Dragontowne: Always good to meet new residents
Jan 25, 2020 23:10:34 #
Here are more pictures of dragonflies from last summer.
First up is a banded pennant (Celithemis fasciata). The cerci are a bit out of focus, but I think this is a male.
Banded pennant dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Next is the related male calico pennant (Celithemis elisa).
Calico pennant dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
The next dragonfly had me stumped for a time, but eventually it was determined to be a female chalk-fronted corporal (Ladona julia).
Chalk-fronted corporal dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
The handsome dragonfly in the next picture is yet another male. This is a slaty skimmer (Libellula incesta). Probably my favorite of the common species that are easy to photograph, since male slatys are very entertaining as they obsessively guard their favorite perch next to water. They never sit for long before they hurl themselves at some real or imagined rival dragonfly, returning in seconds to the same spot.
Slaty skimmer dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Now, male slaty skimmers are something that I see a lot. But what about females? I had never knowingly seen one until I saw a strange dragonfly tucked into the brush, many feet from water that was actively patrolled by male slatys and other dragonflies. What was this strange dragonfly? I could not get close so this picture is heavily cropped. But to my delight this is a female slaty skimmer! A new species would be great, but I guess finding a female slaty is just about as good.
Slaty skimmer dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Finally, I show what is a new species. As I pursue this hobby in my area these encounters will become a rarer thing. This is a female belted whiteface (Leucorrhinia proxima). Probably the most common of ALL dragonflies in the same location are the related dot-tailed white face dragonflies. The numbers of d-t w.f. can be quite large, so maybe for every 1000 of those there will be one of these.
Belted whiteface dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
First up is a banded pennant (Celithemis fasciata). The cerci are a bit out of focus, but I think this is a male.
Banded pennant dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrNext is the related male calico pennant (Celithemis elisa).
Calico pennant dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrThe next dragonfly had me stumped for a time, but eventually it was determined to be a female chalk-fronted corporal (Ladona julia).
Chalk-fronted corporal dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrThe handsome dragonfly in the next picture is yet another male. This is a slaty skimmer (Libellula incesta). Probably my favorite of the common species that are easy to photograph, since male slatys are very entertaining as they obsessively guard their favorite perch next to water. They never sit for long before they hurl themselves at some real or imagined rival dragonfly, returning in seconds to the same spot.
Slaty skimmer dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrNow, male slaty skimmers are something that I see a lot. But what about females? I had never knowingly seen one until I saw a strange dragonfly tucked into the brush, many feet from water that was actively patrolled by male slatys and other dragonflies. What was this strange dragonfly? I could not get close so this picture is heavily cropped. But to my delight this is a female slaty skimmer! A new species would be great, but I guess finding a female slaty is just about as good.
Slaty skimmer dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrFinally, I show what is a new species. As I pursue this hobby in my area these encounters will become a rarer thing. This is a female belted whiteface (Leucorrhinia proxima). Probably the most common of ALL dragonflies in the same location are the related dot-tailed white face dragonflies. The numbers of d-t w.f. can be quite large, so maybe for every 1000 of those there will be one of these.
Belted whiteface dragonfly by Mark Sturtevant, on FlickrJan 26, 2020 02:37:53 #
Jan 26, 2020 05:46:59 #
All expertly shot as always. You have become our Star Shooter of these beauties.
Jan 26, 2020 07:45:09 #
Jan 26, 2020 10:07:46 #
Jan 26, 2020 10:43:53 #
Jan 26, 2020 10:54:17 #
Jan 26, 2020 11:08:56 #
Jan 26, 2020 14:02:04 #
Jan 28, 2020 20:52:36 #
Feb 1, 2020 13:59:05 #
A fantastic set Mark. Very sharp with great lighting. Excellent shot of the Banded Pennant!
-Doc
-Doc
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