From Nymph to a Brand New Dragonfly!

Dragonfly nymphs emerging from the water (left, under the lily pad leaf), having shed their nymph exoskeleton and airing out their new wings. Oh what a glorious thing it must be to fly for the very first time, having spent their entire lives thus far underwater! On the right, a skipper butterfly rests in a lily flower.

Close-up on the juvenile dragonflies as they wait for their wings to dry and their exoskeleton to harden.

First Dragonfly of the Season

Variegated Meadowhawk (male), Sympetrum corruptum, (Dragonfly), Mission Trails Park. Okay, it's confirmed. This is a variegated meadowhawk. This little dragonfly is the first one I've seen for 2010; apparently, these overwinter. Pretty and very photogenic as well. I just wish the day was a little sunnier.

Variegated Meadowhawk Dragonfly

Here's one for you budding entomologists. I found this Variegated Meadowhawk (dragonfly), Sympetrum corruptum, perched above a bog in the Tijuana estuary. Much thanks to Kathy Biggs for the identification. This was the only dragonfly that I saw all day.

Dragonfly fourth

Happy Fourth of July! I found this dragonfly perched on my peach tree and he wasn't budging so I snapped some pictures. It looks like a Western Meadowhawk but the markings aren't quite the same as the reference picture so, if there are any dragonfly experts out there, your assistance is welcome. Happy Fourth.