One of the wonderfull dragonflies of South Africa, Trithemis stictica. From my visit in December 2006.
Canon 5D, Sigma 150 + 1,4
f/9, 1/200 s, iso 800, uncropped
cheers
Erland
Jaunty Dropwing
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- Erland R.N.
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- Erland R.N.
- Posts: 335
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:20 pm
- Location: Kolding, Denmark
- Contact:
Thank you all for comments.
No seriously, the most common reason for this should be that the wings trap air around the thorax, though increasing the temperature of especially the wing muscles. That is at least true for a lot of dragonflies in cooler regions, but I think it's the same reason for Trithemis species.
I wondered though if the posture might increase the effective field of view when the dragonfly is perched.
Other dragonflies with large coloured areas at the basal part of the wings, may use these as shades for the thorax and abdomen, as not to overheat in the mid day sun.
Erland
They do it because they are called Dropwingsbeetleman wrote:What beautiful colors on this dragonfly. Is there a reason for them to park their wings and body in that position?
No seriously, the most common reason for this should be that the wings trap air around the thorax, though increasing the temperature of especially the wing muscles. That is at least true for a lot of dragonflies in cooler regions, but I think it's the same reason for Trithemis species.
I wondered though if the posture might increase the effective field of view when the dragonfly is perched.
Other dragonflies with large coloured areas at the basal part of the wings, may use these as shades for the thorax and abdomen, as not to overheat in the mid day sun.
Erland