I was really excited on Saturday to spot this colorful female Swamp Darner dragonfly (Epiaeschna heros) depositing her eggs into a rotten log at Prince William Forest Park. Some female dragonflies (like this Swamp Darner) and all female damselflies have well-developed ovipositors at the tip of their abdomens that they use to insert their eggs into plant tissues at or below the water level. The first photo gives you a really good look at the Swamp Darner’s spike-like ovipositor in a raised position and the other shots show the ovipositor partially inserted into the log.
An alternative method for laying eggs is used by most dragonfly species. Rather than placing eggs in specific locations like the Swamp Darner, many female dragonflies lay their eggs in clusters directly onto the surface of the water or onto the mud along the water’s edge by tipping their abdomens multiple times against the water in different spots.
This whole process is fascinating to me and I have provided a rather simplified explanation of these different strategies for propagation of the dragonfly species. If you want to learn a bit more, I recommend an article by the Slater Museum of Natural History entitled Odonate Oviposition. Despite its scientific-sounding title, the article is quite easy to read and understand.
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Mike Powell 
Fantastic info and fantastic shots! Isn’t she a beauty?
Thanks, Tricia. The colors and patterns on this dragonfly are amazing. I am absolutely captivated by her eyes.
Fascinating. So wonderful how you manage to get such close shots.
Patience, persistence, and a bit of stealth are key, because I am using a 180mm macro lens that gives me a lot less reach than my 150-600mm zoom lens that I use for birds. The macro lens can capture an incredible amount of detail, but requires good techniques in holding it steady and paying attention to things like breathing. The closer I get to a subject, the less latitude there is for errors in focusing or camera movement.
Well you do fantastic. Photography is something that I’d like to get into – if I ever allow myself time.
Photography is a different kind of creative pursuit, I think, than writing or painting (I dabble a bit from time to time with watercolors) because I am not starting with a blank piece of paper and creating something out of nothing. One of the coolest things about photography is that it can be as technical and scientific as you want it or as artsy as you want it. I tend to lean a slight bit to the artistic side, but definitely have my geeky moments. 🙂
Excellent shots Mike, well spotted and nicely caught. At least they stay still ovipositing like this!
Thanks. They do stay more or less in one spot when ovipositing like that and they are somewhat preoccupied, which lets me get just a little closer to them. One time a similar Swamp Darner decided she wanted to oviposit in a spot right next to me and I was almost too close to get shots. (https://michaelqpowell.com/2014/06/01/too-close-2/)
Fabulous colors. She looks almost flourescent. Great close up shot, Mike. 👍👍😊
Thanks, Suzette. The colors and patterns of this dragonfly are absolutely amazing. It is also one of the biggest dragonflies that we have in this area, so all and all it is an impressive sight to spot a Swamp Darner.
WOW! Thanks for the link.
I never know what I will encounter, so I try to stay alert and react quickly. 🙂
Awesome catch, Mike. I’ve never seen this so kudos!
You would remember if you had encountered one of these–they are about the largest dragonfly that you can see. One of the websites I use characterized them as “rhinos with wings.”
And the cycle begins again… excellent captures, Mike.
Thanks, Eliza.
Great observation Mike !
Thanks, Rudi.
Sneaking up with a macro takes work. Excellent shots.
Thanks, Sherry. The macro lens that I use during most of the summer is a long one (180mm) so it gives me a bit more stand-off distance than my 100mm or 60mm macro lenses. The all capture beautiful detail, but I have found that the shorter ones are best for things like flowers that are not likely to be scared away if I get close. Still, it does take a certain amount of stealth and caution to get close enough to get shots like these ones.
Excellent series of the action, Mike! Just amazing, and your patience and skill paid off, not to mention you knew what you were witnessing. 😃
When I saw the Swamp Darner flying around, I had a pretty good idea that she was going to lay eggs and knew she would be looking for rotten wood in which to do so. As you well know, Ellen, familiarity with your subject is a definite advantage in getting good shots.
Nice series of images Mike! It is fun to photograph them laying eggs!
Thanks, Reed. It is cool when I find one like this that deposits the eggs in a small area, rather than flying all around, as many dragonflies do, and laying eggs all over the place.
Wow! Wow! What colors!!
Fantastic shot 👍😍
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Thanks.