Several Great Spreadwing damselflies (Archilestes grandis) were spotted on 15 October 2015 near a vernal pool in the forest at Huntley Meadows Park. The following individual is a male, as indicated by its coloration, hamules, and terminal appendages.
With handsome azurite-colored eyes accented by green and yellow racing stripes on their thorax, male Great Spreadwings are one of my favorite damselflies!
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Archilestes grandis, Family Lestidae (Spreadwings), Great Spreadwing damselfly, hamules, Huntley Meadows Park, vernal pool, wildlife photography
walter sanford's photoblog 
February 15, 2016 at 7:46 am |
They are one of my favorites too (and you deserve a lot of credit for helping to introduce me to them). Thanks.
February 15, 2016 at 12:03 pm |
Thanks, Mike. This is one time when I was happy to be a matchmaker! 😉
February 15, 2016 at 4:49 pm |
Love this! Even his eyes are the most amazing blue. Truly gorgeous photo Walter.
February 15, 2016 at 7:36 pm |
Thanks, Laura! Dennis Paulson is one of my odonate heroes. Dennis is known for posing “deep thoughts” kind of questions, such as “Why do some damselflies have deep blue eyes and yellow racing stripes — what’s the evolutionary advantage?” Who knows? Whatever the reason, this guy is astoundingly handsome!
February 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm |
Lol, Dennis or the damselfly? (I think Dennis might be blushing at this point 😉)
February 16, 2016 at 8:45 pm |
You know what I meant, goofball! 😉