I like dragonflies a lot, as most of you know, so it is only natural that they like me too. Two Gray Petaltail dragonflies (Tachopteryx thoreyi) showed their affection yesterday by perching on me.
Thanks to my good friend Walter Sanford for taking these shots. Check out his blog for lots of photos and information on dragonflies and other nature topics.
Gray Petaltail dragonflies (Tachopteryx thoreyi) have a well-known preference for perching on gray or tan colored surfaces, including gray or tan colored clothing. Dressed appropriately, Mike Powell and I visited a hotspot for Gray Petaltail where we hoped to shoot some photographs of T. thoreyi perched on each other.
The first individual is a female, perched on the front of Mike Powell’s gray sweatshirt.
21 MAY 2018 | Northern Virginia | Gray Petaltail (female)
The last individual is a male, perched on Mike Powell’s left shoulder.
21 MAY 2018 | Northern Virginia | Gray Petaltail (male)
I’m guessing the dragonflies were thinking, “Hey Mike, you look like a tree to me!” No offense intended, buddy. In fact, I think you should be flattered that these spectacular specimens befriended you!
Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Fun outing! I think they must sense how fond you are of them. 🙂
You look like you’re having a ball.. a great photo that shows just how much you enjoy being with the dragons!
I was doing my best not to move. This species of dragonfly is pretty big–about three inches long (75 mm). It is a little disconcerting when they buzz about anywhere near your head–it is hard not to flinch.
Of course they like you, too! You do their portraits 😉
Doing insect portraits–I wonder if that is what I should put on a business card.
[…] use me as a perch. In case you are curious, here is a link to a re-blog of a posting by my friend Walter Sanford entitled You look like a tree to me! with photos of a Gray Petaltail on my chest and on my […]