I spent a few hours dipping yesterday morning at a cold Grove Ferry where my target was again to try to find any Small Red eyed Damselfly nymphs but despite catching and scrutinising a number of likely candidates, I failed to find any textbook nymphs of this species. However, the season was nowhere near wasted as I netted a couple of first for me in the shape of 2 Southern Hawker nymphs and 1 Black tailed Skimmer nymph. With the help of 'The Field Guide to the Larvae and Exuviae of British Dragonflies', I was able to see some of the key features to identify each species well through the Opticron 10X hand lens and spent yesterday afternoon photographing both species in the warmth of my conservatory. However, should I have made any mistakes with the identification, please do let me know. Both species were then returned back this morning to Grove Ferry where I found them. As mentioned earlier, I netted 2 Southern Hawker nymphs, one 25mm and the other, 35mm in length. I spent some time before photographing them studying them in small pots where I noted the long slender labial mask, the prominent lateral spine on S6 and the shape of the epiproct. After introducing the nymph to the tank, I then spent a pleasant hour or so photographing the nymph from different angles to show some of the key features. Its always nice to come across a new species to study and I made the most of the time making sure I not only photographed the nymph but also made the time to sit and study the nymph well to see the features of the species. I hopefully have ended up with some useful photos to help myself and others to identify this species. Hopefully during the next week or so, I will have the time to edit and publish the other Southern Hawker photos (35mm) as well as the Black tailed Skimmer nymph photos.
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - top view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) showing head shape
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - top view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) showing head shape
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) showing shape of the Epiproct
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) showing long slender Labial Mask
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph (25mm) showing shape of the Epiproct
Absolutely stunning of the Southern Hawker, so lovely Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Up close, their markings are quite beautiful. However, I wouldn't want to meet one if I were an insect in the water.
DeleteAs ever a great study of these fabulous creatures Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Always so much to learn about these and nice to be able to get one in the hand to be able to see the features for myself.
DeleteFabulous images of something so small, Marc, with beautifully crisp and informative datail too. When you know how that labial mask works, and the speed it works at, you do realise what a formidable predator they are! Thank you for another great ID lesson. My very best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. Really pleased to have netted this species at last. A bonus to have also netted a Black tailed Skimmer nymph too. Photos hopefully in due coarse.
DeleteExcellent images Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. Nice to finally have the time to study and learn about this species. Nice to be able to bring these most unseen nymphs to life in the photos.
DeleteUnas fotos realmente espectaculares. Me ha gustado mucho el trabajo que realizas, enhorabuena Marc. Saludos desde España.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your visit and kind words which I can just about make out. Much appreciated.
Deletefantastic images.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Many thanks Tanza. Much appreciated.
DeleteYou are really amazing Marc!
ReplyDeleteYou have gone deep into odonata studies, congratulations!
These are excellent photos and show great details of larvae anatomy.
Congratulations, all the best