Hang on!

[Mrs T]

Most of the dragonflies have been engaging in combat the last couple of days but the odd female has settled even if they have just been hanging on, until realising they needed to perch more sensibly!

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Hang on!

Very nicely captured. I know how difficult it is! I love the detail in their tiny wings.

Excuse my ignorance but are the brilliant turquoise dragonflies/damselflies males, or are these another species?

[Mrs T]

Re: Hang on!

Thank you. I would love to get one in flight!

The first three are of a female four-spot chaser and the last three are of a female common darter.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Hang on!

A very nice set Amanda.

[Mrs T]

Re: Hang on!

Thank you Peter. I could watch them scrapping for hours (but I do wish they would pose for the odd photo too)!

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Hang on!

I would love to get one in flight!

I find they are far too fast moving to capture in flight. It isn't so much a matter of shutter speed as being able to follow them through the viewfinder and then focusing fast enough!

I also know that a great deal of patience is required.

I captured the specimen below on my E5. I don't find the viewfinder on the E-M5 refreshes fast enough to even see these creatures, (they are seen only as streaks, and then much too late), and I haven't had an opportunity to try the E-M1 yet.











Would you be able to identify these? I assume they are males?

[PeterBirder]

Re: Hang on!

Very nicely captured. I know how difficult it is! I love the detail in their tiny wings.

Excuse my ignorance but are the brilliant turquoise dragonflies/damselflies males, or are these another species?

The insects in this thread are Dragonflies which rest as shown with their wings extended.

If the turquoise insects you are refering to are those in Amanda's other thread these are Damselflies which rest with their wings folded back along their abdomen. Females tend to have plain abdomens without the obvious black markings.. Different species of damselflies are also less easy to differentiate as the differences (especially for blue species) are mainly in the shape of the black markings along their abdomen.

Regards.

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Hang on!

The insects in this thread are Dragonflies which rest as shown with their wings extended.

If the turquoise insects you are refering to are those in Amanda's other thread these are Damselflies which rest with their wings folded back along their abdomen. It is quite difficult to determine the gender of most damselflies as the differences are often quite subtle. Different species of damselflies are also less easy to differentiate as the differences (especially for blue species) are mainly in the shape of the black markings along their abdomen.

Regards.

Thank you. That makes much more sense now. I hadn't realised that wing position at rest was so significant.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Hang on!

I find they are far too fast moving to capture in flight. It isn't so much a matter of shutter speed as being able to follow them through the viewfinder and then focusing fast enough!

I also know that a great deal of patience is required.

I captured the specimen below on my E5. I don't find the viewfinder on the E-M5 refreshes fast enough to even see these creatures, (they are seen only as streaks, and then much too late), and I haven't had an opportunity to try the E-M1 yet.











Would you be able to identify these? I assume they are males?

These look like male Azure damselflies to me Nigel.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Hang on!

Thank you. That makes much more sense now. I hadn't realised that wing position at rest was so significant.

Damselflies are also generally smaller than Dragonflies and all have thin stick like abdomens whilst Dragons have broarder and more shapely abdomens.

Regards.

[Olybirder]

Re: Hang on!

Lovely detailed shots Amanda and I like the harmonious gold and green palette. I am less keen on the advanced state of those blackberries, as I always think of them as autumnal fruit. It's the longest day tomorrow. Where has this year gone?

Ron

[Mrs T]

Re: Hang on!

Lovely detailed shots Amanda and I like the harmonious gold and green palette. I am less keen on the advanced state of those blackberries, as I always think of them as autumnal fruit. It's the longest day tomorrow. Where has this year gone?

Ron

Thanks Ron, the first three had a willow tree in the background.

I know what you mean about the blackberries, there are still plenty of flowers too. But time really does fly.

Amanda