After getting up early this morning before work to check the pond, I noticed a small damselfly nymph starting to climb up one of the stems in the pond I had placed there. I already had the camera and everything prepared and hoped that I could settle down and have time to photograph the emergence before I had to go to work. Thankfully, luck was on my side and I just about had time to do this and get ready for work. What I did notice this time was that the damselfly was not a Large Red Damselfly and was either going to be an Azure or Variable but with its Caudal Lamellae missing, I was going to have to wait until it had emerged to find out. I spent the next hour and a half laying on my belly watching and photographing this fascinating sight and managed to capture a number of photos of each stage. Finally after the damselfly had emerged I was able to use the 10x field lens to get a few features and I come to the conclusion that it was a Variable Damselfly, the first time I have photographed the emergence of this species. If I am wrong please correct me but the distinctive shape of the pronotum could be seen along with the bar in between the post-ocular spots on the head. This bar I believe is lacking in the Azure Damselfly. A bit rushed at times but a great start to the day and hopefully if some better weather arrives soon, we may have the first Hairy Dragonflies emerging any day now.
'Newly Emerged' Variable Damselfly (male)
Fantastic the Variable Damselfly, I haven't seen one, well done Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. A great spectacle to witness I assure you.
DeleteGreat catch!! Planning ahead is a plus.
ReplyDeleteYvonne
Many thanks Yvonne.
DeleteHow did it fit into that exuvium? Terrific series.
ReplyDeleteIts pretty amazing isn't it? It pumps its body after emerging and the abdomen slowly gets longer along with the wings.
DeleteApart from marvelling at your beautiful photographs, Marc, like Wilma, I was wondering how on earth that long slender being had once fitted inside the exuvia! Such an incredible process.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy. One of the many miracles of nature that most of us will never see.
DeleteThe magnificent event.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Anne.
DeleteNice one Marc. I'll have to wait a few more weeks yet to get any more odo's, but it will be worth the wait................hopefully!
ReplyDeleteIt won't be long and it will be a daily occurence for you.
DeleteIf I had one I would take my hat off to you sir. What a great sequence of shots, I don't do envy but can I say I am pretty darn close to starting. I spent ages last year trying to get one decent shot. Well done you.
ReplyDeleteNote to self must try again
Many thanks Don for your kind words, much appreciated.
DeleteImpressed by your photography, as always, Marc. However, I, too, am amazed at how the abdomen extends after emergence.
ReplyDeleteMy congratulstions and best wishes to you - - - Richard