Dragonflies - Rainbows on the Wing

Join us on October 22 to hear fascinating stories of the beautiful dragonflies and damselflies native to the Pacific Northwest.  Dragonfly expert, Dennis Paulson, has studied these amazing insects for over 40 years and has an intimate knowledge of local populations and where and when best to observe them.  He invites EAS members to learn about these beautiful creatures.

Dennis recently retired from his position as Director of the Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound.  He received his Ph.D in Zoology from the University of Miami.  He has taught college and adult-education courses about natural history for more than 40 years.  One of his primary goals as a biologist, was to blend the science of biology with the study and appreciation of nature.  His special research subjects have long been dragonflies, which he traveled the world to study, resulting in the largest collection of Odonata specimens and photos in Western North America.  He has written over 40 scientific papers on the Odonata, and recently published Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West, and Dragonflies of Washington.  He is presently working on a similar field guide to eastern species

Dragonflies and damselflies are often called "birdwatcher" insects.  Active and brilliantly colored, these four-winged predators fly everywhere over unspoiled wetlands.  Their very different-looking larvae are dominant predators in the water below.  They have the best vision and most versatile flight of any insects.  Their sex life is similarly superlative.  In a highly illustrated lecture, Dennis will tell us all about the lives of these fascinating creatures.

Eight species of dragonflies and damselflies from nine families have been recorded. There is plenty of diversity in body form, coloration and habits.  They can be abundant, especially the damselflies that fly by the thousands at many interior lakes.  Though usually associated with water, the big blue darners can be seen almost anywhere, hawking for insects over lawns and parking lots in cities.  Nearly a dozen species live in city park lakes and ponds of Puget Sound urban areas, but just as with birding, you have to travel around the state to appreciate the real diversity of the group.

Please join us Thursday, October 22, 2009  for Dennis's informative presentation Dragonflies - Rainbows on the Wing.  The presentations will start promptly at 7:00, however, you are welcome to come early and enjoy the Activity Fair.  Dennis's presentation is FREE and open to the public - invite a friend.