Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea

There are two gliders in Arkansas. Both are common dragonflies. Both often make swarms and they can mix in their swarming. Often they will swarm over Bermuda grass lawns in the middle of towns and cities or over hot parking lots. Note the spots on the inner hind wing on this species.

Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens

The Wandering Glider looks virtually identical except for lack of wing spots and a much lighter golden-red face. Looks paler and more golden in flight swarms. With skill you can tell the two apart at high speed. Both have the very wide hindwings for strong flight. The Wandering Glider can cruise at thunderstorm height and cross oceans. Laying eggs in the pools left by the storms. Found nearly worldwide.

The way that most Glider's are viewed and often in swarms. Though John achieved impressive focus here, better than our eye trying to catch the motion. Again the tiger colors and the bright golden appearance compared to the Spot-wing.

Hyacinth Glider Miathyria marcella

The other vagrant Glider to our area is this species. It is mainly a Gulf Coastal state species and is very common in Florida. At the end of the season they wander north and David Arbour has found them at Red Slough.

Handheld side shot showing the elongated darkened area at the base of the wings and the pale side stripes.