Stygian Shadowdragon
This magnificent dragonfly is a Stygian Shadowdragon. Ohio has three species of shadowdragons. All are rarely observed because they typically only fly very late in the evening and at nighttime.
A little while later, this female Stygian Shadowdragon visited the sheet as well. Notice the dark brown, triangular patches near the bases of the hindwings. This is a good field mark for the species.
The two Stygian Shadowdragons on this page were photographed on private property in Adams County, Ohio. John Howard graciously hosted both Jim Lemon and myself on July 4, 2025. This male Stygian Shadowdragon came to our moth sheet as soon as we switched on the lights.
Stygian Shadowdragons mainly fly in June and July. Most of Ohio's recent records have been from southern counties along the Ohio River, with finds on the southern reaches of Ohio Brush Creek and the Little Miami River. But there are scattered records from more northern counties throughout the state. This species could be overlooked because of its nocturnal habits.
The female Stygian Shadowdragon landed on my wrist at one point. So cool!
