Dragonfly Gallery

Dragonfly 0052

This dragonfly from outer space is actually known terrestrially as an Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera). It is a tiny dragonfly (less than an inch long). While perching, these dragonflies will often move their wings and abdomen up and down, making them look very wasp-like. During courtship, the male approaches the female, swaying from side to side and leads her to his territory. After mating, the female lays eggs on the male's egg-laying site, often pond scum. The egg clusters explode when they reach the water's surface, thus distributing them.

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