Carissa Conti (@Carissa_Conti)

There are a TON of dragonflies/damselflies to be found in south Florida, due to there being so much fresh water. Most of a dragonfly's life is spent as a nymph in the water, with gills for breathing. How this transformation happens from water-based insect with gills to something with wings that breathes and flies through the air is fascinating. (link at end of this post.) I love damselflies and dragonflies, mainly because they're so interesting looking, like little flying jewels due to their colorings, but also because they're so intelligent/curious. So I have various things with their imagery on them, including jewelry and Punch Studio notepads, and have had some interesting encounters with them as well. The craziest, most interesting encounter I ever had was when riding my bike on the El Rio trail. As I was flying along I looked over to my left and realized there was a large dragonfly flying along next to me, about six feet or so over......matching my speed. Not only that but it kept looking at me as it flew. O.o !! At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but then it kept going, and going, and going, flying along with me for a bit of time. I realized it was flying with me out of pure curiosity. So for a little bit of time I had a ride along buddy. 😄 For supposedly "simple" critters to expend energy for anything beyond just trying to eat, mate and survive, for the sake of curiosity alone, means high level of intelligence. 1. Band Winged Dragonlet - Pondhawk Natural Area, Boca Raton. LOVE the blue and black coloring of this species! Corresponding vid: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carissaconti/50611868187/in/album-72157710380216576/ 2. Little damselfly on my finger. Was trying to get in the door to our apartment after work when this damselfly was suddenly flying all around me, seeming curious and intent. I put my hand up gently to block my face....and it landed on my finger, and settled in and made itself at home. Like, "Great! A landing pad! Thanks so much, so kind of you!" 😄 It was there for awhile, totally chill and relaxed, long enough for Tom to grab my camera and get some shots. This was the best, most clear of the pics, and you can really see the eyes and face and the hairs on the legs. I like to joke that maybe it was the reincarnation of the Rambur's Forktail dragonfly I rescued at the beach a few years ago, just stopping by to say hi. ;) https://www.flickr.com/photos/carissaconti/8709398608/in/photolist-egBWLY-2jUp5RZ 3. Halloween Pennant Dragonfly - Boca Raton. Very common species here. 4. Don't know the species of this one, unfortunately. From Yamato Scrub Natural Area, Boca Raton. There's more dragonfly pics I'd love to post but don't have enough room. They're all included though in my "Dragonflies" photoalbum on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carissaconti/albums/72157719727911217 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonfly