Different species have different flying and perching behaviors. Some fly constantly, while others will frequently land (and these tend to get photographed more often). The chalk fronted corporals (Ladona julia) shown in the first two pictures spend most of their time on a perch, and this is rarely far from the ground.
Female.
Male.
The Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a nice example of how males will change colors as they mature. Females are bright green...
... while males start out with the same green color but later turn a lovely blue color. These males are starting the transition, and I actually prefer this look. Later, they will be completely blue except for the head.
Next is a racket-tail emerald (Dorocordulia libera). Many of the 'emeralds' have metallic green on their body, as can be seen here. This is a female, but males look pretty much the same.
One of my favorites is the halloween pennant (Celithemis eponina). This young male was perched up high in the wind (they like to perch elevated), and this allowed me to get some interesting perspectives on it.
Finally, this is a young male blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis). Like the Eastern pondhawk, the male will also gradually turn blue as it ages.
