This female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly (Erythemis simplicicollis) blended in so well with the vegetation that I almost missed seeing her yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Eastern Pondhawks are one of the most commonly seen dragonflies in my area during the summer, but this is the first one that I have seen so far this year.
I love the beautiful emerald color of female Eastern Pondhawks (as well as immature males of the species). They are not particularly large as dragonflies go, but they are very fierce predators. Several times each season I stumble upon Eastern Pondhawks gnawing on damselflies or other dragonflies that they have caught. Yikes!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Super cool! The colors are so vibrant!!