I visited Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (OBNWR), Prince William County, Virginia USA for the first time on 18 June 2016. I found the Calico Pennant dragonflies (Celithemis elisa) that I was looking for at Painted Turtle Pond; I was surprised when I spotted one or more Unicorn Clubtail dragonflies (Arigomphus villosipes) at the same pond!
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
All of the individuals in this gallery are males, as indicated by their unique terminal appendages: the epiproct is a large “plate” that spans both cerci.
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
Like all male clubtail dragonflies, the hind wings of male Unicorn Clubtails are “indented” near the body; this distinctive field marker isn’t shown well by any of the photos in this gallery except the following shot.
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
The juxtaposition of man-made and natural objects is visually appealing in the next photo.
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
18 JUN 2016 | OBNWR | Unicorn Clubtail (male)
Related Resources:
- Calico Pennant dragonflies (males) by Walter Sanford
- Calico Pennant dragonflies (females) by Walter Sanford
- CalicOdonart by Walter Sanford
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Arigomphus villosipes, Calico Pennant dragonfly, Celithemis elisa, cerci, Clubtail Family, epiproct, male, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Painted Turtle Pond, terminal appendages, Unicorn Clubtail dragonfly, wildlife photography
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