Two different colored dragonflies, a Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami) and a Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans), were peacefully sharing a prime perch on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Why is it so hard for us to peacefully coexist with one another?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Two skimmers in one shot, wow! Do you see these two species hanging out together a lot?
I see the two species a lot individually, but I can’t recall seeing them together before. I have noticed that male dragonflies, and these are both males, will fight off males of their own species as potential rivals, but will sometimes be amazingly tolerant of males of other species.
Benjamin listened to the post and wanted to know the meaning of co-exist. He likes that word. Upon examination of the enlarged photo he said : “Sharing is good and they are bestest friends now too! The colors are so pretty, especially the orange!” He was quite interested in the stick that they are “sitting on” because of the bit that hangs in the center, he thought that was “neat”! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Coexistence was a political science term from the Cold War period that suggested that countries of differing political systems did not have to be at war with each other, but could live together nevertheless in peace. The concept is simple in theory, but hard to put into practice.
I had explained co-exist as the two being in the same place, at the same time and not fighting. Benjamin thought that sounded a lot like sharing and it does! It seems at times that adults have more problems putting the theory into practice than Benjamin.
Sharing comes naturally to most kids, it seems, and it is something that even young kids grasp.
I often see the blue skimmers, but very rarely the red. They make for a wonderful photo. Lucky you!
I love the use of repetition and difference in this image.
If you ever find the answer to that question I hope you’ll share.
That’s a great shot!