Female Common Whitetail 2 by Leeco

Photography • Macro • posted on Jun 12, 2008

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Description

Nikon 7900 pocket camera - hand held image. Here is another opportunity to compare the anatomy of a male to a female of the same Dragonfly species. Yesterday's posting showed a male Common Whitetail. This is the female. She is about 1 3/4" long and likes to perch flat against objects (as do the males) rather than on the tip of something. Before the Whitetails, I showed male and female Eastern Amber wings. Tomorrow I will start the Eastern Pondhawk comparison Identifying Dragonflies is not as easy as one might imagine and identifying sex by colors and wing patterns is iffy at best also, lol. Some wings in both sexes have similar patterns - some do not. Body colors can be similar in both sexes for a while but they can change dramatically in maturing males. The males of some species can have body colors similar to females of other species. The females of some species can have body colors similar to the males of others. All in all - it can be a bit confusing but: The tip of the tail is the easiest and surest to determine sex. There is a distinct difference in the shape of the "appendages" located there. The trick is in getting a good view of the appendages, lol. Once you are sure about the sex, it is easier to make an ID. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. lee

Comments (10)

MrsLubner

12:51AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

The darker markings on this one are very dramatic. So much detail to see! excellent work!

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mbz2662

1:07AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

Another amazing shot. I can't wait for the dragonflies to start landing here.. I might be able to tell the boys from the girls now... Species, uh, definitely not :)

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StandsInAwe

1:38AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

Great shot, the contrast here is very dramatic

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flora-crassella

1:40AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

....eine ganze Ansammlung dieser schönen Libellen! Wunderbare Aufnahme!

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subcultura

1:44AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

amazing dragonfly !

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durleybeachbum

3:36AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

A super and detailed shot, (of course, as we expect from you!) thankyou for your lovely comment on my caterpillars, Lee!

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JeffG7BRJ

6:22AM | Thu, 12 June 2008

Well first off Lee, thank you for the biology lesson, at least I will know what sex they are, If I ever see another one that is. I used to see loads of them when I went fishing, they used to come and sit on the rod tip, I don't fish any more so I see a lot less. One I think in the last five or six years. Excellent pov for this one, and though the background is a bit colourful the detail is quite clear. You certainly put that Nikon pocket camera through it's paces. Superb work. Bravo!!!!!

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