A Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly (Stylurus plagiatus) was spotted by Michael Powell during a photowalk around Mulligan Pond at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge (JMAWR) in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages.
18 AUG 2020 | JMAWR | Russet-tipped Clubtail (male)
I was able to shoot one and only one photo of the Russet-tipped Clubtail before it was spooked by a male Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula incesta) — the clubtail flew away (never to return) while the skimmer landed on a nearby perch.
Swift Setwing (Dythemis velox) and Russet-tipped Clubtail were our two target species for the trip to JMAWR. Seeing Swift Setwing was a relatively sure thing; Russet-tipped, less so. It would have been nice to get a longer look at this handsome clubtail, but hey, I’m happy to have seen/photo’d this somewhat uncommon species however briefly!
Related Resource: Odonart© [one of several Swift Setwing spotted on the same day at JMAWR]
Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, male, Mulligan Pond, Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly, Stylurus plagiatus, terminal appendages
August 26, 2020 at 9:34 am |
Your image turned out really well, Walter, considering your initial concerns that it was underexposed. You may have gotten only one chance to get a shot, but you made it count.
August 26, 2020 at 10:58 am |
Thanks, Mike! Couldn’t have done it without you.
August 26, 2020 at 11:20 am |
I assisted in getting the opportunity, but when the critical moment came, you were the one behind the camera that took advantage of the opportunity.
August 26, 2020 at 11:45 am |
No subject, no photo.