Damselfly
Eastern Blue Forktail (Ischnura verticalis)
Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly? Perhaps you are among the many who thought these winged creatures with long abdomens and large eyes were all called dragonflies. I used to think so, too. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the wings when the insect rests. If the pairs of wings remain open in an H-shape, then you are looking at a dragonfly. Damselflies have hinged wings that allow them to fold both pairs of wings over their backs as shown above.
I did quite a bit of comparing photos to determine this ID. There are many species of damselflies, some with minor differences in appearance. Noting that the blue spot covers the last two whole segments of the abdomen and has small black marks within the blue on the side, I believe this to be the Eastern Blue Forktail.
You can find a good photographic comparison guide here and some helpful diagrams here. I checked BugGuide.net as well to confirm my decision. I’m thinking my next field guide purchase should be one on dragonflies and damselflies. We have so many thanks to the creek that runs beside our home.
Comments
Hugs,
Betsy
Kaishon asked if dragon flies have four wings. I don't know. I should google it.
Camera- Canon EOS Rebel xSi
Lens - 50 mm 1.4
Shutter priority mode 1/40
ISO - 100 (Sky was overcast, but still very bright)
I have a set of macro magnifiers that I want to try out, but I haven't done it yet. Probably would have made this a lot easier to capture the details.
This particular photo was shot with my DSLR, but my little point and shoot Canon does a great job--a good little camera I can tuck into my purse or large pocket. I think I'm able to go back and forth so easily because they're both Canons. The buttons all have the same icons.
The DSLR has more focusing versatility, and it definitely produces sharper images. (When I've got it focused right, that is.)