Gray Petaltail (Tachopteryx thoreyi)

This dragonfly landed on our shiny toolbox and attempted to oviposit (?). Appeared to have brownish/gray colorations/bands. Found at the edge of a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. A seasonal stream nearby.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Nice! New dragonfly species have become infrequent, but it seems there's no end to them, which is great! Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! I was sure to shoo away this dragonfly immediately after these shots as I did not want her wasting her eggs on this reflective surface (that was NOT water)! Many dragonfly populations decrease due to cars/vehicles for that very reason! Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I had never considered that it was the reflection causing this, thanks for the tip! Posted 7 years ago
  2. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    FYI - solar panels are also attractive to insects like dragonflies. Probably most reflective man-made surfaces would confuse them though...even tool boxes ;) Posted 7 years ago

The Gray petaltail

''Tachopteryx thoreyi'', commonly known as the gray petaltail and Thorey's grayback, is a species of dragonfly. It is native to the East Coast of the United States as far north as New York, as far south as Florida, and as far west as Texas. This species is the only member of the monotypic genus ''Tachopteryx''.

The gray petaltail lives in highlands, woodlands, and deciduous forests with permanent seeps, often indicated by the presence of skunk cabbage and ferns.

The gray petaltail.. more

Info 2 0

Similar species: Dragonflies And Damselflies

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling