Yesterday I went for a “walk on the wild side” with my camera at one of my local nature parks and captured this shot of a handsome male Stream Cruiser dragonfly (Didymops transversa), my first spotting of this species in 2026. I was actually looking for spiketail dragonflies and encountered several other dragonfly enthusiasts who were similarly searching for those elusive species. I recall asking one of them if it was too early to see Stream Cruisers, because I vaguely remember photographing them at this location in the past, and amazingly I spotted one later in the day after we had gone our separate ways.
Although I did not findt any spiketails yesterday despite my efforts, this image testifies to the value of persistence. In my area, the density of these early spring species is pretty low, so you have to be patient, persistent, and quick-reacting when you do encounter one if you want to get a photo.
I love how this dragonfly seems to be looking right up at me with his stunning two-toned eyes and I am equally delighted by the “milk mustache” that he seems to have on his “upper lip.” Got milk?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 