Hiding in a tree near you

Take a look at this dragonfly I found perched in the shade in a maple tree last week. It was so hot and the sun was so bright that it was trying to cool itself down for a while! Do you know the species?

That is a Swamp Darner, and while I was not near a swamp, they are a common species that you can find wandering relatively far from any wet forest area. This could even include suburban areas with enough water in the form of small ponds. They are also a migrant species which opens up nearly the entire region to their presence. You know we're in a particularly nasty heat wave when even a dragonfly feels the need to try to beat the heat...


Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation Technician

Photo by Scott Kruitbosch © Connecticut Audubon Society and not to be reproduced without explicit CAS permission