Sussex

Sussex County possesses the longest Odonata checklist of any county in North America. To date, 142 species have been documented here. This represents 79% of all the species found in New Jersey. Why would the region have such a rich fauna?  Part of the reason of course is that we live here and have focused much attention on our home turf! The real reason perhaps is due to the varied topography of the county and its varied geology. 

Sussex County abounds with poorly drained swamps, marshes and fens left over from the last glaciation. Along the western border runs the Kittatinny Mountains, an area rich in northern boreal habitats unique to the state. The county also has many of the cleanest rivers and streams in the state. Open space is, while diminishing, still more abundant than in most other parts of north New Jersey.  

If you add all these factors together you can see why so many odes have been found here. With the widely varied habitats and large amount of protected land Sussex is a good place to be an Ode!

Click here for printable Sussex County checklists