Common Sanddragon (male)

A Common Sanddragon dragonfly (Progomphus obscurus) was spotted along Dogue Creek at Wickford Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages and “indented” hind wings.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

Some people imagine the yellow markings along the abdomen look like small burning candles.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

All of the photographs in this set are uncropped. Knee-high rubber boots enabled me to photowalk some segments the stream, allowing me to get close to the subject.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

This guy was a cooperative model; he allowed me to photograph him from many viewpoints.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

The water level was relatively high after recent heavy rainfall. As a result, there were fewer sandy “beaches” than usual along the stream. I speculate the dragonfly may have been more cooperative because he wasn’t going to abandon one of only a few available preferred places to perch.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

It’s possible the right front leg (facing forward) is either malformed or injured. Although the male flew several short patrols, landing in different places, the leg was never fully extended.

09 JUL 2017 | Wickford Park | Common Sanddragon (male)

Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Tags: Common Sanddragon dragonfly, Dogue Creek, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), male, malformed, Progomphus obscurus, terminal appendages, Wickford Park