Thursday, August 25, 2016

six-legged dragons


Insect whisperer Jackson

Kids and bugs. What better way to spend a summer afternoon? Yes, I know. It's old school and kids aren't entertained by real bugs, only virtual bugs. But, surprise, surprise.

Sunday's Dragon Quest at Ijams unfolded on an ideal afternoon to study the carnivorous order of insects: Odonata—the toothed ones. We had beautiful weather to search for dragons and even damsels.

We managed to catch and release and/or photograph three species of dragonfly: Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta), Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) and Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis). Plus one species, as yet unknown, of damselfly; best guess eastern red damsel (Amphiagrion saucium).


Thanks to all dragon-ologist and to Jason Dykes for his steady hand with the camera and to Kim, Nick and Clare for helping.

Next up: Flutterby-ology in September!

A pair of dragons. Photos by John Goodall
Blue dasher dragonfly Photo by Jason Dykes
Eastern pondhawk dragonfly Photo by Jason Dykes
Slaty Skimmer dragonfly Photo by Jason Dykes
 
Perhaps eastern red damsel??  Photo by Clare Dattilo



A dragonfly nymph's shed exoskeleton is called an exuviae. Isn't that a fun word? Photo by Clare Dattilo
Ijams Dragon-ologists

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