Dragonfly exuvia on last year's cattail stalk: And it looks to me like a Damselfly was it's buddy! :sm01: The white threads I think are the linings of the tracheae. That's the extent...

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

And it looks to me like a Damselfly was it's buddy!

The white threads I think are the linings of the tracheae.

That's the extent of my knowledge.

A coming out party!
Doc, could you help me out here?
There were Darners flying, but to erratic for me to get a shot yet.

The red dragon (admittedly not a good shot) is I think a Cardinal Meadowhawk. Sympetrum illotum?

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docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Nice shots Victor! Yes you have an exuviae of an Aeshna. Lateral spines on S 6-9 and rounded eyes. I love how the one leg of the damsel is around the back of his buddy. That is a Cardinal Meadowhawk. You can see one of the two white lateral spots on the abdomen. Fine work! Keep them coming.
-Doc

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Excellent, Vic.

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

docshark wrote:

Nice shots Victor! Yes you have an exuviae of an Aeshna. Lateral spines on S 6-9 and rounded eyes. I love how the one leg of the damsel is around the back of his buddy. That is a Cardinal Meadowhawk. You can see one of the two white lateral spots on the abdomen. Fine work! Keep them coming.
-Doc

Thanks so much for the ID Doc! That makes sense being as how there were a lot of Darners flitting about over the water. What would be the best time to find them emerging? I'd really like to see that. Early morning?

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Muddyvalley wrote:

Thanks so much for the ID Doc! That makes sense being as how there were a lot of Darners flitting about over the water. What would be the best time to find them emerging? I'd really like to see that. Early morning?

Any time of the day but they mostly emerge early morning or evening. They are very vulnerable as they are emerging. From egg to flying adult about 80% don't make it. They are very susceptible to predation but many don't get out of the exuviae. They can get hung up as they are emerging.
-Doc

This guy didn't make it.
This guy didn't make it....

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Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

docshark wrote:

Any time of the day but they mostly emerge early morning or evening. They are very vulnerable as they are emerging. From egg to flying adult about 80% don't make it. They are very susceptible to predation but many don't get out of the exuviae. They can get hung up as they are emerging.
-Doc

Thank you Doc, I've seen the birds snatch them in front of me. 80% is a lot. I saw another exuvia this morning. Same Darner I expect, but what's with the Damsels?

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Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

The damsels are emerging too, is all. You are getting some good stuff here!

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Muddyvalley wrote:

Thank you Doc, I've seen the birds snatch them in front of me. 80% is a lot. I saw another exuvia this morning. Same Darner I expect, but what's with the Damsels?

A very teneral damselfly. It has not achieved its coloration yet. I'd say that one emerged earlier in the day. Good shot.
-Doc

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

The damsels were the first to start emerging. What is unusual, is that of the two dragonfly exuvae I've been able to photograph, they were accompanied by something damsel related. :-) In this case, I was following the damsel when it landed next to the dragonfly exuvia. I wonder if it smelled like food to the damsel. :-). I'm sure just a coincidence.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Probably coincidence but I have seen a teneral Lubber grasshopper emerge from its exuviae and begin eating it. It is a sugar and protein compound and they don't eat for about two days before they emerge.
-Doc