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Vagrant Darter


Vagrant Darter
Photo Information
Copyright: Rolf Luxman (Rolf) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 59 W: 0 N: 27] (196)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-08-17
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/160 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-01-20 4:46
Viewed: 841
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Captured with Canon PowerShot S3 IS.

Vagrant Darter Sympetrum vulgatum

On the continent are some 10 species of reddish darters. They comprise a group of species hard to identify. The colour does sometimes give some indication, but usually other factors have to be taken into account as well. In Southern Britain the Vagrant Darter is a rare immigrant from continental Europe, but on the continent it is one of the most common species. The Vagrant Darter is very similar to the Common Darter. The main differences being: The Vagrant Darter has legs which are partly black en partly yellowish, the black line on the forehead droops down, the body, especially that of the male, is slightly shaped like a bludgeon and the ovipositor of the female sticks out in a 90 degree angle. In the Common Darter the legs are black, the black line runs over the forehead only and doesn't droop down, the body is straight and the female's ovipositor sticks out in a 40 degrees angle. The Vagrant Darter will reach a length of some 35 to 40mm. The wingspan may vary from 55 to 65mm.

After mating the first eggs are deposited in tandem position. But soon the male lets go of the female. She continues depositing eggs alone, but he's never far away chasing off other males. The eggs are usually laid in the mud in very shallow waters. The larvae live in shallow waters, usually in the mud or among water plants. They are often extremely muddy. Adults always appear after just one year. The Vagrant Darter prefers shallow pools.

The adults migrate over large areas and are often seen in meadows, roads and gardens far away from water. There they usually hunt from a high point. After the attempt to catch a prey, they return to their beloved look-out. Thus they are easily photographed, as you only have to wait a short time for their return.

The animal in the bottom picture may be a Vagrant Darter, but may also be another Darter species alltogether. It is extremely fresh and from this picture a positive id cannot be made.
ralfsworld, undoredo, fiyo, uleko, anavazao, joelo has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Rolf
Nice dragon fly portrait with good details and colours.
TFS
Ralf

Bom Dia Rolf!
Bonita captura!!
Belas cores, luz, foco e detalhes.
Obrigada por compartilhar tua imagem!
Saudações do Brasil!
Melina

hi rolf!
very good macro with real
fine sharpness and nice
lightning
good composition

  • Great 
  • jossim Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1676 W: 5 N: 2144] (11878)
  • [2007-01-20 8:06]

Belle macro,bravo pour les détails et les belles couleurs.
Merci!
Joseph

bonjour rolf
vous avez reussi une belle photo de ce beau specimen,bonne couleurs et surtout bon DOF.
laurent

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-01-30 22:14]

Hello Rolf

A very well composed shot with excellent sharp details.This guy appears very tired and just able to cling to the rock.Very good POV and DOF.The colours and lighting are very good.TFS

Rob

Hello Rolf,
I always welcome the photos of odonata. :-)
You've captured very nice photo with excellent details and outstanding sharpness!!
Good composition and your note are also great!
Regards,
Kevin

  • Great 
  • fiyo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 924 W: 5 N: 2259] (8370)
  • [2007-02-20 9:57]

Hello Rolf,
Very nice capture.I liked POV,natural colors,lighting and visual impact a lot. TFS

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2466 W: 168 N: 7458] (23564)
  • [2007-02-22 5:39]

Hej Rolf,
This poor little fellow looks as if he is pressing himself against the rock to keep warm!
Very nice capture in beautiful light. Sharp details and nice colours.
TFS and regards, Ulla

Hi friend,
impressing .... powerful macro .... beautiful colors and good lighting! perfect focusing! Take care Ana:)

Hi Rolf,
I like this pretty shot, the dragon is warming itself on this stone, very nice moment.
Thanks for sharing
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • joelo Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 43 W: 10 N: 39] (148)
  • [2007-07-01 18:41]

Hi Rolf,
Very nice. Well exposed and sharply focused with good detail. The unconventional wide aspect ratio fits the subject well, and creates an interesting composition.
TFS, Joel

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