On Monday I spotted this beautiful Swift Setwing dragonfly (Dythemis velox) at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetlands Refuge at Fort Belvoir, a nearby military base. When I observed one at the same location in June, it was the first time that one had been recorded in Fairfax County, the county in Northern Virginia where I live, so I was a little surprised to see that they are still around.
If you would like to see some photos of my initial sighting, check out my blog posting from June 25. The range of this dragonfly seems to be moving northward and it seems likely that I’ll be seeing this species again next year, since I suspect that mating and egg-laying have been taking place during the past two months.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Usually, when I say “I’ve never seen that,” it’s because I’ve never seen “that.” But in this case, you’ve been really lucky to see something unusual. It’s a pretty one, and I hope there are many more in your future!
Great photos, I appreciated the link to your prior post.
The deep purples and the red eyes make for a very striking and handsome fellow for sure.
As you have probably noticed,Gary, dragonflies are one of my favorite subjects. There is so much beauty packed into those tiny bodies and the massive compound eyes never cease to fascinate me.
You should continue to make periodic visits to JMAWR in order to establish the late-date for Swift Setwings at that location.
I’ll be checking. I only spotted a single individual this last time, so the end may already be near for this season for them.