Inventory of Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) at Gateway National Recreation Area

Briggs, Nina

In order to expand knowledge of odonate biodiversity and to make recommendations for management, we conducted a comprehensive baseline inventory of dragonflies and damselflies (Class Insecta, Order Odonata) at Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE). During 2004 and 2005 we conducted a checklist inventory at sites where odonates could potentially breed, as well as at potential migratory and foraging sites. Checklist walks are unrestricted, complete searches that provide an efficient means for initial determination of species presence. During the combined 2004 and 2005 field seasons, 37 species of odonates were documented across 38 sites surveyed. Two New York state listed species were observed, Rambur’s forktail (Ischnura ramburii) and Needham’s skimmer (Libellula needhamii). Of the 4,671 individuals sighted during 2004 and 2005, 353 were collected as voucher specimens, representing 35 of the 37 species recorded. The most abundant odonate species at GATE were familiar bluet (Enallagma civile), blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis), citrine forktail (Ischnura hastate), and swamp darner (Epiaeschna heros). GATE is located within the odonate migration corridor and offers critical habitat for migrating odonates. Migrating odonates were observed during both years of this study in the Jamaica Bay Unit at Fort Tilden and at Breezy Point. The Jamaica Bay Unit showed the greatest species richness of the three Park Units at GATE. In particular, Big John’s Pond and West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge contained permanent water and supported considerable odonate activity, including two state-listed species, Rambur’s forktail and Needham’s skimmer. The Staten Island Unit generally lacks permanent water and abundant habitat that can be used for breeding by odonates. Nonetheless, sites containing permanent water, such as Freshwater Pond and Peeper Road, provided good foraging and breeding habitat for a suite of odonate species, including two state-listed species, Rambur’s forktail and Needham’s skimmer. The Sandy Hook Unit contains several unique coastal habitats, including sand dunes, salt and freshwater marshes, and freshwater ponds that provided valuable foraging, breeding, and migratory habitats for odonate species. Of particular importance to breeding odonates were freshwater ponds such as Newest, North, and Exclamation Point Pond. Overall, GATE contains several marshes and coastal ponds that are appropriate for odonate reproduction, as well as several sites that offer good foraging and critical migration habitat.

Inventory of Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) at Gateway National Recreation Area

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