"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!
Splendid shots - it will be w file before I see any dragons here.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Stewart. Have a great evening!
Deletevery pretty! love to see them as they can dine on all the skeeters they find!
ReplyDeleteI read they can literally eat hundreds of skeeters a day...where can I purchase a crate full of live dragonflies? :)
DeleteHi Susan.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to see you've dipped your toe (so to speak) into the world of Odonata.
Lovely pics of the Blue Dasher, which I see also perches in 'The Obelisk Position' just like our Black Darter. (http://fabearlybirder.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/black-darter.html)
Have a good week.
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Frank. Thanks, also, for the link to your Black Darter post which explained the reason for their Obelisk Position, another fact I didn't know until now. The Black Darter photos were lovely too!
DeleteWonderful photos! I've photographed them many times, but did not know these facts about them. So interesting. Thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Gail! Have a great day!
DeleteLovely captures and beautiful dragons.. Thanks for sharing the info.. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteYes, attending a seminar and excursion about dragonflies and Damsilflies a few years ago, I learned quite a bit about these creatures myself!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteA seminar would be interesting. Thank you for mentioning that, JP. Have a good day!
DeleteSusan, beautiful photos. Dragonflies are one of my favorite animals. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting, Christa. Have a great day!
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