Damselflies, like all odonates (dragonflies fall under this category too), have a very interesting breeding system. Before they decide to be a couple, males and females of many groups spend some considerable time in physical contact with one another, probably taking time to assess their potential mate. And more often than not they just fly off without doing it.
Damselfly and dragonfly mating is a rough and tumble affair. If you've ever seen a pair of mating damselflies or dragonflies in the throes of passion, you know that their sexual coupling requires the flexibility and acrobatic skill of a Cirque de Soleil performer. Ahh...the bending is an acrobatic act like no other.
This shot was taken at Lake Gardens just as I was about to give up finding a pair of mating damselflies.
No comments:
Post a Comment