OK, subjects were not in abundance this past weekend at our favorite wetlands, Viera, but we were still able to practice our panning and telephoto lens techniques on the frequently overlooked green darner dragonfly.
They are everywhere now, latched together, having sex, or should I say propagating the species. The male must transfer sperm from his sperm-producing genitals (located in segment 9, at the tip of his abdomen) to the accesory genitals located on segments 2 and 3, underneath his abdomen. These include a sperm reservoir and a penis. He does this on his own.
The female, when found, then connects her genitals located at the tip of her abdomen against his abdomen, where he has transferred the sperm. He holds the female behind her head, by three claspers. Then around they fly. When finished, he tows her around and over water so she can deposit the eggs.
Now, you probably know more then you ever thought you would want to know about dragonfly copulation. But, you must admit the natural world is a fascinating place. The top image is of two green darners connected with the back one,female, depositing the eggs into the water. the second image is of course caught in flight.
Nancy Elwood
Nancy Elwood is a Florida based professional nature and wildlife photographer. Her interest in the natural world started as a child reading and watching National Geographic. After graduating from Florida State University School of Nursing, she developed her interest in photography travelling with several National Geographic photographers to Africa, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. With them she started to hone her skills in capturing natures wonders through a camera lens. Nancy now, when not in the field, shows her work in juried art shows and runs photography workshops.
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