Narrow-winged Damselfly Face
Odonata: Coenagrionidae, image taken in Villeta, Colombia.
June 2010

Libellula Incesta
Odonata: Libellulidae
This is a rare instance for me. This dragonfly seemed to be "sleeping" and therefore I tried several different types of shots. This is a rare opportunity to take an image without flash. I opened the F stop, and increased the ISO. This is to be able to get the blurred background and be able to have a sharp focus on the wings. I almost did it. The wings are a tad out of focus. This shot was done handheld.

Pachydiplax Longipennis
Image taken at Yates Mill Pond, Raleigh, NC USA, July 2010
How often can one get this close to a dragonfly and be able to capture an image? 

Flickr page for Odonata Photography

Dragonflies and Damselflies belong to the insect order Odonata. These insects are characterized by their strong double pair of wings, and large compound eyes. They are common insects in most parts of the world. Their metamorphosis is gradual (incomplete, with no pupal stage), although the juveniles do not resemble the adults as in many other insects with incomplete metamorphosis. The juveniles grow in aquatic environments such as ponds and small lakes. There are about 6000 species of Odonata in the world.