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They go by colorful names such as roseate skimmer, eastern pond hawk and band-winged dragonlet. 

They are the fascinating dragonflies of the Rio Grande Valley, and more than 100 species occur here.
 
Kyle O’Haver is a naturalist at Estero Llano Grande state park in Weslaco, where dragonflies abound. 
 
 “They are a fascinating creature, and it is really fun to watch a predator, and that is what they are,” O’Haver said. “They are a top level predator in the insect world, and it is really fun to watch them hunt and watch them go about…their shape, their colors, they are just amazing creatures.”
 
It is a great time of year to view the astounding variety of vibrant dragonflies that make their home in Deep South Texas.  

Just as the Valley is the northernmost range for various tropical birds and butterflies, the same goes for dragonflies, and you may catch a glimpse of a tropical gem like the slough amberwing.
 
If you want to learn more about the Valley’s intriguing dragonflies, then the upcoming Dragonfly Days on May 21 thru 24 will provide a great opportunity to hone your dragon-flying skills. 

The annual event is being hosted by the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco and Estero Llano Grande.
 
 “If they would contact Valley Nature Center, go onto their website, ValleyNatureCenter.org or if you were to call Valley Nature Center, they have all the sign ups, and they are taking care of all the signups so please do so as soon as you can,” O’Haver said.
 
Field trips, seminars and more are planned for this weekend’s Dragonfly Days, so grab your binoculars and head out for some spectacular “dragon-flying.”