This very small dragonfly is approximately one inch or 25 mm in length. The male has colorful amber wings with red stigmas. The thorax is brown with 2 yellowish lateral stripes. The abdomen is also brown. Females also have brown eyes, thorax and abdomen, but their wings are amber at the base becoming clear with variable brown shapes making a stained glass effect.
This common dragonfly can be seen around the viewing blind at the Great Marsh in Fontenelle Forest in mid-summer either flying or perched on lotus leaves or branches hanging over the water.
This is the smallest dragonfly in Nebraska. In flight they resemble a large wasp. This dragonfly is unusual because the male selects the egg-laying site and leads the female to it to seek her approval. if she accepts, they land and mate and then the male leads her off to the site to lay eggs. She releases a “clutch” of up to 150 eggs all at once into the water.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.