Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Greece: Yellow Dragonfly
Posted by Stephen on 13-07-2006 12:39
#1
Photographed June 28 on a salt flat, not far from the beach, island of Naxos, Greece.
Size was medium-small to medium for a dragonfly.
ID help appreciated!
Posted by Stephen on 13-07-2006 12:43
#2
Here is a second view.
Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 13-07-2006 12:50
#3
I think an
Orthetrum sp.
Posted by Susan R Walter on 13-07-2006 13:18
#4
I agree that it looks like Libellulidae of some sort, possibly
Sympetrum sp rather than
Orthetrum. I say that because the two toned eye colour seems to be more a character of
Sympetrum. Probably female too. Perching on a vertical twig like this is done by both sexes of
Sympetrum, but
Orthetrum tend to perch lower down, and if on vegetation, less exposed (although not always). Leg colour pattern is similar to the UK's
S striolatum, Common Darter, but most Libellulidae have completely black legs I think, so that may be a clue to full id. (It is not
S striolatum - too chunky, abdomen shape is more like female
Orthetrum)
I'm off tomorrow to do my Dragonfly field id module for my university course, so this is obviously a cue for making a really embarrassing mistake here;)
Posted by Paul Beuk on 13-07-2006 13:32
#5
The way the wings are held (sightly upwards rather than downwards) also put me on the trail of
Orthetrum.
Posted by Susan R Walter on 13-07-2006 13:40
#6
It's true -
Sympetrum pretty consistently hold their wings down, whereas
Orthetrum will sit in either position.
Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 13-07-2006 13:55
#7
Well, now I'd suggest a female of
Sympetrum fonscolombei
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 13-07-2006 14:16
#8
Yes, it is female of Sympetrum, most probably Sympetrum fonscolombei.
Sympetrum has 6-7 crossveins before knot, Orthetrum - 9-11, it is clearly visible on first photo.
Nikita
Posted by Stephen on 15-07-2006 10:04
#9
Many thanks to all of you for your help with this one!