Tuesday 6 July 2021

Willow Emerald Damselfly Nymph

Having not found any Willow Emerald Damselflies last weekend at Nethergong, I decided to take my outdoor tank along for a session where the plan was to net a few fully grown individuals and try to photograph them in my tank on site. Having parked up quite close by as there was quite a bit to carry (tank, table, tripod as well as a camera bag), I was soon setting up and putting some weed and water in the tank where it needed to settle for a while. This gave me the chance to net a few Willow Emerald Damselfly nymphs which there were plenty of. I managed to net a newly moulted nymph which was pretty white where the pigmentation had not darkened yet. I thought this would be a good subject to photograph so after introducing it to the tank, I had a brief wait until the nymph was in a few suitable photographic positions. Normally at home, I can take my time and make sure the glass is in pristine condition but using the natural water on site, there were plenty of things and  bits in each shot which were slightly annoying. I have tried to clean up the shots but I would be there all day removing everything but I think the shots have come out quite well considering. It was interesting seeing how quickly the nymph started to darken from its almost white state when I netted it but I suppose when you are underwater standing out like a sore thumb, it's pretty important to blend in quickly as most things want to eat you. With a few shots in the bag, it was time to pack everything away and return home. A nice few hours with the tank set up outside which I should do more often as it's great fun, when everything works out that is!














Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) Nymph - male

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Many thanks Pete, much appreciated. Hopefully the adults will be emerging very soon. Take care.

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  2. Amazing photography, Marc! I'm looking forward to trying to connect with our small colony up here when they emerge. Take good care - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard. I'm hoping to see an adult this weekend. Hoping the weather will allow a visit tomorrow morning. Always a highlight of mine flushing the first one from the vegetation. Fingers crossed your colony does well this year. Take care.

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  3. Full of envy Marc when all I've got is a visit from an old fox each night. Take care.
    Mike.

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    1. The fox visits you have should never be taken for granted. They are very special indeed. Take yourself out to a lake on a sunny day and get searching. They're there to be found. Take care.

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  4. It's another World down there in the water. Fascinating stuff Marc.

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    1. It certainly is Bob. Really like this type of photography, especially when I can take the tank with me. Take care.

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  5. Hello Marc, so special these photos, amazing the way you managed to do that.
    Regards,
    Roos

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    1. Many thanks Roos for your kind words. Much appreciated. Take care.

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