Amberwing Dragonfly: Perithemis

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Three different species of Perithemis, more commonly known as amberwings, can be found in the United States: Eastern Amberwing; Mexican Amberwing; and Slough Amberwing.

The Mexican Amberwing's range is limited to the southern areas of California and Arizona. The Slough Amberwing is an occasional visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The Eastern Amberwing ranges throughout the East and Midwest.

The amber wings of the dragonfly in the top picture explains the common name. It is a male. Female wings are not completely amber.

The picture was taken in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The lack of a complete view of the back of the abdomen makes it impossible to identify it as either the Slough or Eastern Amberwing.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels