As I was visiting a small pond at Green Spring Gardens last week, checking to see if the lotus flowers and water lilies were in bloom, I detected some movement at the edge of the water. It took me a moment to spot some tiny Eastern Forktail damselflies (Ischnura verticalis) that were buzzing around the vegetation sticking out of the water. Eastern Forktails are quite small, about 0.8-1.3 inches (20-33 mm) in length.
I got down as low as I could and captured several images of a beautiful female Eastern Forktail. In the first shot, she perched and posed for me, so I had the luxury of carefully composing my shot. Click on the photo to see the wonderful details of this damselfly, including her stunning two-toned eyes. Eastern Forktails are quite small, about 0.8-1.3 inches (20-33 mm) in length.)
In the second shot, she was perching on the edge of a lily pad with the tip of her abdomen in the water. She was in the process of depositing eggs into the bottom of the lily pad or possibly into the stem of the plant.
As it turned out, it is still too early for the lotus flowers to bloom, though the plants were producing lots of leaves. There was one white water lily that was blooming, so the scene at the pond does not yet remind me of a Monet painting.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow – that second photo highlights those eyes perfectly with the red background. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed the photos. From an artistic perspective, the second one is the clear winner. Those who are more interested in science may like the first shot better, because it shows the body details better. I’ve grown to appreciate the fact that each viewer “sees” an image in a unique way.
Truly incredible photos, Mike. The details of this very small creature are something I will never see in the field, so this is really a treat. The two-tone eyes, the ova positing, the wing beauty. Spectacular lotus leaves.
Thanks, Jet. I love the way you look so closely at the images. For the record, I think these particular leaves may be from water lilies rather than from lotuses, which grow higher above the water. However, I was more concerned with the artistic impression, especially with the second shot, than with technical concerns, like identification.
You made me smile when you said the tiny damselfly posed for you. How fabulous! You are a damselfly whisperer Mike… Awesome!.
I have an active imagination, Suzette. I like to imagine the birds and insects feeling comfortable enough with me that they are willing to pose. 🙂
Awesome 👍
Very nice Mike! They are fun photo subjects!
Thanks, Reed. From my perspective, all dragonflies and damselflies are fun subjects to photograph.
That’s getting insane Mike, brilliant photos!
Thanks.