Several Fine-lined Emerald dragonflies (Somatochlora filosa) were spotted during a photowalk at an undisclosed location in Prince William County, Virginia USA.
The same dragonfly was photographed while it perched in several shady places along one of the trails at the site. In my limited experience, Somatochlora filosa seems to prefer perching on bare tree branches or long stems of wild grass. Part 1 features two photo sets showing Fine-lined Emerald resting on other types of perches; Part 2 will feature two more photo sets showing the dragonfly perching on grasses.
This individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages and prominent hamules.
Set 1
The first photograph is a strong contender for my Odonart© Portfolio. I like the way the green vegatation complements the dragonfly’s emerald colored eyes. Can anyone identify the type of plant on which the dragonfly is perching?
16 SEP 2017 | PNC. Wm. County | Fine-lined Emerald (male)
Post Update: Sincere thanks to Drew Chaney for identifying the green plant shown in the preceding photo. According to Drew, “It’s common evening-primrose, probably Oenothera biennis.”
Set 2
The second set of photos shows the dragonfly perching on a Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seed pod.
16 SEP 2017 | PNC. Wm. County | Fine-lined Emerald (male)
The next photo was taken a step-or-so closer…
16 SEP 2017 | PNC. Wm. County | Fine-lined Emerald (male)
This individual has a distinctive eye injury to the top of his left eye (facing forward).
16 SEP 2017 | PNC. Wm. County | Fine-lined Emerald (male)
And after a few side steps, I was able to take a good ventral-lateral shot.
16 SEP 2017 | PNC. Wm. County | Fine-lined Emerald (male)
Editor’s Note: Sincere thanks to several members of the Capital Naturalist Facebook group for identifying the species of milkweed plant shown in photo Set 2. “Capital Naturalist” is administered by Alonso Abugattas, Natural Resources Manager, Arlington County Parks, Virginia.
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Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Family Corduliidae (Emeralds), Fine-lined Emerald dragonfly, hamules, male, Somatochlora filosa, terminal appendages
walter sanford's photoblog 
September 19, 2017 at 5:51 am |
Those eyes are unreal!
September 19, 2017 at 6:51 pm |
You should see their glowing green eyes when they’re flying toward you — there’s NO DOUBT you’re looking at a member of the Emerald Family!
September 20, 2017 at 6:39 pm |
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