Rubyspot
Hetaerina sp.
This rubyspot was defending a shrinking pool of water along Mesquite Wash, Maricopa Co., Arizona on 01 Aug. 2009.
Calopterygidae -- Broadwinged Damselfly Family
Two kinds of rubyspots are likely to be found in the Sonoran Desert region: the American Rubyspot and the Canyon Rubyspot. The immature stage is an aquatic predator living in shallow pools along riparian streams. The adults generally fly gently about near the same pools hunting small, soft-bodied flying insects such as mosquitoes.