November 7, 2025

I'm a male Eastern Amberwing dragonfly

So called because of the color of my wings

I'm small but I'm bold

And my wings are pure gold

I eat mosquitos and other small flying things.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dragonflies

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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November 11, 2023

I am known as an Eastern Amberwing
I'm tiny and considered a "wasp mimic"

I fly fast and erratic, but I don't sting

Looking like I might is just my gimmick

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/eastern-amberwing-dragonfly-family-libellulidae/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 20, 2022

I am a male Eastern Amberwing

In the US, I'm one of the smallest dragonflies

You know I'm male, because my wings are amber

And you know I'm trust worthy, look into my big red eyes!

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Broadmoor Unit, Fellsmere

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_amberwing#/media/File:Eastern_Amberwing_9268.jpg

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 20, 2021

I am an Eastern Amberwing dragonfly

I have red eyes and my wings are covered with veins

My stripes mimic wasps

To scare predators off

And I prefer sunny days to those when it rains.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Eastern-Amberwing

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 21, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am an Eastern Amberwing,
I'm a very small dragonfly
I'm frequently mistaken for a wasp
And am rapid and erratic in flight.

Sources: University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Letters and Science Field Station - Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly (Family Libellulidae)

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 13, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, T.M. Goodwi WFMA

I am a male Eastern Amberwing
I am more yellow than my mate
I hover with my abdomen stuck in the air
When I'm trying to get a date.

Sources: Odonata Central - Eastern Amberwing

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 12, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, T.M. Goodwin WMA

I am a female Eastern Amberwing
I am small and can be mistaken for a wasp.
I perch on the ends of grasses and weeds
And pump my abdomen down and up.

Sources: Odonata Central - Eastern Amberwing

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson