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Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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Posted by taffyj 8b LA (My Page) on Wed, Aug 6, 08 at 15:59
Hi!
I was drinking my coffee by the koi pond this morning when I saw a purple dragonfly whiz by. I was so surprised I thought I had seen wrong. I have blue ones and green ones, but I didn't even know purple ones existed! I watched it for a while and got the camera and took some pictures when it landed. That was hard to do, because it is very active, and I had to be patient while I was excited.
After a while, I saw it hitched up with another dragonfly, flying over the pond. The female was more of a yellow-brownish color. So, not only did I see it, it was mating! I so hope we get babies!
I looked it up on the internet and found out it is 'Libellula jesseana', and native to Florida, where it is becoming rare and is on the threatened species list. So, what's it doing in central Louisiana? Is there anything I should do other than observe and enjoy?
Please, if there's anyone else who has seen a purple dragonfly, let me know. I'd love to know what it was near, and what the conditions were, like was it alone, or were there many? Was it near a city road ditch, or a stream in a forest.
The info I found on the 'net said it was threatened because it is highly sensitive to pollution. I'm all organic in the backyard, so maybe that's why its hanging around. Thanks for any responses.
Bridget in Alexandria, LA
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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Hi again,
I think I found out how to make the dragonfly pics available to y'all. Let me know if it doesn't work.
Bridget |
Here is a link that might be useful: purple dragonfly
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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| Worked fine for me. Neat dragonfly! Don't think I've seen any down here--Lafayette--but I don't usually get to look at 'em that close. Seldom see them resting, except occasionally out the window. Dratted cats go after 'em if they get too close! (Don't think they catch any--I hope anyway.) |
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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| I didn't know they were rare. Something about my garden seems to be a dragonfly haven. I can't think of a color I haven't seen. And some are startling. Like copper and red, cobalt blue and lime green. The purple is beautiful too. I live in Ponchatoula. I'm going to be more observant. |
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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| Bridget, Your dragonfly is actually a male Roseate Skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea). It's widespread and common in Louisiana. Your description of the female is right-on for this species. She should have a white stripe down her "back." I'd say observe and enjoy (and keep your pond!). Right now, at least around Lafayette, they are hatching like crazy, so I've seen a lot of young ones (they look like females, but lack flanges on the thorax) around road-side ditches this past week. Take care, Erik
Lafayette, LA |
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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| i think i have a photo of a purple one somewhere ... i'll try to find it and post |
RE: Has anybody else seen purple dragonflies?
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| finally found the photo and uploaded ... taken in july in carencro |
Here is a link that might be useful: purple dragonfly
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