50 Macrophotography / Microphotography of the Dragonfly ~ Macrophotographic Images of Dragonflies
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Of all the insects, dragonflies have to be my personal favorite. So I am pleased to lead you on a journey through the macrophotography of dragonflies. Through the use of macrophotography, we will view dragonflies up close and personal, and observe details that we often do not get the chance to see in our everyday lives.
Macrophotography makes this possible by providing images that are larger than life. And being an image, we don't have to worry about the dragonfly soaring away. We will be able to view them at our leisure. And so our journey begins.
Though the use of macrophotography, we will be able to view their compound eyes, their intricately detailed and long, delicate, membranous wings, and body parts that appear to be armor-like.
We will be able to view the dragonfly like never before, seeing the hairs on its body and the segments of its legs.
We will see the dragonfly as it devours its prey and as it basks in the sun.
We will also have the privilege of seeing dragonflies that are many different colors from many different parts of the world.
To watch a 32 second Wildlife Theater video displaying various types of dragonflies, click here. This video shows many different dragonflies and some of their interesting head movements and mannerisms.
The dragonfly below is an example of one of the vibrantly colored species.
The dragonfly reminds me of a helicopter, and it is able to hover in mid-air just like a helicopter. It is a skilled aerial acrobat and is able to catch its prey (other insects) on the wing. Many different species of dragonflies exist, most being found near bodies of water.
The dragonfly has a three part body, just like all other insects: a head, a thorax and an abdomen. The abdomen of the dragonfly is extended and slender. The dragonfly also has two huge compound eyes, three pairs of legs and two pair of wings.
In the image of the dragonfly above, look at the interesting texture of the frons (nose and mouth parts). It has a very interesting dimpling.
As you view the images below, look closely at the delicate veining of their membranous wings, the facets of their compound eyes, their mouth parts, their segmented and barbed legs, their segmented bodies, and the hairs on various parts of their bodies.
The image below clearly shows the compound and colorful dragonfly's eyes. It is also easily to view the furred face and the barbed legs. By clicking on the image below, a much larger image will be displayed for a even better look at this dragonfly's characteristics.
In the photos grouped below, several of these dragonflies are consuming a catch. Also notice the various color patterns on these dragonflies.
The video below contains additional macrophotographic images of dragonflies. Some of those images are very stunning.
As a dragonfly completes its life cycle, it goes through an incomplete metamorphosis. When the egg that has been laid in the water hatches, the larva emerges and lives in the water. This larva is called a nymph.
As the nymph grows, it sheds its skin. This process happens many times and each time it emerges larger. When the nymph has reached full maturity, it crawls from the water breaking free from its shell to become a mature dragonfly.
The dragonfly existed as a nymph for 5-6 months followed by an existence as a mature dragonfly for a few weeks.
Below, you can watch a video as a dragonfly nymph crawls from the water followed by its transformation into a dragonfly.
Through the macrophotography of dragonflies, we have observed the dragonfly in all of its marvelous glory.
I hope you have enjoyed this journey through the macrophotography of the dragonfly and will consider joining me once again in another macrophotographic journey:
- What is Macrophotography? 33 Macrophotographic Images
- Macrophotography of Flowers; 52 Macrophotographic Images of Flowers
- Macrophotography of Insects; 53 Macrophotographic Images of Insects Plus Video
- Macrophotography of Spiders; 34 Macrophotographic Images plus Videos of Spiders
- Macrophotography of Butterflies, Moths and Caterpillars; 45 Macrophotographic Images
- Macrophotography of Flying Insects; 64 Macrophotographic Images of Flying Insects
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Copyright © 2011 Cindy Murdoch
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Comments: "50 Macrophotography / Microphotography of the Dragonfly ~ Macrophotographic Images of Dragonflies"Loading...
brittanytodd - I'm glad then that I included that last video, although it was not macro based. Last year I rescued one that had fallen while hatching and I allowed it hang onto my hand for about half an hour while it finished the process. I have pictures of it happening somewhere. I was so cool.
I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for dropping by!
Wow! That is so cool!!!
Incredibly awesome!!! this is the first time i've got to look into dragonfly's close up features... very stunning especially their eyes...
brittany - I thought so. I have a koi pond that I built in my back yard, so I see lots of dragonflies.
I that it was cool myself!
Voted up. Great hub.
Now dragonflies: their shape is a gift for fashion houses designing brooch jewelry!
lzlpio90 - I am pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks for visiting. I am glad to bring you face to face with a dragonfly through the use of macrophotography.
f - I have seen some dragonfly brooches but have not owned any. I am not into alot of jewelry and If I do were it, I tend to wear the same things over and over. Generally pick it up at thrift stores or garage sales.
But I love the dragonfly and I thought the macrophotography I was able to find to go with this hub was really good.
thanks for stopping by!
Okay, I see; now I'm understanding more your other comments about earrings, too.
There are some great jewelry creations around, anyway, based on insects such as dragonflies, beetles, etc. Some of these are quite ornate and thus thoroughly optional.
I guess for many ppl (though not all, of course) there are some items of jewelry, such as the wedding ring, and earlobe studs, etc. which have come to be regarded as just so indispensable that it would be unthinkable otherwise; but it's good that we are all different, isn't it?
