Dragonfly Surprise
by Mariola Bitner
Title
Dragonfly Surprise
Artist
Mariola Bitner
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Thank you for viewing my artwork!
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos "uneven" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly eye has nearly 24,000 ommatidia.
Fossils of very large dragonfly ancestors in the Protodonata are found from 325 million years ago (Mya) in Upper Carboniferous rocks; these had wingspans up to about 750 mm (30 in). About 3000 species of Anisoptera are in the world today. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions.
Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their lives are spent as nymphs living in fresh water; the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. They are fast, agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often found near water. They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. During mating, the male grasps the female at the back of the head or on the prothorax, and the female curls her abdomen under her body to pick up sperm from the male's secondary genitalia at the front of his abdomen, forming the "heart" or "wheel" posture.
Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artifacts such as pottery, rock paintings, and Art Nouveau jewellery. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colours and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.
Note: If an image has the FAA watermark in the lower right hand corner it will NOT appear on any print you purchase
All artworks are originals by the artist and as such are protected by Us and International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved.
FEATURED in the following groups:
~ Polish Photographers Platform
~ Wildlife One A Day
~ Macro Photography
~ The Best 30000 Artworks
~ Images That Excite You
~ Round Circle Photography or Paints
~ BUGs BUGs and more BUGs
~ Artist News
Uploaded
September 15th, 2016
Statistics
Viewed 1,133 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/28/2024 at 9:17 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (59)
Morris Finkelstein
Stunning close up photo of a dragonfly with great markings and colors, clarity, perspective, and composition, Mariola! F/L
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Savanna Paine for featuring my "Dragonfly Surprise" in the group 100 Views Photography!
Bill And Deb Hayes
This image is superb !! I, Deb, especially love to photograph dragonflies so this image jumped out at me. Rarely have I been able to capture one of this quality. BRAVO !! It is a "10". Deb