I'd like to be able to identify the dragonflies I have do you know the name of this one?
I looked in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders" and it looked like one named a 'Swift Long-winged Skimmer.'
Does anyone know a good reference book for pond insects?
This message was edited Aug 12, 2007 8:48 PM
darlindeb....Let me look, somewhere there was a listing on another forum for insects. Those are the same blue dragonflies I have here (they've started about 2 months ago) For some reason I'm thinking that particular one isn't called a dragonfly, but a damselfly or____? I think they had a different name. They have such a pretty color though, I just love them!
Hi. I live next to a Bird Refuge here is New Mexico and they have one if not the only dragon and damsel fly festivel every year. I'll see if they have a web site about them or if they have references on them if you would like me to. I have many different colors of them, they range from blacks, reds, blues, purple and pinks.
Wow, pinks how cool! I hope you take some photos of them.
Here is another variety I see at our house.
I'll try if can get them to stay still.
I don't know what species it is ,but I do know that it is not a damsel fly. Damsel flies hold their wings folded when they are at rest, and dragon flies hold their wings flat when at rest.
Garbird
I love dragonflies. Here is another one.
I read somewhere that dragonflies have thicker bodies than damselflies. Does anyone know if this is true? Ours never sit, then just skim the water.
I'm not sure about that. I know when I look at the photos the damselflies look thinner and they hold their wings differently. I haven't had any luck here with I.D., but I think Dave's has a bug or insect forum so I may try there.
Deb, love your dragon pics....you are right on the first one, also called the Blue Dasher, and he's obelisking....which is very cool to see.
The second one is a Twelve-spotted Skimmer, and the third, a Widow Skimmer.....called that because the male does not hang around while the female lays her eggs, what a cad lol
Hope you don't mind me horning in.
Roxanne
Hooray for YOU!
Thanks Deborah
