dragonflies AT Casa Chlorophonia Guesthouse - Birding & Photography Garden & In the region
HIGH ELEVATION at our garden or in our region
High-elevation dragonflies in Costa Rica often belong to genera like Argia (Dancers), Heteragr
Key Genera & Species to Look For:
- Argia (Dancers): Many species like the Talamanca Dancer (A. talamanca) and Dusky Dancer (A. translata) prefer cooler stream habitats at elevation.
- Heteragrion (Flatwings): Found in forested, humid environments, including montane areas, known for specific habitat needs.
- Acanthagrion (Wedgetails):
Such as the Pacific Wedgetail (A. trilobatum), common in montane conditions. - Philogenia (Flatwings): P. carrillica is a notable species found in foothill cloud forests.
- Telebasis (Firetails): The Montane Firetail (T. garleppi) is specifically associated with higher elevations.
- Hetaerina (Rubyspots): Species like H. majuscula show preference for light levels in forest communities, even at higher elevations.
Habitat & Elevation:
- Dragonflies in Costa Rica show remarkable variation with altitude, with some families (Aeshnidae, Libellulidae) extending up to 2400m.
- Cloud forests, characterized by high humidity and canopy cover, host specialized forest-dwelling species from families like Polythoridae and Megapoda
grionidae.
Where to Find Them:
- Talamanca Mountain slopes & valleys such as San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre Valley
- Braulio Carrillo National Park: Offers trails (like Los Palmas) that pass through varied elevations, revealing different species like P. carrillica and Argia species.
- Tatamá Mountains: Studies here show diverse dragonfly families thriving at higher elevations.
To identify specific species, consult detailed field guides like "Dragonflies and Damselflies of Costa Rica: A Field Guide" or checklists from locations like Canopy Tower, notes Creagrus, and resources from the International Dragonfly Fund.
MID-ELEVATION AREAS - 1-1,5 hours drive from us
Mid-elevation
Mid-elevation Costa Rica hosts diverse dragonflies, including vibrant Dancers (Argia spp.), Amberwings (Perithemis spp.), Firetails (Telebasis), and Skimmers like the Red-faced Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax fusca), often near streams and forest clearings, with species like the Caribbean Yellowface (Neoerythromma cultellatum) and Talamanca Dancer (Argia talamanca) being characteristic damselflies in montane zones. Key families are Libellulidae (skimmers) and Coenagrionidae (dancers/damselflies).
Common Mid-Elevation Species (Examples):
- Dancers (Argia spp.): Look for various blue, purple, and black dancers like the Talamanca Dancer (A. talamanca) or Azure Dancer (A. fissa) near streams.
- Amberwings (Perithemis spp.): Small, colorful species often found in sunny spots.
- Firetails (Telebasis spp.): Bright red damselflies, including the Montane Firetail (T. garleppi).
- Caribbean Yellowface (Neoerythromma cultellatum): A striking blue/black damselfly with a distinct yellow face, common in mid-elevations.
- Red-faced Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax fusca): Smaller red skimmer dragonfly, noted for its bright coloration.
- Northern Redskimmer (Rhodopygia hinei): A large, very bright red dragonfly found in sunny perches.
Where to Find Them:
- Streams & Rivers: Dancers (Argia) love streams; look for them along edges.
- Forest Clearings/Edges: Dragonflies often hunt in sunny spots near forest openings.
- Ponds & Marshes: General dragonfly habitats, especially in lower mid-elevation areas.
Tips for Finding Them:
- Visit during sunny mornings or mid-day, as many are heliothermic (sun-loving).
- Look for them perching on branches, leaves, or grasses.
- Use field guides like the "Dragonflies and Damselflies of Costa Rica" book review
LOWLANDS, MANGROVES & SEASIDE - within 1,5-2 hours drive from us
Costa Rica's lowlands host diverse dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera), with nearly 300 species, including notable families like Gomphidae (Clubtails), Libellulidae (Skimmers), and Coenagrionidae (Bluets/Dancers). Key lowland species or genera to look for include Rubyspots (Hetaerina), various Dancers (Argia), Helic
Common Lowland Dragonflies & Damselflies:
- Hetaerina (Rubyspots):
Brightly colored, often near streams (e.g., H. miniata, H. titia). - Argia (Dancers): Many species found in lowlands, from varied to swamp dancers.
- Mecistogaster & Megaloprepus (
Helicopters): Large, striking damselflies often in rainforest canopy. - Epigomphus (Clubtails): E. verticicornis is a Costa Rican endemic of moist lowlands and rivers.
- Philogenia (Flatwings):
Various species like the Costa Rican Flatwing (P. carrillica). - Dythemis (Setwings): D. sterilis (Brown Setwing) found in Pacific lowland areas.
Where to Find Them:
- Rainforests: Especially near streams, ponds, and forest gaps (e.g., Corcovado, Macaw Lodge area).
- Pacific Lowlands: Areas like the Golfo Dulce region host numerous species.
- Rivers & Streams: Essential habitats for many Gomphidae and Argia species.
Key Takeaways:
- Costa Rica's biodiversity means many species, with over 268 recorded.
- Identification can be challenging due to species similarity.
- Look for species in the Libellulidae (Skimmers), G
omphidae (Clubtails), Coenagri onidae (Bluets), and Calopterygidae (Broad- winged Damselflies) families.
