Dragonflies and Damselflies
Blue-eyed Darner (Rhionaeschna multicolor)
The Blue-eyed Darner: A Technicolor Terror with a Heart of Gold (Mostly)
The Blue-eyed Darner (Rhionaeschna multicolor) - a creature so spectacular, it would make even the most jaded entomologist crack a smile. With a wingspan rivaling an index finger and eyes that could shame a Tiffany lamp, this aerial predator is the Don Draper of the dragonfly world - impossible to miss and guaranteed to turn heads (or at least compound eyes).
One of the first to grace us with its presence after the frosty grip of winter loosens, the Blue-eyed Darner is a veritable Casanova of the insect world. Donning a suit of cobalt blue and deepest black (think Darth Vader gone aquatic), the male struts his stuff, his chalky cerulean orbs practically glowing with amorous intent. Here's the kicker, ladies: those captivating blue eyes? The females don't have them! Instead, they rock a more subtle lime-green ensemble, proving that sometimes, the flashiest feathers don't get you the worm (or in this case, the tasty mosquito).
Speaking of which, these aerial athletes are nature's pest control on steroids. Their transparent wings beat with the fury of a hummingbird on espresso, allowing them to snatch unsuspecting insects mid-air with the grace of a ballerina and the ferocity of a velociraptor.
The Blue-eyed Darner's wings are a marvel of aeronautical engineering disguised as a party favor in a hurricane. Forget clunky feathers, these transparent marvels are crafted from a super-thin, super-strong material called chitin. Imagine nature's own Mylar, a translucent bio-plastic that stretches taut over a scaffold of veins like microscopic highways. This intricate latticework keeps the wing incredibly light, perfect for the Darner's high-octane maneuvers.
But why clear, you ask? Well, think of a fighter jet. It needs a sleek, streamlined design to slice through the air with minimal resistance. The Blue-eyed Darner employs the same tactic. Transparent wings allow light to pass through unimpeded, making the Darner a near-invisible blur to its unsuspecting prey. It's like cloaking itself in thin air, the ultimate advantage in a game of aerial tag!
Now, how about the illusion of a million tiny parts stitched together? That's the chitin at work again. It forms a mosaic of microscopic tiles, each interlocking seamlessly with its neighbors. This creates a stunning visual effect, but more importantly, it reinforces the wing's strength and flexibility. Imagine a million microscopic hexagons, each acting like a tiny shield – that's the secret sauce behind the Darner's remarkable wings.
And the speed? Buckle up! These transparent wonders can beat up to 30 times per second, propelling the Darner through the air at a blistering 25 miles per hour. That's like a miniature helicopter with a nitro boost, all thanks to the ingenious design and construction of its seemingly simple wings. A Blue-eyed Darner is not just a pretty face – it's a marvel of aerodynamic evolution in action!
This aquatic acrobat's life begins not in the air, but in the murky depths. As a naiad, it resembles a slender ninja, lurking in ponds and streams, patiently waiting to ambush unsuspecting tadpoles and even the occasional minnow (think David vs. Goliath, aquatic edition). After a few years of honing its stealthy skills, it undergoes a metamorphosis that would make Kafka proud, emerging from its watery cocoon as the magnificent winged wonder we know and (perhaps slightly) fear.
Now, a word to the wise: while these dazzling divas are generally unconcerned with humans, their impressive mandibles pack a surprising punch. So next time you encounter a Blue-eyed Darner, take a moment to appreciate its dazzling good looks and aerial prowess, but perhaps refrain from an impromptu cuddle session. After all, even the most charming Casanova has his limits.
Summer's sunshine has ignited a vibrant dance of life around our loch! But have you ever found yourself wondering, which is which: the dazzling damselfly or the dashing dragonfly? Fear not, intrepid insect identifier, for I bring you a guide so thrilling, it'll make your eyeballs do the Macarena!
First, let's play "rest-stop roulette!" When these winged wonders take a breather, damselflies transform into graceful T's, wings held close like secret plans. Dragonflies, on the other hand, sprawl out like miniature helicopters, wings wide and proud. Talk about a flamboyant way to relax!
Next, peek-a-boo with their peepers! Dragonflies boast enormous emerald eyes that practically touch at the top of their heads. Damselfies, while sporting impressive optics too, have a more demure look with their big, beautiful eyes separated by a dash of space.
Now, let's get body conscious (in the best scientific way, of course!). Dragonflies are the weightlifters of the insect world, with thick, powerful torsos built for aerial dominance. Damselflies, in contrast, are the runway models, boasting slender, elongated bodies that seem to defy gravity itself.
Finally, wings become our wingspan witnesses! Damselflies flash four wings of near-identical size and shape, tapering gracefully at the base. Dragonflies, however, are the ultimate show-offs, wielding mismatched wings. Their hindwings are gloriously broad at the base, creating a stunning, plane-like silhouette.
