Bugland: Tiny Skimmer

The Eastern Amberwing only grows to about one inch long, making it one of the smallest dragonflies in North America. It’s also the only type of dragonfly that mimics a wasp. They don’t sting, but, as described by Wikipedia, they have yellow and brown stripes on their abdomens. When they are perched, they wiggle their bodies and wings in wasp-like fashion. These built-in defenses helps keep predators away. Both male and female Eastern Amberwings have red spots on the outer edges of their amber-colored wings. This skimmer was photographed in Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.