Dragonflies & Damselflies of Curacao Mars Muusse - the Netherlands
Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) is a long distant migrant from the Tropics and in March 2009, it was abundant.
It was seen on various locations along the south of the island, typically patrouilling in small groups and up to over twenty along sheltered bushes and trees of parking lots near the beaches. It often associated with Tramea's. This taxon was more numerous at Malpais and at Muizenberg, were it commonly rested in sedge vegetation in the late evening, and probably spending the night at such places. Higest count at Muizenberg was about 75 individuals, most relatively fresh and the males lacking the intense orange colour of fully matures. P. flavescens was also recorded at the sheltered side of Christoffel Hill, and the small streams running from it.
Note the difference in markings between males and females on the abdomen, varying in darkness and amount. The yellow spot in the wing can vary as well and note also the long appendages for a female. The species has not been seen ovipositing, but one copula was seen flying at St Michiel.
Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens). Malpais - Curacao, March 2009. Male.
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