Blue Dasher versus Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Description:

The preceding photo features two dragonflies: a Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella), shown lower-left; and a Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis), shown upper-right. Both dragonflies are males. Photo forensics reveals the action sequence: The smaller Blue Dasher, already fully in motion, encroached upon the larger Twelve-spotted Skimmer's territory and caused the Twelve-spotted Skimmer to take flight in defense of its perch. Male Blue Dashers are "...fiercely aggressive to other skimmers with blue pruinosity." Source: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Location 10847). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition. The Blue Dasher's abdomen is bowed upward, probably showing aggression toward the other dragonfly. Related Resources: 1) Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly http://bugguide.net/node/view/3407 2) Pruinescence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruinescenc...

Habitat:

Huntley Meadows Park, a 1,425 acre wetland area in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Related Resource: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntl...

Notes:

The photo was shot using an aperture of f/5.6 and a shutter speed of 1/200 second. Although the shutter speed was too slow to stop the motion of the dragonflies completely, it was perfect for conveying dynamic tension in the scene.