The Insect Arena

These attractively colored Damselflies were a pretty common sight around the water's edge. I'm pretty sure these are a Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii). They've got a fairly short wing to abdomen length ratio and the way their color trnsitions from the black and green to fiery orange and yellow to a bright, powdery blue is especially eye catching. March 2023. Tampa, Florida, USA.

This White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) looks lke it's had at least one close brush with death. The eye spots on the wings, while serving as a deterrent against some predators, can draw the attention of other, braver ones away from the actual head of the victim. Instead of an instant kill, the butterfly loses a bit of wing and escapes (depending on the persistence of the attacker). March 2023. Tampa, Florida, USA.

Met this chick at a bar in Georgia. Gave her some of my drink (she looked thirsty), but she flew off before I could get her name or number. I think she said she was into woodworking or something like that. February 2023. Athens, Georgia, USA.