Awe inspiring, prehistoric and gloriously free. Last week we were lucky to have three Southern hawker dragonflies (Aeshna cyanea) emerge from the pond. The scale is difficult to gauge from these pictures, but the wingspan is about 4 inches from tip to tip.
Affter waiting in the depths of the pond, feeding on invertebrates for perhaps two years, they emerge to enjoy their short summer lives. A few weeks at the best time of the year.
I think these may be females-the males tend to be bluer. I hope at least one returns to lay her eggs in the pond.
Please click the pictures to enlarge them.
3 responses so far ↓
kate // July 3, 2008 at 10:42 pm |
Now those are just beautiful. I have yet to see a dragonfly this summer…they should be out soon. I could watch them forever!
Louise // July 4, 2008 at 2:17 pm |
I get these in my garden Judith. I did see a flash of something quite large hawking through the garden the other day? They really are amazing! x
dianeschuller // July 4, 2008 at 5:48 pm |
I too love watching dragonflies and damselflies. After having next to none in recent years, this year we have all kinds of damselflies. I caught a picture of a couple of them eating other little bugs. I’ve only seen a few dragonflies though but am thrilled at all the damselflies.