One very surprising adaptation is that the larvae survive in water that is highly alkaline and that contains high levels of toxic minerals like Borax and Arsenic.
#1 Libellula comanche, Comanche Skimmer, male, at Borax Lake. The bluish color is a waxy, powdery substance called pruinosity that covers the underlying color of the males when they are sexually mature. You can tell that this male has mated by the pruinosity that has been rubbed off his abdomen by the female's legs.
#1 D700, Sigma 180mm macro w/2x teleconverter, 1/750 sec @ f22, ISO 6400, available light, handheld.
#2 Libellula comanche, Comanche skimmer, copulating pair, at Borax Lake. The color and patterns on the male are very similar to those of the female before he acquires his pruinosity
#2 D700, Sigma 180mm macro w/2x teleconverter, 1/320 sec @ f32, ISO 6400, available light, handheld.
#3 Libellula comanche, Comanche Skimmer, female, ovipositing at Borax Lake. This is not sharp but I think it conveys a feeling of motion.
#3 D700, Sigma 180mm macro w/2x teleconverter, 1/250 sec @ f32, ISO 6400, available light, handheld.
#4 Libellula nodisticta, Hoary Skimmer, male, at Twin Hot Springs.
#4 D700, Sigma 180mm macro w/2x teleconverter, 1/500 sec @ f32, ISO 6400, available light, handheld.
#5 Plathemis subornata, Desert Whitetail, immature male, at Mickey Hot Springs. When this male is mature he will have bright white pruinosity covering the upper surface of the abdomen and the dark patches on the distal half of the wings will merge into one large patch.
#5 D700, Sigma 180mm macro w/2x teleconverter, 1/640 sec @ f22, ISO 6400, available light, handheld.
Thanks for looking, comments welcome.
Steve
