Arroyo Darner, Rhionaeshna dugesi, in Graham Co., AZ: first county record and highest state elevation to date
July 28, 2018
Species: Arroyo Darner
Location: Snow Flat
During an odonate survey in the Safford, Graham Co., area on 28 July 2018, a male Arroyo Darner was discovered at Snow Flat pond up Mt. Graham, that was flying along with several Blue-eyed Darners, R. multicolor. The pond is located at an elevation of 2,680 m. This observation provides the first record of the species in Graham Co., AZ. In addition, the Arroyo Darner usually flies along streams at lower elevations (max. 1700 m) and so this individual was, by far, found at the highest elevation known to date for the species in the state. Equally interesting, while visiting the same location the next day, Doug Danforth observed an estimated three males, suggesting local breeding.