Dragonflies, Indoor Presentation

On Friday, April 3, 2015, Dennis Paulson, one of the most knowledgeable naturalists in the Northwest, opened a window into the lives of dragonflies and damselflies in our region, sharing his interest in their biodiversity and biology. In a profusely illustrated lecture, “Dragonflies: Rainbows on the Wing,” Dennis shared all about the lives of these interesting creatures and how they fit into their environment.

Dragonflies and damselflies are often called birdwatchers’ insects. Active and brilliantly colored, these four-winged predators fly everywhere over unspoiled wetlands. Their very different-looking larvae are dominant predators in the water below. They have the best vision and the most versatile flight of any insects, and their sex life is similarly superlative.

Click here for the presentation PowerPoint

Download Dennis Paulson’s Handout: Dragonflies of WA

Listen to the song, “Waterflies,” written by Julie Vanderwal and Nancy Warner. Click here to see the lyrics and chords.

Researching the biology and systematics of dragonflies all over the world, Dennis is particularly interested in their coloration. Because Dennis recognizes the importance of our natural ecosystems, as well as the importance of the general public being informed about them, he has long held the view that natural history is our most important science.

Thank you very much, Dennis, for sharing your expertise with our community! And thank you for sharing your handout and PowerPoint presentation for this webpage, too.