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Scientific Name
Perithemis tenera
Family
Libellulidae (skimmers) in the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Description
The eastern amberwing is a tiny species of dragonfly that only reaches about 1 inch in length. It is one of the smaller dragonflies in North America. Each of the four amber-colored wings has a red spot on the outer leading edge.
- Males have clear amber wings, so it is easy to see how the eastern amberwing got its name.
- Females have blotch-patterned wings.
Learn more about the eastern amberwing and other dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) in their group entry.
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Media Gallery
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Caption
The eastern amberwing, Perithemis tenera, is a tiny species of dragonfly that only reaches about 1 inch in length. Each of the four amber-colored wings has a red spot on the outer leading edge. Males have clear amber wings.
Credit
Donna Brunet
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Image
Caption
The eastern amberwing, Perithemis tenera, is a tiny species of dragonfly that only reaches about 1 inch in length. Each of the four amber-colored wings has a red spot on the outer leading edge. Females have blotch-patterned wings.
Credit
Donna Brunet
Right to Use
Image
Caption
By looking at a male specimen, it is easy to see how the eastern amberwing got its name. This is one of the smaller dragonflies in North America.
Credit
Frank Nelson
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Similar Species
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.
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