This is a follow up to an earlier post done on dragonflies found in my home garden. Here I list 10 species.
1. Sombre Lieutenant Brachydiplax sobrina
2. Marsh Skimmer Orthetrum luzonicum
3. Paddyfield Parasol Neurothemis intermedia intermedia
4. Amber-winged Glider Hydrobasileus croceus
5. Sri Lanka Forktail Macrogomphus lankanensis (endemic species)
6. Pied Parasol Neurothemis tullia tullia
7. Spine-legged Redbolt Rhodothemis rufa
8. Variegated Flutterer Rhyothemis variegata variegate
9. Green Skimmer Orthetrum sabina Sabina
10. Scarlet Basker Urothemis signata signata
This post is my maiden contribution to the Circus of the Spineless # 32 hosted by Deep-sea News
20 comments:
ooh nice! Reminds me of the time when I used to observe them when I was little.
By the way, their transparent wings have triggered off a lot of research in the field of optics and optical fibres. I know it's a survival thing to have a transparent set of wings, but they've actually got on them an 'anti-reflective coating' so the light doesn't get reflected off the wings, giving them a transparent look. Scientists (including some in my group) are looking at applying this nature's secret to other uses.
Brilliant photos, as usual!
Is there a field guide for Sri Lankan dragonflies / damselflies available?
Hi Sasani,
Thanks a lot! I'm glad that they brought you some childhood memories.
Great to learn that the dragonflies are studied in other disciplines for such serious research. Thanks a lot for sharing that!
Hi Java,
Thanks as always! I'm sure you get a pretty good mix of these at your montane retreat with no doubt a few montane specials.
Dragonflies of Sri Lanka by Matjaz Bedjanic, Karen Conniff, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne is the best Field Guide around. note: I have left out special characters in Matjaz's name)
Wow great photos as usual. :-)
Hi Chrisss,
Thanks a lot! I am glad you liked them. These were some of the pictures that have come good out of many. Most of the shots taken have to be deleted due to poor focus, lighting & composition.
Amila - I can only add to the other comments by saying wow, what absolutely stunning phots, Thanks.
Hi RD,
Thank you very much! I am very happy to hear your comments. Trying to get macro photos of these is quite a rollercoaster experience.
truely fab pics, I can't imagine how you managed to caputre things that move so quickly.
Hi Bea,
Thanks a lot! Taking your comment as a question, it is a bit challenging at the start as you’ve observed. Patient chasing and patient waiting are the keys to success. When I’ve made up my mind to photograph these, I do not let other life forms distract me, which is important. And I often make sure I wear Wellies when I am doing that, as sometimes these insects could take you to ‘unchartered territory’.
thank you.
Hi ST,
You are welcome! Thanks again for the request!
Ohhh, beautiful! You have so many different types and your pictures are exquisite! I always have trouble identifying them, but I really enjoy seeing them.
Hi Lin,
Thanks a lot!
I am glad you liked them.
The diversity here is quite good.
You’re right; their ID could at times pose trouble even with a good photogrpah and a Field Guide in hand. At such times seeking the opinion of a dragonfly expert is what I do...
wellies sound good as I would predict plenty of mud and leeches! the uk wildlife ismuch less spectacular, but the lack of leeches is wonderful
Hi Bea,
Right. Wellies work wonderfully to prevent Leech bites provided they are worn with leech socks. I don’t get leeches at my home garden luckily. So, the main reason why I wear wellies over here is to prevent snakes bites. We have Cobra and Russell’s Viper over here! Leeches are a real pain and I am not surprised your sounding relieved about the lack of them over there.
Hi Ocean,
Thanks a lot !
Most birders take a keen interest in Dragonflies nowadays. I am lucky to have a good mix in my own home garden. I started photographing them as a first step to learning their IDs. I am very sorry to hear that you’ve had no luck with them so far despite your efforts. Anyway, something tells me that I will see a dragonfly pic or two at Island Rambles this Spring...
Snakes that we have over here are pretty nasty and I have deep respect for them! Shall do a post on them one of these days...
WOW!!! Amazing pictures, Ami!!!
Over here, people believe that if you find dragonflies flying around in your gardens or backyards (in your house) you'll have visitors (friends or family)
I used to be fascinated by that when I was a child, as they were never common around here but ALWAYS seemed to appear when we had guests!!
Hi Mel,
Thanks a lot! That’s really interesting that you have such a folk belief in Peru! We have a similar thing relating to vocal crows in home gardens!! Thanks for sharing that.
Love your birds, bugs, and dragonflies. It's interesting to see the differences and similarities in them.
I have added you to my "Nature Blogs" Blog roll. I like your site a lot. I'll be back later to browse some more.
Thanks for sharing,
Troy
Hi Troy,
Thanks a lot for your lovely comments! I started my interest in these relatively recently and I quite enjoy them.
Thanks a lot for adding my blog to your blogroll. I have reciprocated. I must say that I like your blog too. So, I sure will return to yours too
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