Prairie predator

Over the years of visiting the prairie restoration plot in Nichols Arboretum, I've come to realize it's a favorite hunting ground for all kinds of dragonflies and damselflies. I've afraid I don't have an ID for this dragonfly. I loved its metallic gold abdomen, though.



Here's the full source shot for the banner

Beautiful and such a great photo!

Terrific banner. The crispy green and black makes it so distinguishable,
and the fit is as good as it can get. You've produced another work of informative artistry.

Any insect experts out there? Here are a few close crops of the dragonfly to help with possible identification. I think the middle one might be a different species from the one in the top and bottom photos. All three were taken 7/14/13, at the same locale.

Beautiful banner Elizabeth!

Splendid banner Elizabeth!

A lovely banner!

I think the first one might be a female Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella), and the second one might be a Halloween pennant (Celithemis eponina)?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

What do you think?

Magnificent! With the shadowing of striations of the grasses it could be a famous watercolor!

Great image, so hard to shoot a thing that moves so much.

Thanks to all for the various forms of encouragement.

And special thanks to @scvirginia for supplying ID's for both of the dragonflies. Much appreciated.

Elizabeth

Excellent banner, Elizabeth! Great contrast in the black and green. Dragonflies are amazing in that they catch their prey on the wing!