I've been working on an article about dragonflies and I've learned so many interesting facts about them. They evolved over 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs. Craig Tooley sent along several photos that he has taken over the years. One of them was this beauty, which Kathy Biggs identified as a Variegated Meadowhawk.
My, what purple eyes you have, Variegated Meadowhawk Dragonfly!
Here's a photo I took of a Flame Skimmer, which landed on top of a sprinkler head in my garden, and posed long enough for me to get a photo.
Then the dragonfly, moved, turned around, and let me get a photo of the back.
I love these creatures! Kathy Biggs has a great booklet out entitled "Common Dragonflies of California, a Beginner's Pocket Guide." I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. You can see much more of Craig's nature photography at www.ruffimage.com
Anne Mary Schaefer
Thanks for sharing the great photos, Jeanne. I love Dragonflies! Years ago, I was on a nature walk and I'll never forget what the naturalist had to say about Dragonfly larvae, he called them the "badasses of the pond bottom". I remember we all had a good laugh at that description. But he said it's apropos, because when they're nymphs they are very aggressive and dominant and will eat anything and everything, because while they're transmogrifying apparently they're constantly ravenous. Apparently, it takes a lot to grow into such a beauty.
Jeanne Jackson
Post authorYes, they are called nymphs and they eat everything, including each other! They molt at least 12 times while in their aquatic state. Just an amazing creature and I am glad to learn more about them!