The Gliders have the widest distribution of any family of Dragonflies. The Wandering Glider, a close relative of this Spot-winged, has the widest range, world-wide, of any dragonfly. It populates the latitudes between 40 south and 40 north (with the exception of most of Europe for some reason), and wanders over the boarder in both directions, repopulating areas every summer where it is too cold for it to winter.

As I say, this one is not a Wandering Glider, but a Spot-winged Glider, the only other member of the Genius Pantala (Rain-pool gliders). The Spot-winged appears have much same range as the Wandering, but is limited to the Americas. I found this one near the rain-pools along the Kennebunk Bridle Path. Fancy that!

The second shot shows the “spots” on the hind-wing that give it its name. They are more developed on some specimens. This shot also shows the other things that really caught my eye…the very bright, and seemingly very large, rust-red eyes…and the way the head is articulated on a very thin, and relatively long, proto-thorax (neck). It makes the head look hollow, with the eyes wrapping so far back. Of course it may be emphasized by the angle of the shot, but it was also very obvious in the field…very odd looking.

In the third shot, notice slightly upturned abdomen (tail) which is characteristic of perched Gliders.

And one more close up, just for fun.

Canon SX40HS. Program with iContrast and –1/3EV exposure compensation.  1680mm, 1240mm and 840mm equivalent fields of view. f5.8 @ 1/500th to 1/640th @ mostly ISO 160.

Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.