Species Spotlight: Flame Skimmer

Next up in the spotlight is another striking skimmer—the Flame Skimmer. This flame-colored species is quite common in the southwest, but it is also found in Northern California, Oregon, and just recently a sighting was made in Washington, just across the Columbia River from Oregon.

Here's a look at a male Flame Skimmer:



This species is distinguished from the similar Neon Skimmer by having dark-red rectangular "bars" at the base of the wings, near the leading edge. In addition, the coloration in the wings extends beyond the nodus—the bend in the leading edge of the wing—but stops short of the nodus in the Neon Skimmer.

The female of the species is more lightly colored, as seen below:



Notice the "flange" near the tip of the abdomen, which is the female's "egg scoop".

Here are some additional views of the male:





The next photo shows a common practice of this dragonfly—it often perches with its front two legs tucked up behind the head.



Many dragonflies perch this way, and even fly in this configuration.

Species Spotlight: Filigree Skimmer

Next up in the species spotlight is a dragonfly with rather striking markings—the Filigree Skimmer. This dragonfly has striped eyes, which is unusual for dragonflies, and complex stripes along the abdomen. In addition, its wings have an intricate, splotchy pattern of dark markings. Here's an example of a male Filigree Skimmer:

We typically see the Filigree Skimmer flying and perching along small streams in Arizona. Good places to find them are on Queen Creek in the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and on Tortilla Creek at Tortilla Flat.

Here's another view of the individual shown above:

The next photo shows the wing and abdomen patterns more clearly:

Finally, here's a side view of a female Filigree Skimmer:

The "egg scoop" projecting downward near the tip of the abdomen identifies it as a female. Notice that its coloration and markings help it blend into its surroundings.

Happy New Year, 2019!

Well, it's here—2019. Here's wishing you and yours a healthy and fulfilling New Year.



And may it be a happy New Year as well!

In today's Rose Parade there was one float that caught my eye. It had a Japanese Garden motif, including dragonflies perched on cattails. Here's the concept drawing for the float:



I hope 2019 provides you with many delightful (and happy) dragonfly experiences.