Lawson, Tamara A. 1998. A Systematic Survey of the Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) Found on Wind Cave National Park (WICA) May through August 1998. 34 p.

Abstract

The primary objective of this project was to determine which species of dragonflies and damselflies (odonates) occur on the park as a baseline for the aquatic insect populations found throughout the park. Information collected on each species included the type of wetland habitats preferred, the length or timing of the flight period of the adults, commonality of each species, and any special habitat requirements or behavioral patterns indicative of that species. Both the species checklist created and the life history patterns observed in this survey were compared to previously published reports from South Dakota and the surrounding states. The information was then used to provide a guideline for continued monitoring of odonates by park personnel and management recommendations for maintaining the diversity of odonates dependent upon aquatic habitats in a relatively dry region. This survey is part of a long-term study to document the Odonates of the Black Hills and to determine any geographic variation in life history strategies and physical characteristics specific to this area.