Whilst out yesterday photographing an emerging Common Darter and Black tailed Skimmer I started looking through the reeds for any exuvia, the larval case the dragonfly leaves behind after emerging. It wasn't long until I noticed a large exuvia clinging on to the reeds so with care, I was able to remove it and have a good look. By it size, 5cm in length I could see it was an Emperor Dragonfly exuvia and how impressive it is. The detail is amazing and even more impressive that such a big dragonfly emerges from only a small area on the thorax, pumps up its body in size and then leaves a complete case behind. There is a lot I have to learn about these fascinating insects, not only seeing and photographing the adults but the life they lead under the water for a few years in some case. I will post some shots later in the week of the Common Darter and Black tailed Skimmer exuvia.
Emperor Dragonfly Exuvia
I used to have one of those in a jar Marc, I found it on an iris stem in my pond, god knows what I did with it though!!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't look like the Emperors old clothes, only joking. It is fantastic Marc, how long will you keep it?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try to find something I can keep them in. Thats something I will do now, where does it all end!
DeleteGreat macro.. Congrats..
ReplyDeleteAn all round well handled subject, including some brilliant photography of these 'old clothes'....Remarkable,and well done Marc.
ReplyDeleteCheers Pete, much appreciated.
DeleteSuperb photos !!! As in the previous series.
ReplyDeleteCongrats,
JR
Many thanks JR. I can see me in the reeds again soon trying to find more from different species.
DeleteGreat entry so well photographed, we don't see enough exuviae on Dragonworld!!
ReplyDelete