Michael Powell, a good friend and fellow Northern Virginian, collected several odonate exuviae during a photowalk along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
The four exuviae that Mike collected are stored in one of those empty containers of Philadelphia cream cheese spread that I endorsed in a recent blog post. I shot several quick-and-dirty photographs of the exuviae, without removing them from the small plastic tub. Usually I wouldn’t publish photos of this quality. The photos are like a sketch pad that will be used to make a tentative plan for photographing the specimens and attempting to identify them to the genus and species level, if possible.
Spoiler Alert: If you can identify any of the exuviae featured in this post, then PLEASE DON’T TELL ME! I enjoy the challenge of solving the mystery of their identity. Thank you!
Dragonfly exuviae
Mike collected two dragonfly exuviae that are from the Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), as indicated by a flat labium that doesn’t cover the face as well as club-like antennae.
My working theory is the first specimen might be an exuvia from an Eastern Ringtail dragonfly (Erpetogomphus designatus).
Post Update: The identity of the first specimen is confirmed as an Erpetogomphus designatus exuvia.
The next exuvia appears to be a member of the genus Stylurus, possibly plagiatus (Russet-tipped Clubtail).
The preceding photo was focused on the head; the following photo was focused on abdominal segment nine (S9). This specimen may need to be cleaned in order to see more clearly some key field marks used for identification.
Post Update: The identity of the first specimen is confirmed as a Stylurus plagiatus exuvia.
Damselfly exuviae
It is relatively easy to identify damselflies (Suborder Zygoptera) to the family level based upon the shape of the prementum. Both damselfly exuviae that Mike collected are members of the Family Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies).
It is more challenging to identify damselfly specimens to the genus/species level. In this case, possible genera include Argia (Dancers), Enallagma (American Bluets), and Ischnura (Forktails).
The last damselfly exuvia is smaller than the first. It will need to be soaked in soapy water for at least 24 hours in order to make the specimen pliable so it can be re-posed before it is photographed.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: exuviae, Fairfax County, Family Coenagrionidae, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Narrow-winged Damselflies, Potomac River, Virginia
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February 28, 2018 at 10:30 am |
[…] Showcasing some of my digital photography and videography. « Getting started […]
March 2, 2018 at 4:02 am |
[…] exuviae during a photowalk along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia USA, including two damselflies and two dragonflies. The exact date is uncertain, although Mike thinks the exuviae were collected sometime between […]
March 6, 2018 at 4:01 am |
[…] recent blog post entitled Getting Started featured photos of four odonate exuviae collected by Michael Powell during a photowalk along the […]