Re-blog: You look like a tree to me!

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Re-blog: You look like a tree to me!

May 22, 2019 by Mike Powell

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.

walter sanford's photoblog

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!

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Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Nature, Photography, spring, wildlife | Tagged Gray Petaltail, Gray Petaltail dragonfly, Tachopteryx thoreyi | 6 Comments

6 Responses

on May 22, 2019 at 8:05 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Fun outing! I think they must sense how fond you are of them. 🙂
on May 23, 2019 at 3:22 am | Reply Ms. Liz

You look like you’re having a ball.. a great photo that shows just how much you enjoy being with the dragons!
- on May 23, 2019 at 5:59 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  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.
on May 25, 2019 at 6:55 pm | Reply Molly Lin DutinaMolly Dutina

Of course they like you, too! You do their portraits 😉
- on May 25, 2019 at 9:42 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Doing insect portraits–I wonder if that is what I should put on a business card.
on June 2, 2021 at 7:36 am | Reply Gray Petaltails in late May | Mike Powell

[…] 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 […]