Sunday, March 13, 2011

Raplids Clubtail

This dragonfly is a rapids clubtail, Gomphus quadricolor. It is a member of the Gomphidae, or clubtail family, genus Gomphus. Here in Minnesota they are one of the earlier dragons. They begin to emerge by the end of May and are gone by mid July.
Rapids clubtails are usually found around large rocky streams and rivers, typically where there is a swift current. Females lay their eggs in these swift currents. The eggs then get washed down the river or stream and end up in quiet pools which is perfect habitat for the nymphs. The nymphs will live in these pools until it is time for them to emerge into their adult form. Then they will crawl out of the water and into dense aquatic vegetation to emerge. I photographed this dragon along the St Croix River in Wild River State Park.

5 comments:

Carletta said...

Great shots!
This little guys aren't all that easy to capture. I spend all summer trying to get 'the' shot.

Kim, USA said...

Love your shots!! You are so patient to take this tiny guys. Happy Monday!
Macro Monday

Daogreer Earth Works said...

I'm still working on trying to get a perfect bug shot. Yours are great.

Teresa said...

So much information--fascinating. Your pictures are just amazing. Those guys don't usually sit well for pictures.

Fotokarusellen said...

This is perfect. Great shots and well captured.