Blessings.
f - if we were all the same, it would definitely be boring. I guess you can say a wedding ring is not optional for me and as far as jewelry goes that is often the only jewelry I wear.
I do admire the beautiful jewelry, but that's about it. I guess I'm dull and boring in that respect.
Hey, boring no! You and what you show of yourself in the Hubs are very, very interesting.
Just that for some ppl having studs embedded in the earlobes really is the default setting, I guess.
Anyway, dragonfly brooches look good, too.
Blessings.
f - I will take that as a compliment. Thank you.
YW. And you must know whether you 'need' to fill your holes, I'm sure.
What can be nice for some ppl is an earring and brooch set, with similar designs.
f - both statements are true!
This is amazing. Beautiful macro photo's of the dragonfly, awesome videos and information. Thanks!
MartieCoetser - Thanks for dropping by to visit. I am very happy that you found these to be interesting.
Dragonflies are absolutely beautiful creatures and macrophotography shows all that wonderful detail and colour, fabulous!
I couldn't get the video working, so I will come back to watch that.
A great hub, thank you for sharing, best wishes MM
Movie Master - I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the hub. I checked both videos and did not have any problems. Not sure what the issue was with that.
Have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!
I think, anyway, that, for jewelry, the dragonfly shape lends itself more to brooches than to earrings — unless, that it, you like the really bold, swinging pendant earring look.
Blessings.
f - I actually a pair of dragonfly earrings. They are swinging but are very small, the dragonfly being about 1/2 inch long.
Thanks for commenting.
Sorry, did you mean you own a pair? (maybe missed a word out.) If they are yours you are talking about, they sound like nice ones.
f - yes I own a pair. They each dangle down with a leaf dangling behind them. They are very petite.
They sound like they are really nice. There's something just gently elegant about the ones that dangle. (Anyway, just imagine, about the earring collection you've acquired after you went for ear piercing, which you wouldn't be able to wear any more if you let your holes close up!)
Blessings.
Wow Cindy!! I must say these photos are absolutely mind blowing.. who knew that dragon flies have fuzzy lips like horses do! LOL! That is what they reminded me of anyway. The photos are stunning..thank you so much for sharing these. Voted up, and all the way across. Loved this!
f - I like them, and yes that is perhaps something that I should consider. Thanks.
I always say for earrings/sets of ear piercings, go for it!
Jamie - I can see that - that dragonflies look like horses, especially with their hairy looking muzzles.
I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. I had a hard time stopping myself from adding more and more. Thanks for the votes and for stopping by!
You know, looking closely at the dragonflies, their aerodynamics seem almost like a helicopter's! I reckon behind every invention there is actually a principle of nature behind it!
f - I have thought that the thickest part of their body looks like a helicopter. Great observation!
Yes, well, Wittgenstein, who worked out the mathematics of helicopter power (size of rotor and amount of lift, weight of engine, amount of power, etc.) must have come to conclusions similar to the way a dragonfly works, I think!
It's amazing, really.
It really does sound amazing. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.
YW. Yes it is amazing! (And maybe your dragonfly pendant earrings will now remind you of just how amazing it is!)
Blessings.
f - they may do that!
I suppose I should stop commenting in this vein, really, but: you didn't realize that adjusting earrings for nice, pierced ears could be such fun, did you?
Blessings.
Thank you, f! I appreciate it! I must do what is best for me and my situation! Thank you!
Hi homesteadbound
I like looking at Dragonflies from a distance.
I was about 8 years old when one landed on my shoulder while I was playing in the lake at my grandparents cottage.
I never saw a dragonfly up close before and I didn't know what had landed on me.
I froze because I thought I was going to be stung.
Sueswan - I can understand your fear that was established at such a young age.
But they are really fascinating creatures.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, yes, what's best for you, always. Blessings.
f - Thank you!
YW. You must know, after all, how uncomfortable your piercings are, sometimes. Blessings.
f - they get swollen and feverish even though healed years ago.
Sorry to hear that. I do think your local piercing/tattoo parlor or salon would be able to give you good advice and help with lotion or cream ideas, though. They are dealing with these issues the whole time with all the people that want to get pierced.
Some of them have amazing colours!! loved the collection and voted up!
-carrie
carriethomson - I agree! Some of the colors on these creatures was indeed amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour through the macrophotographic world of the dragonfly. Macrophotography is amazing!
Thanks for stopping by!
This was a fantabulous idea! Beautiful - I love dragonflies. I did enjoy getting to see their wings and the up close views:). You know, I also had to laugh because I noticed the beautiful scroll you used - and so I stopped and gazed at it too:) LOL. No I'm not a hub addict:) haha
I am super impressed - this was a lovely idea!
Gorgeous hub! These are some beautiful creatures. Loved it~
RealHousewife - I am super-pleased that you enjoyed these super-sized images. I have always been fascinated by macrophotography because you can see so much more because it's larger and because it's not moving! Thanks for stopping by!
tammyswallow - I agree with you - these creatures are really gorgeous. They are one of my favorite insects. I have a Koi pond i built in my back yard and we have lots of different ones flying around all the time. Thanks so much!
brittanytodd Level 6 Commenter 5 months ago
Wow. That last video is amazing! I always wondered how dragonflies were born. This is crazy! Thanks for sharing another awesome hub! Voted up, etc.