WITH APPRECIATION...

Damselflies and Dragonflies... Do you admire them for their flying acrobats, the interesting behaviours they exhibit, or the simple grace and beauty they add to the garden or pond?

When I began observing my damsels and dragons, I had developed a need to know more. I purchased my 'guide book' from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio...co -written by Larry Rosche, Judy Semroc, and Linda Gilbert.

Aside from his Odonata expertise, Larry Rosche is a bird enthusiast and a list of accomplishments to his name. That being said...I'd like to thank Larry for graciously taking time out of his busy schedule and answering I.D.questions on my previous Darner posts.

If you'd enjoy learning more of the Odonata world, may I suggest that you pick up a copy of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio. The book is packed with wonderful photography, and is full of fascinating details of these interesting little creatures.

Thanks to everyone involved in compiling this great read...I've learned so much due to the dedication of all the contributors.

Proceeds from the book benefit the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. If this post is viewed by anyone mentioned above...I sincerely hope my information is accurate. A couple of quick notes...the images shown here and in my blog are strictly my own. For expert photography...get the book! This post was written by myself with no knowledge of anyone who wrote, photographed, contributed or published the above mentioned book. Just thought my viewers might enjoy a good read on the world of Odonates.

JUNE 3

JUNE 2

JUNE 1

MAY 1

EBONY JEWELWING DAMSELS...

I... ADORE... this newcomer to my woods! It is my new favorite, and I have never seen an Ebony Jewelwing before, other than in a photo. I first happened upon the female, and a couple of days later I saw the male on an early morning walk. I 've seen the male twice now. The very sight of both stopped me in my tracks. The body parts are a bright emerald green, but depending on the light source, can appear metallic blue. The female appears more brown and although my I.d. book doesn't mention that coloring, my female is an exact match to the their female pictured.
Now, this pair was obviously very easy to I.D....so I did my homework on these two. They are Broad-winged damselflies, and only two of the five North American members of this genus reside in Northeast Ohio. One being the Ebony Jewelwing... and the other is a River Jewelwing, which is considered rare and endangered. My Ebony Jewelwings may not be rare...but they are so striking to me. I love the black wings. The first two photos are the female, and we met mid-day. She was quite friendly and after many shots, all of a sudden she flew fast to my camera lens and then my finger...then resumed her position! I can read your mind...that wasn't anger...just go along with me, okay?! Seriously though, it is kind of neat to see a tiny creature curious and it gave me a good laugh, too.
How handsome is he? These two photos are the male. The first time I saw him it was early morning, I had just took a quick walk around the pond. We still have a rather large size rock garden in place where our original waterfalls were located. All of the original bushes, and perennial plants are still there, but this Jewelwing was gliding in and out of the very large Japanese Willow bushes before resting high in the Japanese Willow tree. No worthy photo opportunities that day.
The second time I saw the male (assuming they are one in the same), it was a bright and breezy early evening. I wish the shots were sharper. He was hanging around on some Hosta and Daylily leaves. The male and female are both something else to see, but the coloring on the male really stands out in the sun.