausum was col-
lected from an area of this shoreline containing mostly softstem-bulrush. Con-
ditions were sunny and warm (26 °C). Adult white-faced meadowhawk, marsh
bluet (Enallagma ebrium (Hagen)), Hagen’s bluet (E. hageni (Walsh), and east-
ern forktail (Ischnura verticalis (Say)) were collected or observed in same area.
On 7 August 2004, three adult E. clausum were collected from the 2-km north-
east shoreline of Allouez Bay during a bioblitz by citizen volunteers. Thus, the
exact locations where they were collected could not be determined. Conditions
on this date were overcast and windy with intermittent light rains. Other adult
3
DuBois et al.: First Records for Aeshna Sitchensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) a
Published by ValpoScholar, 2004
2004 THE GREAT LAKES ENTOMOLOGIST 129
Odonata collected or observed on this date in the same general area were tule
bluet (E. carunculatum Morse), familiar bluet (E. civile (Hagen), Hagen’s bluet,
eastern forktail, northern spreadwing (Lestes disjunctus Selys), sedge sprite,
variable darner (Aeshna interrupta Walker), and white-faced meadowhawk. Sub-
sequent searches for E. clausum larvae and exuviae at this site did not yield any
specimens.
Although the exact breeding sites of E. clausum were not confirmed with
larvae or exuviae at either site, the presence of a newly emerged teneral at
Allouez Bay indicates that this species did breed in Wisconsin at that site in
2004. Large, open water habitats along the Lake Superior shoreline and its
bays are consistent with published reports of E. clausum breeding at large,
freshwater lakes with little vegetation at other locations. Further surveys should
be conducted along additional shoreline areas of Lake Superior in Wisconsin to
determine the status of E. clausum in the state.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank the National Park Service for approving this study within the
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and especially, J. Van Stappen for helping
to select and access study sites. We thank S. Schram for transportation to
Stockton and Michigan Islands. R. Besonen, J. Roth, S.Schram, and M. Seider
provided able field assistance. We also thank J. Deragon, Tribal Chairman of
the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, for granting access to the Sand
River fen through tribal land. This survey was supported by funds from the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
LITERATURE CITED
Cannings, R. A. 1982. Notes on the biology of Aeshna sitchensis Hagen (Anisoptera:
Aeshnidae). Odonatologica 11: 219-223.
Cannings, R. A. and K. M. Stuart.1977. The dragonflies of British Columbia. British
Columbia Provincial Museum. Handbook No. 35. 256 pp.
Donnelly, T. W. 2004a. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part I: Aeshnidae,
Petaluridae, Gomphidae, Cordulegastridae. Bulletin of American Odonatology 7:
61-90.
Donnelly, T. W. 2004b. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part II: Macromiidae,
Corduliidae and Libellulidae. Bulletin of American Odonatology 8: 1-32.
Donnelly, T. W. 2004c. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part III: Calopterygidae,
Lestidae, Coenagrionidae, Protoneuridae, Platystictidae with data sources and
bibliography, parts I - III. Bulletin of American Odonatology 8: 33-99.
Epstein, E. J., E. Spencer, and D. Feldkirchner. 2002. A data compilation and assess-
ment of coastal wetlands of Wisconsin’s Great Lakes: Final report. PUBL-ER-803
2002, Department of Natural Resources, Natural History Inventory, Bureau of
Endangered Resources, Madison, WI.
Kennedy, C. H. 1917. Notes on the life history and ecology of the dragonflies (Odonata)
of central California and Nevada. Proceedings of the United States National
Museum 52: 483-635.
Michigan Odonata Survey. 2005. On-line database. MOS Master Database, http://
insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/MICHODO/ododata.html.
O’Brien, M. F. 2002. 2002 Great Lakes Odonata Meeting, Higgins Lake, MI. Williamsonia
6(3&4): 2-6.
Shiffer, C. N. 1969. Occurrence and habits of Somatochlora incurvata, new for Penn-
sylvania (Odonata: Corduliinae). Michigan Entomologist 2: 75-76.
4
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130 THE GREAT LAKES ENTOMOLOGIST Vol. 37, Nos. 3 & 4
Smith, W. A., T. E. Vogt, and K. H. Gaines. 2003. Checklist of Wisconsin dragonflies.
Wisconsin Entomological Society Miscellaneous Publication No.2.
Walker, E. M. 1922. The nymph and breeding place of Aeshna sitchensis Hagen
(Odonata). Canadian Entomologist 53: 221-226.
Walker, E. M. 1925. The North American dragonflies of the genus Somatochlora.
University of Toronto Studies, Biology Series, No. 26. 202 pp.
Walker, E. M. 1953. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska. Vol. I, Part I: General. Part II:
The Zygoptera - damselflies. University of Toronto Press. 292 pp.
Westfall, M. J. and M. L. May. 1996. Damselflies of North America. Scientific Publish-
ers, Gainesville, Florida. 650 pp.
Wisconsin Odonata Survey. 2005. On-line county distribution maps. WDNR
Macroinvertebrate Database. http://atriweb.info/inventory/Odonata.
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DuBois et al.: First Records for Aeshna Sitchensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) a
Published by ValpoScholar, 2004

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https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2106&amp;context=tgle

First Records for \u3ci\u3eAeshna Sitchensis\u3c/i\u3e (Odonata: Aeshnidae) and \u3ci\u3eEnallagma Clausum\u3c/i\u3e (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), and a Northwestern Record for the State-Endangered \u3ci\u3eSomatochlora Incurvata\u3c/i\u3e (Odonata: Corduliidae) in Wisconsin

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