21 JUN 2016 | MRA | Eastern Pondhawk (mating pair, “in wheel”)
A mating pair of Eastern Pondhawk dragonflies (Erythemis simplicicollis) was spotted along the earthen dam at Hidden Pond, Meadowood Recreation Area. This pair is “in wheel“: the male is on the upper-right; the female is on the lower-left.
Eastern Pondhawks mate quickly.
Copulation brief (averages 20 sec) and aerial, may be followed by resting period. Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Location 10228). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.
The mating pair was in wheel when they landed. I was able to shoot one photo before they finished copulating!
Look closely at the full-size version of the preceding photo. Notice the female is infested with parasitic water mites on the underside of her abdomen.
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: adult female, adult male, Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly, Erythemis simplicicollis, Hidden Pond, in wheel, mating pair, Meadowood Recreation Area, parasite, Skimmer Family, water mites, wildlife photography
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