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Sulphur-tipped Clubtail
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is one of the first clubtails I have photographed and the clubtails can be difficult to ID with 100% certainty. I have studied them and decided that this one is a Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (Gomphus militaris). If my ID is incorrect, I hope you will let me know.
I am including two additional views in WORKSHOP showing a dorsal view and more detail.
Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (Gomphus militaris)
Identification:
This is the most widespread common clubtail (Gomphus ) in the region, although it is conspicuously absent in both Arkansas and Louisiana. It is marked with the most yellow and is the brightest colored of the common clubtail species. The face is yellow with no evidence of dark stripes. Females have a pair of minute spines present on the vertex. The front of the thorax is distinctly more yellow than the darker sides. The brown middorsal thoracic stripe is narrow, but widens slightly toward the collar. The antehumeral stripe is well separated from the humeral stripe and it is free at its upper end. The pale stripe between them is 1/2-2/3 their width at its widest. The humeral stripe narrows at its lower end. The midlateral stripe is thin and always present, but generally interrupted above the spiracle. The third lateral stripe is also thin, but well-developed. The legs have more yellow than other species. The predominately black femora and tibiae both have yellow stripes on their outer surfaces. The black abdomen is conspicuously narrowed medially. There is a wide, pale yellow middorsal stripe that is nearly continuous on the middle segments. Segments 7-9 are expanded laterally, less so in females, and segments 8-10 are diffusely yellow with brownish-yellow caudal appendages. Dorsal and lateral pale yellow areas on segment 9 are narrowly separated. Males are distinctive because of the enlarged, distinctly warty peduncle.
Size:
Total length: 47-54 mm; abdomen: 34-41 mm; hindwing: 28-35 mm.
Similar Species:
This species is similar to Plains (G. externus ) and Pronghorn (G. graslinellus ) Clubtail, but these species are darker and the pale yellow, dorsal and lateral areas of segment 7 are widely separated. Oklahoma Clubtail (G. oklahomensis ) is similarly different and much smaller in size. Flag-tailed Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spoliatus ) is larger, with longer legs, pale basal rings on the middle abdominal segments and distinct spines on the hind femora.
Habitat:
Ponds, lakes, streams and creeks with muddy bottoms.
Discussion:
This species is found in a variety of habitats, often perching on the ground or on rocks surrounding the water. It can be equally as common away from the water, in open fields perching on vegetation 1-2 feet in height. Males patrol over water away from the bank.
Distribution:
Southern United States Great Plains and Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Source: http://www.odonatacentral.org/index.php/FieldGuideAction.get/id/46159
Aperture = f8.0
Shutter = 1/320s
ISO = 400
Focal Length = 240mm
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens |
GLEM, Alex99, nglen, MMM, oscarromulus, sandpiper2, maurydv, Royaldevon, jusninasirun, vanderschelden has marked this note useful
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Good work, Ken.
First of all it's a good composition.
The wings are blurred but that's no problem as its body is overall sharp. In other words your depth of field is quite accurate.
Well done overall.
TFS
Annick
Hello Ken. Excellent shot at this dragonfly. The blurry wings is not an issue here as you have managed pristine sharpness throughout the body. Very well metered shot with excellent focus leaving the background muted for viewing pleasure. Thanks for sharing and best regards. Jusni
Ciao Ken,
splendide macro, anche quelle in WS, di questa libellula gonfide, eccellente composizione con uno stupendo OOF BG, ottimi nitidezza e colori.
Grazie e compolimenti.
Maurizio
Hi Ken
Great shot of the body parts on this clubtail. I guess another couple of stops would have given you a bit more DOF, but its not always possible
Excellent sharpness
Good composition
Good background
Chris
Wow Ken, this is a fabulously detailed capture of the dragonfly. The colours and textural details are excellent.
Good dof to abstract the insect from its b/g.
Kind regards,
Bev :-)
pl :-)
Ken,
You are a TRUE artist.
All your images are OUTSTANDING.
Plus, they are presented with taste.... with class!!!
Mario.
GREETINGS.
- MMM
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 921 W: 0 N: 1985]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(8905) - [2008-07-28 7:15]
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Hi Ken <
Beautiful macro.Excellent POV and very sharp image.Details are outstanding.Lovely OOF Bg.
TFS Michel
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- nglen
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2912 W: 34 N: 8640]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(32202) - [2008-07-28 13:47]
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Hi Ken. You can see where it gets its name. Your POV shows a good view of the tail. You have captured the Dragonfly with ood detail and colours. Stands out well from the BG. well done TFs.
Nick..
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- Alex99
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3585 W: 143 N: 5672]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(18539) - [2008-07-28 23:03]
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Hi Ken.
I am very glad to see your next amazing dragonfly shot. It is brilliant. Its sharpness and details of the fine insect and so impressive leaves are great. I like wonderful well blurred light BG and blameless framing/composition. Well done and TFS.
Alexei.
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- GLEM
(6115)
- [2008-08-02 0:43]
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salut Ken,
encore une fois superbe prise de vue, la libellule est bien mise en valeur sur son support, la netteté est parfaite sur toute la longeur. Bravo pour le BG coloré qui complète bien l'ensemble.
good w.
gaetab
