Whilst on a recent hunt for butterflies I came across this female Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum). The dark brown/black pterostigma distinguishes this species from the Keeled Skimmer.
The image above clearly illustrates the flexibility of the trailing edge of the wing where the veins become much thinner thus enabling the wing to twist and adapt its shape to aerodynamic forces.
When I re-found this dragon I was so engrossed in focusing on her that I didn't realise until I reviewed the image that it had perched right next to a web and the Spider carrying its egg sack was on the other part of the bent stem! The dragon eventually flew away leaving the Spider to wait for more appropriate prey.
As usual all the shots were taken hand-held with the 450D and 70-300 lens.
Linking to Camera Critters and Saturday's Critters.
Have a good wildlife watching weekend, wherever you are. FAB.

