Eastern Amberwing

The eastern amberwing is one of the smallest dragonflies found in North America. At an average size of around .9 inches only the elfin skimmer, which averages .8 inches, is smaller. They are usually found around still water with plenty of surface vegetation such as ponds or backwaters. In this case I photographed this amberwing in the backwaters of Purgatory Creek. Eastern amberwings are usually difficult to photograph because they seem more wary then other dragons. This may be because their small size makes them a target for other predators, including the larger dragons.