Condensation with Mayfly by Chipka
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Description
I scarcely see mayflies in Chicago; they are a common-enough species here, but their rapid life-spans and diminutive size render them particularly hard to spot. Because of their visual scarcity, it often takes more than a casual moment for me to realize that what I’ve seen might have been a mayfly. This critter is the prefect example. I’ve never seen a mayfly with such glaringly white eyes. From its insect-chimera shape alone, I thought it was some kind of rare dwarf-dragonfly, something hitherto unknown in this part of the world.
It wasn’t until today that I realized the weird dwarf-dragonfly-chimera was—indeed—a mayfly. Given the lifespan of the species, it’s safe to say “was.”
As adults, most mayflies have no need to eat. Reproduction is their only adult purpose. I suspect this specimen is an adult near the beginning of its adult phase—and thus, near the end of its life.
I saw this unexpected beauty on the condensation-jeweled window of a dental clinic in one of Chicago’s innumerable (not entirely interesting) suburbs. My father and I, along with one other crewman, were expected to deliver a moderate-sized load to an expanding office. We arrived early, and so I had time to just linger around (sneaking a smoke break) and looking for small and interesting things to photograph. I noticed this glassy marvel of a creature and found myself entranced. The eyes were what grabbed my attention. After snapping a number of photographs, the clear, glassy abdomen intrigued me, as did the rear-end feelers like strands of spun, flexible glass. In short, the entire creature seemed oddly crystalline, visually challenging, and strangely at home amid dewdrops of condensation on mundane office-window glass. I was intrigued by the glass tones, the dewdrop tones, and the distorted colors of child-friendly jungle-gym equipment intended for the youngest and most hyperactive receivers of dental care.
I was quite anxious to post this picture right after I’d taken it, but the first part of Pup’s story had already been posted, and rather than subject readers to a delayed conclusion, I simply allowed Pup his say; and, as it stands, I’m posting this image now.
I can’t say that I enjoy moving heavy equipment into and out of dental offices, but I do like the odd day on which I get to see mayflies sauntering—oh so casually—trough vertical fields of dew.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you're all at the start of another great week.
Comments (38)
MrsRatbag
Wow, what a great find, and a colourful and really cool capture!
eekdog
cool little insect, love the dew on the bg.
jac204
Great capture.
Revelation-23
The combination of mayfly and condensation makes for a great image, the the added benefit of the extra color cast by what's on the other side of the glass. Some say, stop and smell the roses. I guess for you, it's stop and photograph the insects!
Sea_Dog
A masterpiece! Superb work, chip.
cv1
Gorgeous and unique photo very well done!
jocko500
wonderful colorful shot
danapommet
Looks like an alien trying to get in. :>) Sweet textures in the condensation. Dana
myrrhluz
My first response was not original, "Oh wow, this is cool!", but it was heartfelt. In fact I was doing a quick run through on the way to somewhere else and was stopped in my tracks here. The condensation without the mayfly would be quite fascinating, but with it, Wow! I love the way the distribution of the colors vary across the pane. In the red streak below the mayfly, there are sections where there are stripes of black, red and yellow, rather like the colors of many flags. Other sections look like the skin of a lizard. This is quite brilliant! Beautiful color and detail! Wonderful!
beachzz
Even your bugs rock!! The colors are just amazing, kinda like an indoor rainbow or something. And a mayfly--who knew he could be SO beautiful???
MrsLubner
wonderful minimalist shot.
Crabbycabby
Stunning work.
praep
Awesome shot - I like how the eyes glow and the two small black spots in the eyes.
helanker
WOW! THis is really stunning. I love this shot with all the dew and the little creature. Amazingly beautiful to my eyes. Thanks for sharing it, Chip.:-)
durleybeachbum
Outstanding! Two ephemera combined in one image!
Ilona-Krijgsman
wow.....this looks super with all the droplets.....and the colourful lights as background....I can imagine that you don't like them......I am allergic for insect stings....so I am always on the run.....
Hubert
Fantastic shot and wonderful vivid/rich colors!!
rainbows
Incredible capture and narrative, Chip. I love the jewelled colours in the glass too. Have the best day. Hugs. Di. xx
pauldeleu
Nice work.
Mondwin
Absolutely superbly!!!!!!!!!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx
bclaytonphoto
brilliant work
Meisiekind
Oh my word Chip - This is super marvelous! What a catch and what a brilliant background for your little critter! Well seen my friend and brilliantly photographed!!!
flavia49
stunning image!!
thecytron
Great shot!
Sepiasiren
what a wonderful macro image--the poor thing looks like he is hanging on for dear life...lol
jmb007
belle photo!!
sandra46
it'sm like a scene from another world, with the bug, the condensation water and the light behind the glass. Outstanding composition and very well seen!
auntietk
Fantastic image! I love the condensation, the glass, the colors, the light ... and yes, even the mayfly. :P What a wonderful piece!
nikolais
pure music... and congratsssssss on Gallery of the Month, Chip!
kgb224
MY friend this is a superb capture. I like the dew drops on the window.Gives another dimension to this capture.