Slow, deliberate flier that lingers over passionvine and shaded nectar patches. Follow the unhurried figure-eights along hedges—the stripes flash even under cover.

• ID tips: Long narrow wings with creamy yellow stripes on chocolate-brown; gentle, floating flight.
• Behavior note: Often feeds and roosts communally; loyal to nectar routes in calm weather.
• Respect & safety: Plant native passionvine; avoid pesticides near host/nectar plants.

Bright orange sprite with a fast, level glide. When it closes wings, the metallic silver spots flash like mirrors—easy pick-up along dune edges and butterfly gardens.

• ID tips: Pumpkin-orange above; silver spotted underwings; narrow shape.
• Behavior note: Cruises linear flowerbeds; lays eggs on passionvine.
• Respect & safety: Leave a few passionvine leaves “messy” for caterpillars; limit spraying.

Iconic migrant working milkweed waystations and roadside nectar. Watch the steady wingbeats, brief nectar stops, and purposeful push on tailwinds.

• ID tips: Orange with bold black veins and white-spotted borders; larger and slower than the Queen.
• Behavior note: Seeks milkweed for larvae; uses saltbush, lantana, and seaside goldenrod for nectar.
• Respect & safety: Plant native milkweeds; avoid cutting host plants during active breeding.

Monarch’s earth-toned cousin. Rich mahogany wings with neat white forewing spots; less contrast in the veins. Often lower and tighter to flowers than migrants overhead.

• ID tips: Darker, more uniform orange-brown; crisp white forewing spots; subtler veining than Monarch.
• Behavior note: Lingers on patches of milkweed, mistflower, and saltbush.
• Respect & safety: Keep a nectar sequence across seasons; avoid wind-tunnel plantings.

Big shadow drifting over citrus and sunny openings. The lazy flap-glide draws a clean arc; the yellow bands flash when the wings roll to light.

• ID tips: Very large; yellow diagonal bands above; long tails.
• Behavior note: Flap-glide patrol over citrus and native rue relatives.
• Respect & safety: Mix host plants with nectar sources; leave sun pockets for flight lanes.

Resident shore-walker. Look for low patrols over short grass near water, with soft eye-spots and creamy panels catching light.

• ID tips: Cream-white wings with tan/orange panels and small eye-spots.
• Behavior note: Ground-level nectaring and short, repeated circuits along banks.
• Respect & safety: Keep a mowed ribbon beside native plantings for easy viewing.

Coontie specialist with velvet black wings, electric blue dusting, and a tiny fire-red abdomen. Finds new habitat where people plant the host.

• ID tips: Black wings with subtle blue; red abdomens; compact size.
• Behavior note: Tied to Zamia integrifolia (coontie); clusters near plantings.
• Respect & safety: Plant pesticide-free coontie; avoid trimming during active larval stages.

Thick-bodied speedster that zips low along mangrove shade lines, pausing at sunny gaps like a runner catching breath.

• ID tips: Dark wings with pale spot row; robust skipper shape and rapid dash.
• Behavior note: Tracks mangrove corridors; quick nectar stops at edges.
• Respect & safety: View from boardwalks; avoid trampling pneumatophores and seedlings.

Dock-guard on patrol. Short sallies from a favorite reed, quick snaps at midges, then right back to the same perch.

• ID tips: Powder-blue abdomen (adult male); striped thorax; clear wings.
• Behavior note: Returns to a chosen post repeatedly—great for photos.
• Respect & safety: Approach low and slow; avoid knocking perches at the water’s edge.

The falcon of ponds—big, fast, and fond of the open. On breezy days watch for migration lines pushing along shore.

• ID tips: Bright green thorax; long abdomen; powerful, swift flight.
• Behavior note: Hunts on the wing; pairs often seen in tandem over water.
• Respect & safety: Give space at launch points; avoid casting lines into active groups.

Pugnacious little hunter that works low over grass and sticks near shore, grabbing anything smaller than it is.

• ID tips: Males powder-blue; females green with dark abdominal pattern; clear wings.
• Behavior note: Aggressive to other dragonflies around chosen perches.
• Respect & safety: Watch footing on slick banks; keep children back from steep rims.

Flag on a reed. Broad, banded wings tilt like kites as it rides the breeze—easy to spot even for beginners.

• ID tips: Orange-to-amber wings with dark bands; perches at the tip of stems.
• Behavior note: Sways with gusts, making short forays for midges above the water.
• Respect & safety: Photograph from the path; avoid brushing through reed tips.