A Springtime Darner dragonfly (Basiaeschna janata) was spotted along Popes Head Creek at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park (HORP) in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages and “indented” hind wings.
23 APR 2017 | HORP | Springtime Darner (male)
(See a full-size version of the original photo, without annotation.)
All male dragonflies have three terminal appendages, collectively called “claspers,” that are used to grab and hold female dragonflies during mating: an upper pair of cerci (“superior appendages”) and a lower unpaired epiproct (“inferior appendage”).
23 APR 2017 | HORP | Springtime Darner (male)
(See a full-size version of the original photo, without annotation.)
Editor’s Notes
The preceding photos are new, that is, previously unpublished. Both photos are full-frame (uncropped). Springtime Darners can be quite skittish. In this case, I was very close to an unusually cooperative model.
The last photo was shot using Aperture Priority. I prefer shooting in Shutter Priority, but I like to shoot a few shots using Aperture Priority whenever I can use either a monopod or tripod. In this situation, I improvised.
In addition to my photography gear, I usually carry a Coleman camp stool when I go photowalking. The small, lightweight folding chair is good for resting while waiting for “the game to come to me.” The camp stool also enables me to get closer to subjects either on- or near the ground, such as the Springtime Darner featured in this blog post. I think it’s easier to hold my camera rock-steady when I’m sitting on the chair with my elbows resting on my knees.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Basiaeschna janata, cerci, claspers, epiproct, Family Aeshnidae (Darners), Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, male, Popes Head Creek, Springtime Darner dragonfly, terminal appendages
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