Whenever possible I prefer to photograph odonates against a clean background, such as the concrete pavement in my last blog post. In my opinion, a simpler background makes it easier for the viewer to focus on the subject.
In contrast, my photowalking buddy Mike Powell prefers a “natural” background (as opposed to man-made). Knowing Mike’s preference, I “influenced” an Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus) to relocate from his perch on a concrete sidewalk to a new perch on a grass lawn. Although the green grass complements the unusual color palette of the dragonfly, the viewer’s eye must work harder to find the subject.
29 JUL 2019 | Riverbend Park | Eastern Ringtail (male)
This individual is a male, as indicated by his “indented” hind wings, and terminal appendages. He is perched on a grassy area in between concrete sidewalks surrounding a berm/observation area alongside the boat ramp, near the main parking lot at Riverbend Park.
29 JUL 2019 | Riverbend Park | Eastern Ringtail (male)
Adult flight period
According to records for the Commonwealth of Virginia maintained by Dr. Steve Roble, Staff Zoologist at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, the adult flight period for E. designatus is from May 16 to September 24. The species is classified as uncommon to common. Its habitat is “rivers.”
Bear in mind, Dr. Roble’s records are for the entire state, therefore the adult flight period for E. designatus seems to be longer than it is in reality. The adult flight period for a single site is probably shorter. For example, according to records for Northern Virginia maintained by Kevin Munroe, former manager of Huntley Meadows Park, the adult flight period for Eastern Ringtail is 09 June to 20 September.
Related Resource: Posts tagged ‘Eastern Ringtail dragonfly’
Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Eastern Ringtail dragonfly, Erpetogomphus designatus, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), male, Potomac River, Riverbend Park, terminal appendages
walter sanford's photoblog 
August 5, 2019 at 7:41 am |
[…] photos of Eastern Ringtails from the same trip, I encourage you to check out his blog postings Eastern Ringtail reunion, continued and Reconnecting with Eastern Ringtail. Those postings provide a visual response to the question […]