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Monday, June 15, 2009

Dragonfly

I've been inspired by fellow bloggers Dave and Warren, who post some cool insect sightings in addition to the birds and other wildlife they see. As a result, I've been trying to chase down some local dragonflies, but they are amazingly hard to approach to get a good macro shot. I don't know how you guys do it! I thought I would share the one I have managed to photograph.

My insect ID is definitely not up to par, but I use my online BugGuide to do my best. My guess is this is a meadowhawk, Sympetrum spp. What do you think? It's amazing how translucent those wings are. As always, click on the photo to get a better view. The details are pretty amazing.

6 comments:

The K said...

Glad you're seeing the insects, too. The wingless ones are relatively easy to capture. The winged ones are difficult. I found early morning to be best time for that -- they bugs seem slower and less prone to fly. Here's a dragonfly I got at Lakedale on SJI a few years back.

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

defo a Sympetrum but my knowledge of American dragonflies ends just about there

D

Warren Baker said...

Well done on the Dragonfly photo kelly. Not the easiest of insects to sneak up on. I think your ID is correct, it looks like a hawker, but i only know british Species!!

Heather said...

I have no idea what it is, but it is a beaut!

Monika said...

Thanks guys for confirming my ID was on the right track. That's very rewarding!

But Warren....Kelly? ;)

Vickie said...

That is a nice one. Pretty color.