The following photographs show a couple of female Eastern Pondhawk dragonflies (Erythemis simplicicollis) spotted in a meadow located at least 100 yards from the central wetland area at Huntley Meadows Park.
Notice the subgenital plate, a black “shark fin” located beneath segment eight of the abdomen.
Underneath Segment 8 there is either an ovipositor or a subgenital plate, depending upon the species [of dragonfly]. Both structures are for laying eggs and extend over Segment 9 and possibly beyond. Source Credit: Dragonflies of the North Woods, by Kurt Mead.
Remember that “Segment 8 and 9” refers to abdominal segments eight and nine (of 10), numbered from front to back.
Copyright © 2012 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved. www.wsanford.com
Tags: Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly, Erythemis simplicicollis, female, Huntley Meadows Park, subgenital plate, wildlife photography
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