For the last several years fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford and I have been trying to photograph a Tiger Spiketail dragonfly (Cordulegaster erronea), a relatively rare and elusive species. We have spotted multiple times, but had been unable to get any photos until this Thursday. Be sure to click through to the original posting to read Walter’s wonderful posting in its entirety. It provides the backstory to our encounter and some fascinating information about this species and some cool photos too.
A Tiger Spiketail dragonfly (Cordulegaster erronea) was captured along a small stream at an undisclosed location in Prince William County, Virginia USA. The specimen was photographed and released unharmed.
The first few images show Michael Powell, my good friend and photowalking buddy, holding the dragonfly while I shot some photographs.
05 AUG 2021 | Prince William County, VA | Tiger Spiketail (male)
This individual is a male, as indicated by his hamules, “indented” hind wings, and terminal appendages.
05 AUG 2021 | Prince William County, VA | Tiger Spiketail (male)
What a handsome face! Cue “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor.
05 AUG 2021 | Prince William County, VA | Tiger Spiketail (male)
The next image shows me holding the dragonfly so that Mike could take some photographs.
Photo used with written permission from Michael Powell.
Up, up, and away!
The last…
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Mike Powell 
Beauty…congrats to you both! Nice teamwork and nice pics.
Thanks, Mike.
Congratulations to you both!
Great find and wonderful photographs!
Thanks, Wally. It was a strange and usual experience for me.
Glad he was released unharmed, not that I would expect anything other than that from you! Great story and shots.
Thanks, Molly. I am not used to the “catch and release” approach and had never seen it done before this. We were gentle and deliberate when lightly holding on to the dragonfly and made sure we released him as soon as we got a few photos.