This dragonfly (commonly called a twelve-spotted skimmer – Libellula pulchella) was photographed by Gordon Adams (a member of our group). The immature stages of dragonflies (and related damselflies) are aquatic and breath by means of gills. The young feed on a variety of small aquatic organisms. The adults typically feed on small flying insects (such as mosquitoes). Many species can be seen flying erratically near streams and ponds. Dragonflies belong to the insect order Odonata. This species is a member of the family Libellulidae.