I have posted same pics previously but these versions are reprocessed.
Specimen approx 15mm long plus its legs. Nikon 1 J5 / Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm plus extension tubes; ISO 800 1/125sec f8.
The predators grab prey using their front legs and when biting, inject toxic saliva to enable digestion.
Usually observed swimming 'upside down' at the surface as in pic 1 but can also be observed front side down as in pic 2 – when folded wings and eyes are visible. They fly to new habitats and are very common – but seldom stay still so can be difficult to photograph.
The lens' long focal length enables a comfortable lens to subject distance with lens supported on Novoflex GAKO tripod head fork mount as in pic 3. Nikon 1 J5 has the best sensor of all the Nikon 1 series cameras (all discontinued) but J5 lacks an EVF – Zacuto magnified finder thus fitted to J5 monitor enabling comfortable live view composition. The plywood board enables photography at (and beyond) the pond edge without habitat damage. The foam cushion usually under my chest enables laying comfortably at ground level. Mini Berlebach wooden tripod is ideal for ground level photography.
