A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A new book highlights the beneficial and often elusive insects. 

This male dragonfly is known as Halloween pennant (Celithemis eponina). Its range extends throughout the eastern half of the United States and north into Canada. 

A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A new book highlights the beneficial and often elusive insects.

The female filigree skimmer (Pseudoleon superbus) has more intricate patterning on her wings than the male. 

A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A new book highlights the beneficial and often elusive insects.

The mature male eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is soft blue in color but has a green face and white “cerci”—appendages at the tip of the abdomen. The eastern pondhawk frequents ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers and streams.

A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A new book highlights the beneficial and often elusive insects.

The female desert whitetail (Libellula subornata) has two dark bands across each wing.

A Dazzle of Dragonflies

A new book highlights the beneficial and often elusive insects.

The arrowhead spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua) has brilliant blue eyes that contrast with the overall color of its body. This large dragonfly (8.4 centimeters or 3.3 inches) is named for the arrowhead-shaped yellow markings on its abdomen.