Butterflies aren’t the only insects that can balance on an incredibly small, delicate bit of vegetation. Dragonflies are real masters, not only at balancing beautifully, but also at launching themselves from delicate perches in a burst of perfectly directed energy if prey flies by. This gorgeous little female blue dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) provided a great example of both when she suddenly darted off seconds after I snapped this shot of her on the thin, dried stem of an old flower. She returned to the same spot seconds later after grabbing a small fly out of mid air. Talk about some incredible athleticism!