COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Wet weather has brought a rare visitor to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Entomologist and author Eric Eaton was “bug watching” along a section of Zook trail when he encountered a Red Rock Skimmer.

This colorful dragonfly has never been seen before in Colorado. Red Rock Skimmers inhabit rocky streams and are found in the foothills of New Mexico, Arizona, Southern California and Nevada.

Frequent rainfall has developed a flowing creek in an otherwise bone dry area of the park, creating the perfect habitat for the Red Rock Skimmer. The males are bright red with transparent wings and will sit on rocks waiting for the less colorful females.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a great place for wildlife and insect watching. The park offers educational programs about wildlife and insects throughout the summer. This month visitors can celebrate National Moth Week tracking moths with insect experts from the Mile High Bug Club. The moth tracking program will be held July 18, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For more information about Cheyenne Mountain State Park, visit http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/cheyennemountain

Photos of the Red Rock Skimmer can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/127579068@N05/G828i9

photo credit – gailhampshire