A perfect photo opportunity I thought…
It turns out that taking photos of dragonflies is much more difficult than I imagined! Each time I was ready to take a shot the dragonfly flew off. I watched it for a long time. Eventually I managed to predict when and where the dragonfly would land and I took a couple of photos I was happy with.
The images above are just fragments of a much larger picture.
Here’s the original photograph.
Dragonflies actually spend most of their lives under water, first as eggs then as nymphs. The nymphs grow and change in the pond for about two years until they are ready to emerge and transform into adults. What amazing creatures they are.
Like so many of our Bees and Butterflies some Dragonflies are also in danger. Loss of habitat is a big threat to them and most species are sensitive to pollution. Water quality is particularly important for the survival of nymphs… they need plenty of food to make it to adulthood. Insecticides and fertilisers affect both the larvae they eat underwater and the mature insects that adult dragonflies need too. That’s a bit worrying isn’t it?
Dragonfly Conservation.
There are a few organisations dedicated to helping these beautiful creatures. The British Dragonfly Society has photos to help you identify any Dragonflies and Damselflies that you spot. There is also a page for you to record what you have seen. Click on News and Events then Latest Sightings.
Hope you are enjoying the lovely September sunshine. Gillian 🙂