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Nature: - Bulbs and Orchids - Trees and Bushes - Other Flowers
Butterflies and Moths - Amphibians and Reptiles
Creepy Crawlies - Birds
The Dragonfly at Vale Grifo
Nearly all insects begin life as eggs. Those of the dragonflies and
damselflies are often laid in our big cistern. Those not eaten by the fish
develop into
nymphs.
These nymphs grow up in the water, feeding on a wide range of other aquatic
creatures. Most damselflies complete their life-cycle in one year, but the dragonflies (anisopterans)
can take up to five years to develop.
When fully grown the nymph climbs out of the water, usually climbing a plant stem,
and the fully developed (imago) dragonfly emerges.
The freshly emerged dragonfly (teneral) are very pale, and do not achieve
their full colours for several days or even weeks.
While trying to sort out frogs that had become
stuck in a side tank, Deborah flicked something off her jacket. |
Placed on the jacket to give a good background, we recorded what was happening. |
The teneral started to crawl around - | and its wings started to expand. |
A convenient finger was used instead of a plant stem, but it was taking a long time - |
So we had the idea of sticking a twig into some floral-foam in a plant pot. |
Being now easily transportable it was studied on the kitchen table, and the reference book consulted. |
Then placed outside in a sheltered spot (it was windy) and given its freedom. |
Possible identification: Order Odonata, Sub-order Anisoptera Family Libellulidae Orthetrum cancellatum.
Nature: - Bulbs and Orchids - Trees and Bushes - Other Flowers
Butterflies and Moths - Amphibians and Reptiles - The Dragonfly
Creepy Crawlies - Birds
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Copyright © 1999 Vale Grifo
Last modified: June 04, 2007