Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Maymont
Common Name: Eastern Amberwing
Scientific Name: Perithemis tenera
Length: 22-25mm

Quick Facts

• The smallest dragonfly in Northern Virginia, and second smallest in the U.S. (only Elfin Skimmers are smaller).
• Amberwings are reported to have the most intricate courtship of any dragonfly. After the male selects several possible egglaying sites for a mate, he flies off to find a female and leads her back to his potential nursery. To attract her, he sways back and forth, and hovers with his abdomen raised. Mating only occurs if the females approves – making this one of the few dragonflies where females choose the males.
• Amberwings may be our only dragonfly that actively mimics a wasp. The markings and shape of their abdomens resemble a small wasp, but they take it several steps further. When threatened, they rhythmically move their wings up and down while pulsing their abdomens.
• The common name refers to its eastern range, although this dragonfly does extend westward well into the central part of the United States.
• In late summer, males can be seen along the shores of lakes, ponds, marshes and slow sections of rivers, bays and canals. But females are often found far from water, in meadows among summer wildflowers, as in the above photo. They’re probably hunting even smaller visitors to these summer blooms like midges, flower flies and tiny bees.

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Mercury at Richmond SPCA

Are you searching for a fun, friendly and adorable family member? My name is Mercury and I’m the girl for you! I am pretty lonely here by myself, just waiting for my special someone to come along. Won’t you please take me home today?

Age: 2 years,
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Chocolate
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 49324606

Adopt Mercury at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.