docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I went to Florida to shoot a Purple Skimmer that I showed you in the first set of this series. I got the shot right before lunch the first day. I felt like I could have gone home and I'm glad I didn't. That afternoon and the subsequent days proved to be quite rewarding. In this set I present Clubtails, Sanddragons, a Forceptail and the Dragonhunter.
The monster of the dragonfly world, the Dragonhunter ((Hagenius brevistylus) is largest member of the clubtail family. You will find them along stream or river banks in sun lit clearings. This species specializes in hunting other dragonflies, hence their name - they’ll even catch and
eat fellow Dragonhunters! They’re believed to be immune to the sting of bees and wasps, another favorite prey. They also have a taste for swallowtail butterflies. I might point out that the head seems small for the massive body in this species.

Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) is fairly common but not ordinary. They have quite large spines on their legs to hold prey they take on the wing. Most other clubtails their size are either more skittish, or spend more time in trees. Look for them on sunny, summer afternoons perched on exposed rocks in large, shallow streams and rocky rivers. I've found many along the shore on emergent vegetation facing the water which doesn't give you the best angle for photographing them.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) Teneral ♂ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The Blackwater Clubtail (Gomphurus dilatatus) was a real plus for me. It was close to the end of their flight season and I didn't expect to see one.
They are a southeastern dragonfly of rivers and streams with sandy or silty bottoms.

Blackwater Clubtail (Gomphurus dilatatus) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The Gray-Green Clubtail (Arigomphus pallidus) Muted greens, grays, and browns distinguish this species from the more boldly colored black and yellow clubtails but the bright green eyes are distinctive.

Gray-green Clubtail (Arigomphus pallidus) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Another unexpected find was the Tawny Sanddragon (Progomphus alachuensis). This is an uncommon species virtually confined to the Florida peninsula. It is relatively widespread in that region, but its habitat of sand-bottomed lakes is being rapidly developed, with apollution and degradation of habitat. Climate change and rising sea level is also a concern although the lake where this dragon was photographed was down about 6' from normal due to an extended drought in central Florida.

Tawny Sanddragon (Progomphus alachuensis) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Lastly is another surprise find for me. This is the beautiful Two-striped Forceptail (Aphylla williamsoni). This is the only species of this (Aphylla) genus that occurs in Florida. The range extends throughout the Florida peninsula and up through the coastal plain from Louisiana into Virginia.
Aphylla williamsoni has a distinctive yellow 'W' on the front of the brown thorax with two greenish-yellow stripes on each side. Looking at the terminal appendages you can certainly see the reason for the English name.

Two-striped Forceptail (Aphylla williamsoni) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Two-striped Forceptail (Aphylla williamsoni) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed this set in the series. Up next - The Wee Ones

>i< Doc

Iron Sight Loc: Utah

Well done and interesting

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Always enjoy your dragonfly photos and info.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Spectacular shots and history, Doc! Thanks for sharing.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set Doc.

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

An excellent series, thank you!

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Very nice set Doc!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Outstanding, Doc. I recently read an article about male dragons losing their identifying wing patterns because of climate change making it more difficult for females to identify them. Did you read that? My feeling is that the females will evolve along with the males.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Always look forward to your shots and narrative Doc!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Beautiful shots and useful information, Doc. Thanks

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Another wonderful series Doc. These are some I probably won't see up here in Va.

OhD Loc: West Richland, WA

Great shots and write-up Doc! Glad you had a good trip.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, Tony.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks John. I'm glad you found it interesting. I never know if people are interested in the narrative or just the pictures. I like to know what I'm looking at, but that's just me. I realize it's a photo forum. Have a great day!
>i< Doc