Have any of you seen the multi species inventory sampling protocols for
Iowa's wildlife action plan? (They can be found on the IDNR web site)
There are a couple of things about the protocols that I don't understand,
and I was hoping for some comments or clarification.

1. The dragonfly and damselfly monitoring section suggests collecting
exuviae of dragonflies for later identification. Does anyone know of any
reliable guide books or keys that can be used to identify the exuviae down
to the species level?

2. There is a general theme for sampling that involves using a hexagon
which is 200 meters on each side, and 400 meters long. I understand that
the general scheme is designed to tie all types of animal surveys to the
same type of scheme, and that the protocols are designed as a part of a
national system. I am not sure I understand the logic for the hexagons
other than that--there does not seem to be a requirement to orient them a
particular direction or to place them in relationship to other sample
plots. Does anyone know the justification for the hexagons?

Just wondering.

Harlan Ratcliff