Ode to the Odes

American Amberwing and his shadow.

Two of my best photos of a will-not-stop baskettail. In three widely different locations, over several years, I’ve yet to see one perch, nor succeeded in identifying one to species.

Who can get enough of the wonderfully named Orange Bluet?

Immature Fragile Forktail, I think.

Eastern Pondhawk female.

Blue Dasher male on a wetlands delineator flag.

Damselflies and dragonflies are in the insect order Odonata; hence are “Odonates” or, more informally, “Odes.” The name comes from the Greek for “tooth” — presumably because these flying creatures have notably toothed maxillae.

Slaty Skimmer.