A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Pachydiplax longipennis
A Blue Dasher Dragonfly, Underneath is it's or another dragonflies exuvia.
Pond
I didn't really like these pictures but I was looking at them the other day and noticed the shed skin of either this or another dragonfly. I thought it was really interesting looking. I wish I would have noticed when taking the picture so i could have gotten better pictures of the exuvia.
Spotted on Jul 29, 2012
Submitted on Aug 7, 2012
9 Comments
There were no specimens close enough for me to collect. The dragonflies stick to the middle of the pond and it is a pretty big pond.
Thanks Jolly.
Admirable dedication to PN. Thanks for sharing and the effort.
Did you collect some specimens?
I did. I went back to where I spotted the first dragonfly and found more exuviae.
Hey Krista! Did you add new photos to this spotting?
Oh, I always carry little bottles, jars and bags for any finds. I currently have a nice collection of dead insects and shed skins. I don't know much about dragonflies and I had no idea what kind it came from. I just noticed it and thought it was pretty neat. I wish it was closer so I could grab it... that is if it is still there.
OK, the former teacher did his homework. The Blue Dasher shown in your photo IS NOT a teneral, so I'm fairly certain the exuvia belongs to another dragonfly. VERY COOL exuvia photo nonetheless!
Thanks for dedicating your spotting to me, Krista! Two follow-up points: 1) The Blue Dasher in your photo doesn't appear to be a teneral, that is, a newly-emerged dragonfly so the exuvia (singular) may not belong to the BD. (In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit I've never seen a teneral BD. I should have done my homework before posting this comment!) 2) Richard Orr, one of the premier experts on odonates in the mid-Atlantic region, told me it is virtually impossible to ID dragonfly exuviae (plural) from photographs only. So what's the take-away from this pearl of wisdom? Also carry a small vial that can be used to collect specimens. (I carry an empty bottle of vitamins. Sadly, I've never had the good fortune to use it!)
For Geodailist. It really isn't the best picture but I was thinking of going over to the pond where I found all these dragonflies to see if I can find it and take better pictures.