Even sun-lovers like the dragonflies feel the heat and need to control their body temperature. This position, called the obelisk position, is assumed when it is very hot outside. By orienting its abdomen toward the sun, it is able to reduce the area that is actually exposed to the sun's heat. You may also have seen dragonflies perched with their wings angled downwards. This is another position that may be held to avoid overheating. When all else fails, they will move to a shadier location and remain still for awhile, as some widow skimmers I saw yesterday were doing. Very sensible!!