Eastern Amberwings (Perithemis tenera) are one of the smallest dragonfly species where I live—less than one inch (25 mm) in length. I often see the amber-colored males buzzing around at the ponds that I visit, but it is rare for me to find a female.
According to the wonderful website Dragonflies of Northern Virginia, female Eastern Amberwing dragonflies are often found far from the water in meadows where they share perches with hornet and other wasps. When they are threatened, these dragonflies will rhythmically move their wings up and down while pulsing their abdomens in imitation of a wasp in order. Their goal is to scare off potential predators that believe they are about to be stung.
I spotted this tiny beauty yesterday while I was exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I was, in fact, far from the water when I photographed her. She posed briefly, it seemed, when I raised my camera and seemed to smile a little.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful photo of a beautiful dragonfly Mike. That looks really magic! I’m really fascinated that they mimic the threatening behaviour of wasps.. that would be successful in making me wary around them!
Thanks, Liz. From what I have read, mimicry is not uncommon in the insect world. I guess you do whatever you can to protect yourself in the wild. I have only read about the wasp-like behavior and never have actually seen it in person–perhaps they sense that I am non-threatening. 🙂
🙂
This one is a Wow !!!
Love the diversity in your odonata Mike. Most females tend to steer clear of the water until ready for mating as they will be mugged within minutes. I often watch males constantly searching for newly emerged females.
That is a super-duper shot Mike!
Nice Mike! We have quite a few of these in our yard and gardens but they usually do not sit still for long!
Upon enlarging the photo after reading the post to Benjamin, he laughed and said : “She knows she is so beautiful, look at her happy face!” He pointed out how the shadow clearly shows her front legs and how pretty she looks with the green color behind her on the green leaf. It is a lovely photo of this tiny prima donna. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Wow Mike. Amazing images. I’m impressed how you can get so close and still have clarity. 🙂
Thanks. I was shooting with a 180mm macro lens, which allows me to get macro results without having to get as close as I would have to do with my 100mm macro, for example.
LIKE!