Damsels, Dragons and Duplication

They don't seem to be following the traffic rules.

Who's a Damsel?
What's a Dragon?
I don't know...third base!! {if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask a parent}

I have never seen anything like it! Swarms of dragonflies and/or damselflies nearly everywhere you turn on the Island of Palm Beach.

What. is. going. on?

A small section of roof showing nine dragonflies.

According to several locals, it is mating season. According to several articles, that means that the youth flies, who have lived in the water for 2-3 years, have just emerged and are ready to "par--tay!!" There is plenty of information about how this happens (here is a simple but engaging article) but for now, enjoy a few photos and imagine standing below this frenzy...all. over. town!

"Being predatory, (dragonflies) are important in keeping the numbers of pest insects in check. Their ability to dart here and there, check their flight in mid beat, and turn to capture insects is unparallelled in the animal kindgom" According to an article on suite101.com, Mmmmm, mosquitoes!!!

"The most noticeable difference is their wings. Damselflies, also usually smaller, fold their wings back close to the body at rest whereas dragonflies keep their wings spread out at about 180 degrees."COOL!

Well, if I don't stop writing and filling your head with useless, yet entertaining info, I might never get to the rest of my day. Have a fabulous one...

Until Next time, Eli (Feel free to click on a pic to make it larger, you really can see it better.)