Dragonfly ID, plus lunch

pete76 · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 03:48 PM

I took this shot at the Camargue in the South of France last year, but never been sure about the ID. I don't think it's a Red-veined Darter, the dark markings on the back plus the thorax is a different colour. Any help would be appreciated. Oh, and I'd love to know what lunch is as well.

Thanks!

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 04:56 PM

Afternoon Pete!

I think the prey item is a teneral Blue-tailed Damselfly. No idea about the dragon!

Take care,

Jason

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 07:29 PM

Its a type of skimmer. How about Orthetrum brunneum

pete76 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the replies, given the skimmer options I think Southern Skimmer is the most likely.

wint · #5 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 05:43 AM

I think that your dragonfly could be a female Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea) - based on the red over blue eyes, plain sides to the thorax, prominent vulvar scale, long yellow pterostigmas, no black on legs - but can't see the top of the thorax or the wing bases to be sure.

pete76 · #6 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 03:07 PM

Unfortunately that was the only angle I could get. The bit I don't understand is the black stripe down the back - I can't find any picture that shows it.

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 04:51 PM

Yes I can see where Wint is coming from, I should really dust up on European and migrant species.

.

wint · #8 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 07:13 PM

Pete

There are a few images of female Scarlet Darters at
Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea)
which might help (or not if I'm guessing the wrong species!)

RoyW · #9 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 07:12 PM

I agree with Wint on the ID of the dragonfly (female Scarlet Darter or Broad Scarlet, Crocothemis erythraea).

Jason is almost correct wit the ID of the prey - it is (or was!) a mature female Blue-tailed Damselfly, form Infuscans.

Roy.

Jason Green · #10 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyW

Jason is almost correct wit the ID of the prey - it is (or was!) a mature female Blue-tailed Damselfly, form Infuscans.

...well, it was teneral when I said; but looking back at the photo now it must have since matured in that time

I think I must be thinking of the male with the clearer black/blue banding. I suppose the female must have less obvious colouring. Thanks for the correction!