Although Eastern Pondhawks (Erythemis simplicicollis) are among the most common dragonflies in my area, I never fail to be startled by the brilliant emerald green color of the females and immature males. Their matching green faces and the striped pattern on their abdomen makes for a stylishly stunning look.
In many ways, however, I am even more drawn to the less flashy, two-toned look of the transitional males as shown in the second image. Males start out with the same look as the females, but eventually transition to become entirely blue, though they retain their green faces and eyes. I love the way the blue gradually fades into green during the intermediate phase of a male Eastern Pondhawk.
So what about you? Are you drawn more to the colors of the dragonfly in the first photo or the one in the second photo? If I am truthful in answering my own question, I’d have to say that my personal preference varies, depending on a number of factors including my mood and the weather.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Even in its tiniest visage nature is breathtaking. Wonderful photos Mike.
Thanks, Suzette. I love seeing the world through my macro lens that lets me see so many of the wonderful details that I try to share in my photos.
You do a marvelous job sharing that world. Thank you Mike.
Nice Mike! I tend to like the first image a little more than the second! But the transitional male is a close almost first because it shows the start of the transitional male coloring before the full blue coloring!
Nope. Not gonna choose. I love ’em in all stages!
You are right, though, about those female greens being almost startling to see as you wander along. Common dragon, uncommonly beautiful!
Awesome 👍
Once again a beautiful dragonfly ! Any idea how many different kinds there are in the whole world ? They keep on comming in your blog. If don’t think I’ve seen 5 yet. Maybe I have to look harder…
I saw on-line that there are three thousand dragonfly species in the world, but I think that it is very much area specific. Several years ago I was able to find multiple types of dragonflies during business trips to Brussels, Belgium including the Common Darter, Scarlet Darter, Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, Migrant Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, and Green-eyed Hawker (and have photos of them on my blog, which has a search function that you can use to find them). I like to hang around at marshes and ponds and am blessed to live in an area where there are quite a few species. Don’t give up, Rudi, I am sure that you will be able to find some more soon–it is still relatively early in the season for dragonflies.
What a beautiful dragonfly!
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Thanks, Mitzy.
My preference varies, too, but the brilliant green would win if I had to choose.
Ah, bold and beautiful. I suppose I should choose the brilliant color, considering that I drive and orange car, but blue is my favorite color and that bluish green of the male really appeals to me. 🙂
And the two-tone is a nice look, too. Lets face it, we like them all!