Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly in October

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Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly in October

October 6, 2018 by Mike Powell

Although we are well into autumn, there are still dragonflies around, including some stunning Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonflies (Stylurus plagiatus) that I spotted earlier this week at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. As you can see from the photos Russet-tipped Clubtails like to perch on somewhat exposed leaves, which makes them a bit easier to spot than some species of dragonflies, though they are not common in my experience

I was able to capture images of Russet-tipped Clubtails (there were at least two individuals that I saw, both males) on several leafy perches in a tree overhanging a pond. My angle of view and the direction of the light gave each of these images a very different feel, primarily because of the way that the background was captured.

Depended on my mood, any one of these three images can be my favorite. Is there one that particularly appeals to you?

Posted in Autumn, Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged Canon 50D, Canon SX50, Fort Belvoir VA, Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, Russet-tipped Clubtail, Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly, Stylurus plagiatus, Tamron 180mm | 9 Comments

9 Responses

on October 6, 2018 at 6:46 am | Reply Dan Antion

I love how they hang onto the very tip as in the 2nd picture, Mike, but the third is a very nice photo. I think you’re right, they can all be the best.

This guy seems a little fatter than others (I know, pot calling the kettle, and all) unless I’m getting him confused with the plant.
on October 6, 2018 at 7:06 am | Reply blhphotoblog

For me number 2.
on October 6, 2018 at 7:26 am | Reply Lee

I like the middle one because we can see more overall details of the clubtail dragonfly.
on October 6, 2018 at 8:18 am | Reply Eliza Waters

The first shows the remarkable eye color, the second, its stripes. Pretty cool!
on October 6, 2018 at 12:46 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

These are all superb and I can definitely see strong merit in each image. I think – for now – I’m drawn to the middle image. I think the soft hues of the background make the colour of the dragonfly more punchy.
on October 6, 2018 at 4:56 pm | Reply Molly Lin Dutina

I’d have to say #2. Those weird stripes along with that tail!
on October 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm | Reply Ellen Jennings

The first one, I like the composition with the leaves and that its a different pose than most of the dragonfly images I see.
on October 7, 2018 at 1:11 am | Reply svtakeiteasy

They are all great images Mike but the second appeals to me most with its muted tones.
- on October 7, 2018 at 3:43 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Chris. It has been fun getting feedback on these shots. The results so far reveal what I suspected–that people in fact do have different preferences.