Remember: damselflies are the slender sylphs with tucked-in wings, while dragonflies are the bold bruisers with eyes that meet and wings that wow! Now get out there and distinguish these delightful denizens of the air, my friend!
Both dragonflies and damselflies belong to the Odonata order, a fascinating group comprising over 5,000 species. These insects are more commonly spotted near fresh water on warm, sun-drenched days.
If you live or recreate near a pond or stream on a radiant summer day, you’ve probably had a graceful dragonfly or perhaps a dainty damselfly whiz by. But how can you discern these enchanting insects from one another? Despite their similarities, four key characteristics can help you tell them apart:
Bodies: When it comes to size, damselflies are the petite cousins of dragonflies. Typically, damselflies measure between 1.5 and 2 inches in length, sporting slender, twig-like bodies. Dragonflies, however, boast bodies longer than 2 inches and are notably bulkier, giving them a more robust and sturdy appearance.
Wings: Both dragonflies and damselflies have two sets of wings, but their wing structure is distinct. Dragonfly wings are relatively equal in size but broaden at the base where they attach to the body, resembling a sleek aircraft in flight. Damselfly wings, on the other hand, taper towards the base and are more delicate, mirroring the graceful flutter of a dancer.
Eyes: Dragonflies sport eyes that are impressively large, often encompassing the majority of their head and extending around the sides like a high-tech helmet. In contrast, damselflies have smaller eyes, with a noticeable gap between them. Think of dragonflies as having a panoramic view, while damselflies see through a more focused lens.
At Rest: The way these insects rest provides another clue. Dragonflies extend their wings outward, perpendicular to their body, like a plane preparing for takeoff. Damselflies fold their wings back against their body, achieving a streamlined, elegant silhouette that enhances their slender form.
A STORY OF Belinda
"Belinda the Blue-eyed Darner was the envy of every bug in Big Sky Pond. With wings that shimmered like stained glass and eyes that glittered like sapphires, Belinda was a Montana masterpiece. But beneath her dazzling exterior, Belinda hid a secret passion – mosquito hunting!
Every morning, as the mist curled off the pond like a sleepy dragon, Belinda would take flight. Her cerulean eyes scanned the surface, searching for the telltale ripples that betrayed a lurking mosquito. Spotting one, Belinda would dive with the precision of a heat-seeking missile. Her six legs would snatch the unsuspecting mosquito mid-air, and with a satisfying SNAP, it would become breakfast.
One sweltering afternoon, a frantic buzzing filled the air. It was Beatrice the Busy Bee, her wings a blur of worry. "Belinda, Belinda!" she cried, her voice laden with pollen. "The Mosquito Queen has declared war! She's planning to turn Big Sky Pond into a swamp of itchy misery!"
Belinda's sapphire eyes narrowed. The Mosquito Queen, a notorious bully with a proboscis the size of a pencil, was trouble with a capital T. But Belinda wasn't one to back down from a fight, especially one involving endless itching.
"We need a plan," Belinda declared, her voice echoing over the water lilies. Beatrice, ever the strategist, unfolded a brilliant (and slightly sticky) scheme. They would gather the bravest bugs in the pond – Bartholomew the Bombardier Beetle, known for his impressive chemical spray, and Cecil the Cranefly, a master of aerial acrobatics.
Together, the unlikely heroes formed the Big Sky Defenders. Bartholomew would create a misty cloud with his spray, disorienting the mosquito army. Cecil, with his long legs, would scoop up mosquito eggs by the dozen, flinging them far from the pond. Belinda, the undisputed fly swatter extraordinaire, would mop up any stragglers.
The battle commenced at dawn. The air buzzed with the clash of wings and the sputter of Bartholomew's spray. Cecil, a whirlwind of long legs, became a mosquito egg-flinging machine. Belinda weaved through the chaos, her sapphire eyes flashing as she snatched mosquitoes out of the sky.
The Mosquito Queen, a formidable foe with a booming voice, was no match for the united front. Confused by the mist and overwhelmed by the egg-flinging and fly-swatting, the mosquito army retreated in a cloud of itchy defeat.
Big Sky Pond erupted in cheers. Belinda, the once-feared predator, was hailed a hero. But for Belinda, the greatest reward was the peace that settled over the pond. As the sun dipped below the mountains, casting long shadows on the water, Belinda knew one thing for sure – there was nothing quite like the satisfaction of a good mosquito hunt, especially when it involved saving the day."
Jere Folgert uses his photography and filming to exemplify his passion for wildlife and wild places. He shares photos and experiences from decades of hiking, camping, and skiing across the American west. "Wildlife and wild lands are my interest," says Mr. Jere Folgert. Jere explains, "In my humble opinion, wilderness is a place to be respected and revered. Wilderness has many natural benefits that we are just beginning to understand. I deeply believe wilderness is a place of safety and refuge from the pressures of our fast-paced society. Wild places provide us with a get-away, where we can seek relief from the crowds, traffic, construction, and noises that too often confine us. "
Comments