California Dragonflies

Denise D. Greaves, PhD


Several species of Odonata have taken up residence in and around some groundwater recharge ponds along Penitencia Creek in San Jose, California, a bit west of Alum Rock Park. The bright orangish-red creature in Fig. 1 is a flame skimmer (Libellula saturata), and the dragonflies in Figs. 2 and 3 are variegated meadowhawks (Sympetrum corruptum).

These three photos were taken around the ponds with an Olympus SP350.

Figure 1. This flame skimmer (Libellula saturata) was photographed near recharge ponds in San Jose, California. Photograph by Denise Greaves.

Figure 2. This variegated meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) was also photographed near recharge ponds in San Jose, California. Photograph by Denise Greaves.

Figure 3. Another variegated meadowhawk photographed in San Jose. Photograph by Denise Greaves.

For more of Dr. Denise Greave's dragonfly images in The Citizen Scientist, see here, here, and here. A photo of Dr. Greaves pursuing dragonflies with her camera is here. And a photo of her dragonfly photography poster at the 2006 Citizen Science Conference is here. Editor.

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