New Species Found in Grassman Ponds

A local entomologist (and amazing photographer) just found this new species, the black-tipped darner, on an Engineering stormwater pond! 

Grassman Ponds, along Old Middleton Road, has been a favorite spot for entomologist Edgar Spalding to conduct surveys. His work focuses on damselflies and dragonflies, and his latest visit in October yielded an exciting find. The black-tipped darner, or Aeshna tuberculifera, is the first confirmed sighting of this species in Dane County. This species has a State Rank status of S3 in Wisconsin, meaning its populations are vulnerable due to a restricted range, relatively few populations, recent and widespread declines, threats, or other factors. Well, I’ll be darned. 

 Edgar reports that he has only ever seen this species in northern Wisconsin, where their preferred habitat is, and states “This is more evidence that you are creating/preserving habitat that sustains species that would otherwise not exist in Madison!” 

We are so grateful to have an expert like Edgar sharing discoveries like this. In case you missed it, check out this past blog that shares more information on Edgar, dragonflies, and biodiversity on our stormwater land.