Orthetrum albistylum

[MacroLuv]

... I would say with confidence in Erland's ID determination.



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.05.2007 12:41:50
Shutter speed value 1/400 s
Aperture value f/7.1
ISO speed ratings ISO 400
Focal length 100 mm



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.05.2007 12:40:05
Shutter speed value 1/160 s
Aperture value f/10
ISO speed ratings ISO 400
Focal length 100 mm



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.05.2007 12:44:38
Shutter speed value 1/125 s
Aperture value f/9
ISO speed ratings ISO 400
Focal length 100 mm

[Bruce Williams]

Three excellent pics Nikola - all showing good detail, colour and lighting. Pic1 in particular is full of energy and movement and you've done a super job with pic3 which shows great close-up detail. All are nicely framed too.

Well done.

Bruce

[Erland R.N.]

Like the first one best. It looks like the female just threw the head back to check some possible prey flying by. Thje two others are fine, good focus on the eyes. But it would be great if the forehead (closest to camera) also was in focus, so the hairs here did appear sharp. But you would probably need a tripod or higher iso value to achive that.

I just double checked the ID, and we surely got it right. One other species in Europe (Orthetrum sabina) have white appendages at the end of the abdomen, but that one have bright pterostigma's (wing markings at tip) opposed to the black ones here. They do not occur in your area anyway, only in Turkey, Africa etc. but expansions of distribution ranges for European dragonflies seems to be on speed these days.

Erland

[Mike B in OKlahoma]

I like this, especially the first one! The strong bright stem in the background of #1 is interesting making an "X" with the insect body.

[beetleman]

Excellent photos Nikola. #1 is the one I like the best. I love the way the wings are cocked and ready for action.