CLOSED: dragonfly or damselfly ID

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nutsaboutnature Algonquin, IL(Zone 5a) Oct 13, 2019

Hi,
I'm hoping someone can identify this beautiful dragonfly or damselfly. Thanks in advance for any help.
These pictures were taken in northern Illinois (zone 5).

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Post #10451610
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Oct 14, 2019

It is a dragonfly, and although it resembles this species (http://greglasley.com/images/NorthAmericanDragonfliesandDamselflies/Thornbush%20Dasher%200163.jpg), I am not at all confident of the identification. You might check out this page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmills727/sets/72157624336629807/

Post #10451660
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nutsaboutnature Algonquin, IL(Zone 5a) Oct 14, 2019

Thanks so much for your help Flapdoodle!
The first link came up as "404 not found" so I couldn't compare it, but the second link is fascinating with a lot of beautiful photos.
You've identified so many insects for me over the years and I thank you for that. Knowing that it's a dragonfly will help me as I look through the photos from the flickr link.

Have a wonderful day!

Post #10451661
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Oct 14, 2019

This is the species i was trying to show - http://azdragonfly.org/sites/default/files/species/thornbush-dasher/img4506rpibs.jpg

Post #10451688
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nutsaboutnature Algonquin, IL(Zone 5a) Oct 14, 2019

Hi Flapdoodle,
I agree it does look similar, but I'm not sure the tail markings/colors look the same. I'll look at more of those pictures from the link you sent when I have a little more time.
Until I started taking pictures of the dragonflies and damselflies around my yard, a few years ago, I never realized how colorful they could be. You've identified several for me in the past. Their beauty is really quite amazing.
Thanks again!

Post #10451695
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Oct 15, 2019

When I first saw your images, I was fairly sure that it belonged to a group of dragonflies known as setwings, but I was unable to find a good match. The species I chose to use as an example is not the best, as you are out of its documented range, but exceptions always are possible. I am in travel status right now, and do not have my Odonata field guides at hand; I have found that searching on the web is not always 100% reliable!

Post #10451799
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nutsaboutnature Algonquin, IL(Zone 5a) Oct 15, 2019

Hi Flapdoodle,
I have to admit, the pictures I took of this particular dragonfly are definitely not some of my best. I also realize that the lighting, shadows, etc., might make the coloring and markings look different they actually are.

I always appreciate your input and, even though I'm leaving this thread marked as "closed", I welcome any other insight you might want to add in the future.

Stay safe wherever your travels take you.

Post #10451850
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