Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera)
The garden has been full of dragonflies and damselflies this summer. While watching for butterflies on Sunday I spotted this attractive Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera). I first saw one here in 2018 and again in 2019, skipping last year. So welcome back little pretty!
Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera)
Here is what I found out about this dragonfly species.
It is very small, reaching a total length of no more than 25 mm. The males have orange or amber wings. Both sexes have a red pterostigma. The eastern amberwing dragonfly is one of the only types of dragonfly that actively mimics a wasp. The yellow and brown stripes on its abdomen encourage predators to stay away. When perched, they will wiggle their abdomen and wings in a wasp-like fashion to deter other animals from eating it. Males have an elaborate courtship ritual. When a female approaches his territory, the male will lead her to his selected egg-laying site and hover above it with wings whirring and abdomen raised.
The common name refers to its eastern range, although this dragonfly does extend westward well into the central part of the United States. The scientific name, tenera, means delicate and alludes to its small size.
(Eastern amberwing, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eastern_amberwing&oldid=1002301961 (last visited Aug. 23, 2021).)
Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera)
pbmGarden 
I think if we take the time to look, bugs can be very beautiful. Its wings are so interesting.
I concur Judy. The insects have been an interesting dimension to gardening.
I agree with Judy. The variety of dragonflies is fascinating. Good work on catching them!
Thanks. We’ve had a lot of dragonflies and maybe they’re helping keep mosquitoes at bay this summer.
They are starting to swarm here.. after we had 8 inches of rain.
So cool to see a dragonfly migration. Was surprised by one at sunrise one morning on Sanibel Isle and had no idea what was happening.
Nice set of shots! I like photographing dragon flies; eventually, the land and typically, remain still for a time. Of course, when there’s a little breeze, that can present a challenge.
Thanks Tina! My phone camera has a hard time focusing on dragonflies sometimes so I was happy to get a few clean shots.
It really is a very handsome creature. Your video was great!
Thanks Kris. I took a video because it wouldn’t settle down and pose. It was much more active before I started the video!
What a pretty little thing… its wings really are amber-colored!
Yes, they really are amber. I think this one is male because the amber wings are much more pronounced than others I have seen.
Great shots again. They seldom stay still for me! Very pretty wings.
Thanks Cathy! Yes, they don’t sit still for long.
They are so fascinating, aren’t they? I thoroughly enjoyed your video! So many dragonflies around here, too–partially because of all the lakes and waterways. Their flight patterns are amazing!
Glad you liked the video Beth. I’ve enjoyed the dragonflies this summer. I’m sure they love your lakes.
Very cool! I like the wings and the big eyes.
Thanks Jason.