In October 2025, local entomologist Edgar Spalding reported a new finding at Grassman Ponds on Old Middleton Road in Dane County. During his regular surveys of damselflies and dragonflies, Spalding identified the black-tipped darner (Aeshna tuberculifera). This was the first confirmed record of the species in the county. The black-tipped darner is listed as vulnerable in Wisconsin, with a State Rank of S3 because of its limited range and declining numbers.
Spalding had previously seen this species only in northern Wisconsin. He noted that preserving stormwater habitats in Madison can help support species that are not common in the area. The City of Madison Engineering Department invites the public to learn more about local biodiversity and Spalding’s research…..