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Project Noah Nature School
Calopteryx splendens
A stunning damselfly often found alongside slow running streams and rivers (in this case the River Severn)
Males are very territorial and can be found on lush riverbank foliage and/or floating aquatic plants. They court females by flicking their wings open and performing an aerial dance close by.
This particular specimen had come to rest after performing a courtship dance for about 20 minutes or so. It wasn't until I took a closer look later that I realised that it had a hitch hiker on its back in the form of a leaf hopper!
Spotted on Jul 27, 2011
Submitted on Sep 27, 2011
10 Comments
Lovely photo. Have admired these glorious insects ever since I cam to live in the area three years ago. Never had my camera to hand when I came across them
¡Impresionante!
Gorgeous shot!
Lol - too right. Mother nature's innovation is boundless and stunning!
Hey, but we know: Bugs Are Beautiful! (even spiders)
:-)
Hi Annvan & Doina. Thanks for your kind feedback. Its so nice to have such positive feedback. The normal reaction to my photographs is 'Ugg, its a bug'!. :-)
is amazing how many things you discover when you look under scrutiny, as these fine details and the "hitchhiker" !:)
excellent colors and details, all my appreciation!
Wow, amazing photo!
Hi Pulkit. Thanks for your feedback. The Banded Damoisella is actually naturally metallic green/blue in color, hence the reflected shine in the photograph. Other than a little cropping and slight image sharpening, this image is straight out of the camera. I used a macro flash which perhaps exaggerated the metallic green a little more. Thanks for viewing.
it's too shiny