First dragonfly of the spring

Feeds:: Posts; Comments

First dragonfly of the spring

April 12, 2017 by Mike Powell

Thanks to recent warmer weather, dragonflies are finally starting to emerge in Northern Virginia. I captured this image of a female Common Whitetail dragonfly (Plathemis lydia) on Monday at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. Unlike many species with the word “common” in their names, Common Whitetail dragonflies are actually pretty common. They are among the first species to emerge in the spring and among the last to depart in the fall. Unlike many of the early spring species, they are habitat generalists—you can find them pretty much anywhere and do not have the scour the underbrush or walk through streams in remote locations.

Although I spotted a Common Green Darner dragonfly earlier this month, I was not able to get a photo of it and suspect that it had migrated from another location. This is my first photo of the season of a “native” dragonfly, with plenty more sure to follow in the coming months.

Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, spring | Tagged Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, Canon 50D, Common Whitetail, Common Whitetail dragonfly, Fort Belvoir VA, Plathemis lydia, Tamron 150-600mm | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on April 12, 2017 at 6:21 am | Reply shoreacres

I’m always intrigued by “first” reports from around the country. Especially in spring, reports of first dragonflies, or butterflies, or crocus, can vary so widely. I can’t say exactly, but I know we’ve been seeing dragonflies here for at least a full month. I’m glad yours finally are stirring!
- on April 12, 2017 at 6:30 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  The butterflies are stirring too, but mostly have seemed to be hyperactive–it’s tough to get them to pose for a shot.
on April 12, 2017 at 8:10 am | Reply Beachbums1

Enjoyed reading your post. I need to get over to the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge soon ~ the weather has been so nice. If I could just stop sneezing 😉
on April 12, 2017 at 5:36 pm | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

Nice to see. I can’t wait to see them here again.
on April 12, 2017 at 6:13 pm | Reply svtakeiteasy

You are underway,Mike!
on April 13, 2017 at 7:12 am | Reply Stream Cruiser dragonfly | Mike Powell

[…] « First dragonfly of the spring […]
on April 14, 2017 at 4:21 am | Reply ishanlin

Love the color! Its wings are so beautiful!
- on April 14, 2017 at 5:17 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I really love dragonflies. There is something about their beauty and aerial skills that never fails to attract me.