Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera
July 1, 2012
 


  Note: Two weeks after first posting this page, I came across a female eastern amberwing, so now I have a male (the original photos 1 and 2) and female (new photos 3 and 4) to show.

On first sighting, I knew that this dragonfly was different: It had orange wings. However, the dragonfly was quite skittish, as you can see from the first photo (taken from about 20 or so feet away) with its wings quivering.

 
Eastern amberwing
 
  Finally, at what seemed to be a long interval, I managed to get close enough to use my macro lens for a number of detailed photos.

The identification (when back at home) became straightforward, and it turned out that I had encountered the small dragonfly amberwing (Perithemis tenera).

Aside from the glory of the amberwing's wings, the dragonfly has quite an intricate body pattern.

 
Eastern amberwing
 
  Today felt way too hot outside, but as it was no-hunting Sunday, I went into the Toftrees game land. And somewhat close to where I had photographed the male amberwing, I photographed a female amberwing (who I identified when I was back home).

Again, I was impressed in how small the amberwings are: less than an inch long.

The female doesn't have much amber, but is otherwise quite impressive.

 
Female eastern amberwing
 
  After several distant photos, I worked my way closer to use a macro lens.
 
Female eastern amberwing
 
  And so I've seen/photographed a male and female eastern amberwing in approximately the same area. Will baby amberwings soon be in the air?

Photo note: The photos were taken in the Toftrees game land on 15 June 2012, and I used the Pentax K20D, with the Sigma 150-500mm lens and Voigtlander 125mm macro lens, respectively. The female photos were also taken with the same lenses on 1 July 2012.



Flying dragonflies and male and female widow skimmer dragonflies

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