Emerald Damselflies

[GuyF]

Hi everyone,

I thought people may be interested in these photos, I was quite amused when I came across these three!

I'm not sure what the male at the top is up to, but I'd imagine the one below isn't too happy! Eventually the male and female formed a 'mating wheel', but this didn't deter their friend!


Guy

[Wild-Woman]

Great behavioural shots Guy. I've seen this before but never had a camera at hand to catch the action. Think the males get a bit 'confused and desperate'.

[RoyW]

Yes, great shots - well captured.

Competion for mates can mean that males will try their luck - I'd probably assume that the 'extra' male was aware that a female was present and tried his luck.
Similar arguments can be used for the occasional interspecies couplings that are seen.

[GuyF]

Thankyou both, it was quite a surprise to come across, it took me a moment to realise what I was looking at when they were in flight!
When you see the way males 'pounce' on any females that come near I could imagine that if two went for it at the same time there may be some confusion! It would've been very interesting to see how it started though.
Guy

[Ukwildlifeo]

haha brilliant. Well caught, I have to say Ive not seen this behaviour before. I guess its kind of similar to what happens with frogs/toads when the males get so desperate the grab anything that moves like a female