Water Witches, Devil's Needles and Hobgoblin Flies, Oh My!

 Since we've either walked willingly, tumbled or been shoved through the doors of October with Halloween now upon us, I was inspired to write a post about some of my favorite garden visitors.  Known in different parts of the world as "Water Witches," "Devil's Needles" and "Hobgoblin Flies," dragonflies never cease to amaze with their stellar aviation skills, tissue paper wings and jeweled, colorful bodies.  Although some see them as a bit spooky, they are considered holy creatures in many parts of the world as well. 

Lately, I was lucky enough to get a striking green "Water Witch," and a lovely azure "Hobgoblin Fly" to pose for a photo shoot.  Here are the local spooks:

Water Witch

Hobgoblin Fly

I do hope all of the "Water Witches," "Hobgoblin Flies" and "Devil's Needles" will stay around to decorate my garden for Halloween!  Should  they cause any mischief, I still have my blue glass bottles out in the garden turned upside down on garden stakes to catch any misbehaving spirits (according to old garden lore). 

"We're all only fragile threads, but what a tapestry we make."

-Jerry Ellis