Learning about dragonflies

Not all winged bugs are out to bug you.

Take, for example, dragonflies and damselflies, both of the order Odonata; usually seen flitting about on sunny days near waterways or ponds.

As part of Urquhart Butterfly Gardens Summer Series, noted dragonfly expert Brenda Van Ryswyk held a lecture and guided walk for approximately 25 individuals Saturday morning.

Van Ryswyk talked about the differences between dragonflies and damselflies, their life cycle and mating, and noted identifying characteristics of more common species, of which there are over 170 in Ontario alone.

The nature walks continue throughout August. For more information visit urquhartbutterfly.com.

Barry Gray is a Hamilton-based photojournalist at The Spectator. Reach him via email: bgray@thespec.com