Blue Dasher - male 1@ mites - D40X - 6-26-09 by Leeco
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Description
This is a male to go with yesterdays female Blue Dasher. It is also the last of this short series showing males and females of several different Dragonfly species.
This male is infested with quite a few parasitic mites. I don't understand all the details but these aquatic parasites apparently attach to the larva form of some Dragonflies (and other aquatic critters) and manage to remain attached even when the Dragonfly larva emerge from the water and molt into an adult Dragonfly. It is my understanding that what we see are actually small sacs attached to the Dragonfly. There is a parasite in each sac. At some point the parasite emerges from the sac and drops back into the water to finish its life cycle.
I have seen these parasites before but this year they seem very numerous, and only on Blue Dashers as far as I have noticed. I have images of a number of different Blue Dashers showing these mites and I have found several Blue Dashers floating in the pond. When I retrieved them, they were heavily infested. I assume the mites weaken the Dragonfly and in worst case situations, the Dragonfly becomes too weak to fly.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Tomorrow will be something new.
Lee
Comments (9)
Crabbycabby
Wow! Great work. Great narrative as well, very interesting enjoyed reading it.
MrsLubner
Lee, you are the master... the detail and the study you put into these shots is breathtaking. I love your background and the coil he sits on. Stunning work.
nongo
Amazing macro!!!!! super cool catch!!!!
Katraz
Very interesting, bugs on bugs, great shot.
praep
Great details and colours...
durleybeachbum
How very interesting! great pic, as ever.
byow
he is beautiful, wonderful body colors. thanks for sharing this series with us. I have loved all the shots.
CavalierLady
Have enjoyed this series... amazing shot here with gorgeous warm light and the mites are a fabulous catch for you, if not for him!
bpclarke
Who would have thought they got mites? Gorgeous capture and great find. :o)