docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Just got back from my granddaughter's graduation from the May's School of Business at Texas A&M. So proud!
While there I got a chance to survey dragons near the Austin/Bergstrom Airport at Southeast Metro Park. The first is a female Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus). They are from the Family Gomphidae and have a moderately clubbed tail. The male is pretty much colored the same.

Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus) ♀ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Next is a female Four-striped Leaftail (Phyllogomphoides stigmatus). It is also in the Family Gomphidae. It can be confused with the Five-striped Leaftail. They are however smaller, marked with 5 stripes on the thorax and more rare than designatus

Four-striped Leaftail (Phyllogomphoides stigmatus) ♀ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Another clubtail I got to shoot was the Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (Phanogomphus militaris). The first one is a male.

Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (Phanogomphus militaris) ♂ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The normal habitat for this clubtail is ponds, lakes, streams and slow-moving rivers with muddy bottoms. The hunting strategy for these clubtails is to perch on the ground or on flat surfaces near the ground to fly out and back at intervals to capture flying insects. The fact that most of these clubtails perch on the ground most of the time doesn't always give you a good background for the photos.
Here is female of the same species.

Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (Phanogomphus militaris) ♀ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Here is a male Swift Setwing (Dythemis velox). A common dragonfly in these parts. The setwing moniker comes from the way the wings are held when perched. This is not typical for most species.

Swift Setwing (Dythemis velox) by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed them. I sure enjoyed hunting them except for the near 100º heat.
Have a great day. Stay safe and well my friends.
>i< Doc

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Wow Doc, an outstanding set. Your excellent photography and expert narratives elevate any section you post on UHH, thanks! Looking forward to more. Congratulations, gradations area happy occasion.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Outstanding work, Doc! Congratulations to your daughter (even if she is an Aggie - father of two UT-Austin grads).

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Awesome, Doc. Good to see you posting again. And thanks for the entomological treatise. Congratulations to your granddaughter.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Great set as usual Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I appreciate that very much Phil. Still working at the photography. I'm still of the opinion that I'm a taker of pictures more so than a real photographer. If I could shoot pictures like the Egret that you posted earlier this month, then, maybe I might consider myself a real photographer. As for graduations, well, this one was special. First granddaughter to graduate from high school and then college. Plenty more right behind her. Only one looks like they may become a teacher.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much Mike. So glad you liked them. Her sister is an Aggie too. Graduates in two years. Good times!
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks for taking the time to look in and comment. It's been a while since I last posted. Moving has been a lot of work. 2 moves in four years has taken a lot of time from the things I want to do.
Lots of graduations over the next six years. I love it!
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I'm so glad you think so Jack. Our changeable weather has kept local dragons to a minimum. Pretty well finished with the move so I hope to get out to shoot some local dragons and damsels. Take care my friend.
>i< Doc

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Nice ones Doc!

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Beauties!

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks Gary. It was a wonderful trip but the heat was awful. Many days were record highs and the humidity was bad. The things we do for our passion!
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Hi Karin! Thank you for looking in and the fine compliment.
>i< Doc