American Rubyspot

The scientific name of this insect is Hetaerina americana. Hetaera is a reference to ancient Greek courtesans- courtesans were a "special class" of educated female companions. Naming this brightly colored, dainty damselfly after courtesans seems like a good idea. Ironically, as with many other animals- it is the male that is the more brilliant and striking gender of the species. The Rubyspots in the accompanying photos are both male. The female is much less brilliant and has no red colorations.