Midland County has documented 57 species of odonates (2020) and that number continues to grow each year as more species extend their range due to climate change and the number of observers increases through the Master Naturalist program.
Start your journey into the beautiful world of odonates on the comprehensive site Odonata Central. You will find range maps, species lists, photographs and more. You can start adding your observations to the Odonata Central database by creating an account and directly uploading your photos or importing your observations from iNaturalist.
Best Odonate Guidebooks for our Area
This is a flyer for the Dragonfly Festival at Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge in NM but works well for our area as well.
Celebration of Dragonflies and Damselflies at Sibley Pond
Late summer when it is very, very hot, the odonates peak in the Llano Estacado and Sibley Pond is a great destination to see a diverse population of species each year. Located next to Hogan Park Golf Course, Sibley Pond is a man-made, lined Pond that has become an urban way station and watering hole for many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. A walk to Sibley Pond is never boring and a great way to experience nature. There is a picnic table and benches and plenty of shade, but the Pond retains a wild feel with windows through the vegetation for views of the Pond. Hunting and Fishing is not allowed, but observations are always encouraged! Dragonfly events have been held at the Pond in years past.
Celebration of Odonates 2020
It was very hot and windy this year. We practiced social distancing and wore masks as needed. We were still able to learn about and enjoy seeing odonates a little closer up. LETMN Member, Susan M., netted dragons and damsels on a catch and release program. Great care was taken to handle these hardy insects as carefully and speedily as possible. Gentle handling technique by the wings (or occasionally thorax) does not injure the insect. We were fortunate to have a Sibley Camera Club member, Debbie Whiting, join us and allow us to use her beautiful photographs. Intern, Betsy T-H, also provided some photos of dragon and damsel encounters!
