A new dragonfly
After several days of heavy rain and strong winds I was pleased to be able to get out to look for dragonflies this morning. I was hoping to see my first emperor of the year but came across something even better, a dragonfly I have never seen before. I was creeping up on a four-spotted chaser when I noticed this beauty nearby.
It is a young female broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa).
Even better, a few metres away was another one, this time an immature male.
The male develops powder blue colouration on the abdomen with maturity. I'll return to the pond in week or so to see if I can find a mature male.
Lovely pics Chris though I was surprised to read it was a 'lifer' for you. They seem to occupy just about everywhere in my part of the world which isn't too far away, though ironically I failed to find one on Friday at a regular site.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's my turn to be jealous as despite photographing many over the years I've never yet managed anything but mature specimens, an immature male remains a target.
I've heard about Bank's Pond being good for dragons, someone photographed a Common Hawker emerging there a couple of years back as well as Southern. I believe Black Darters are there as well so if Emperor are there too it's got quite a selection.
Good luck with the dragonfly year, enjoying reading the blog.
Thanks Alan. I reported these to BDS via iRecord and the response was "Coordinate is outside known range of Libellula depressa". It will be interesting to see what they say when it is reviewed. I have been going there for three years and it is the first time I have seen them. I am fairly new to this game so there are quite a few things I haven't yet seen. We usually get emperors in June so I'll be back to have a look.
DeleteExcellent Chris, yes I hadn't realised they weren't too widespread north of the Tyne, so a very good find indeed. A feather in the cap for you sir :-)
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