Yesterday I was thrilled to spot this spectacular female American Rubyspot damselfly (Hetaerina americana) while exploring a creek in Fairfax County, Virginia with my good friend and fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford. This species is found along streams and rivers and this in only the second time that I have ever seen American Rubyspots. The green and brown colors on the thorax (the “chest”) of this damselfly are incredible and I highly recommend you click on the images to get an even better look at the amazing details.
Signs are starting to appear that we are approaching the end of summer. Already I have noted that the number of dragonflies is dropping, though there still seem to be plenty of butterflies. It was therefore particularly gratifying to see this unfamiliar damselfly yesterday. The dragonfly season, though is far from over—there are some autumn dragonfly species that I have not yet seen. Birds are starting to migrate through this area, so some may appear in this blog soon, but there should still be dragonfly photos for the next few months at least.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Great shots Mike! It does seem like Damselfly & Dragonfly season is coming to a close. See fewer subjects now than other years. Plus the ones I see are showing a LOT of wear on the wings. Some are missing large sections so you would think it would have trouble flying. But maybe it is just where I am shooting here in NJ!
It is not just you, Reed. I too am seeing a lot of dragonflies with damaged wings. It will soon be the end of the season for many species. However, there are a a few species like the Fine-lined Emerald, the Blue-faced Meadowhawk, and the Autumn Meadowhawk that are only beginning their season. I have actually seen Autumn Meadowhawks as late as December. Don’t give up on the dragonflies quite yet. 🙂
Thanks for the info Mike! Did not know Meadowhawks would be around at that time.
That is nice! Body and colour similar to ‘our’ Emeralds and wings like a Demoiselle.
Over here it’s Hawker and Darter time with lots in the garden, damselfly numbers have dropped withe the exception of recently colonised Willow Emeralds few to see.
Butterflies are still holding up but we had a very hot spell this week which has knocked a few on the head.
Impressively crisp and close
Fragile beauty that you’ve captured with great clarity.. wow!
For your purposes a rubyspot is much better than the ruby slippers so prized in the Wizard of Oz.
How exciting, Mike. This one is a real beauty!
Great captures, Mike, of this beauty!