Observation by Rosemary Ahtuangaruak:
Unusual for them to pass the Brooks Range. Only seen them south of Atigun. Multiple seen next day.
Comments from LEO Editors:
This observation has been forwarded to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension for possible species ID.
There are about 30 species of dragonflies in Alaska. The true abundance and range are not fully understood for most of these species, but there are some species documented to exist in the northern parts of the state. Azure darners and treeline emeralds have both been found in Prudhoe Bay and the surrounding area. See Alaska’s Dragons for more information. The larval life stage of dragonflies live in aquatic habitats, and despite the adult stage being terrestrial, adults don’t usually stray too far from the larval habitats. A species profile by The Alaska Department of Fish and Game on treeline emeralds, suggested that the range of dragonflies may expand northward with increasing climatic temperatures. If the dragonfly observed at the Colville River has never been observed that far north before, it may have been taking advantage of an expanded habitat range with the unusually high temperatures experienced statewide. Elizabeth Lindley
Observations From Members 