"Deep in the sun-searched growths, the dragonfly
hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky"
~ Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Silent Noon
Blue Dasher Dragonfly
The fast Blue Dasher is one of the most commonly sighted dragonflies in all of North America. This one was perched on one of my Shepard's hooks for several minutes. He, or She, allowed me to get close in for a few moments- a great photo opportunity. I studied the dragonfly's flat face and big, bug eyes. They must have amazing vision, I thought. I observed the colorful patterns on the eyes, thorax and tail. How pretty this one is. I realized that I paid only slight attention to dragonflies before and how little I know about them.
So, I've done some research and educated myself a little about these insects. I was surprised to learn that dragonflies and damselflies go through metamorphosis and spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs. They emerge from water as a nymph, split their exoskeleton and transform into what we know as dragonflies and damselflies. The Citizens Scientists League has published a clear explanation of the Dragonfly Life Cycle and Metamorphosis, available online. Click here.
Nature never ceases to amaze me...
I'm always learning something new about the creatures that share this planet with us.
Wishing everyone a great Monday,
and a wonderful week!
