Which odanata?

[Jacqueline Burrell]

I saw this in Cairo at the end of September.

Thanks

Jacqueline

[beltonbirder]

Sympetrum sp. I dont have any books on Egyptian Odonata so can only point you towards Genus

[RoyW]

Hi Jacqueline,

I have to contradict 'beltonbirder' on this one - the dragonfly is a Skimmer (Orthetrum sp.) - dragonfly taxonomy uses the pattern of veins in the wing, Sympetrum sp. have less than 9 antenodal cross veins (front of the wing between base and mid point, or 'node'), it's hard to see how many there are on this one from your photos, but it's more than 10.


This is a female (probably quite an old one as it is starting to get the blue pruinesence more typical of males), and is probably O. chrysostigma, or Epaulet Skimmer based on the features I can see. This is a common species in north Africa, and one of the most widespread dragonflies in Sinai.

Roy.

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Hi Jacqueline,

I have to contradict 'beltonbirder' on this one - the dragonfly is a Skimmer (Orthetrum sp.) - dragonfly taxonomy uses the pattern of veins in the wing, Sympetrum sp. have less than 9 antenodal cross veins (front of the wing between base and mid point, or 'node'), it's hard to see how many there are on this one from your photos, but it's more than 10.


This is a female (probably quite an old one as it is starting to get the blue pruinesence more typical of males), and is probably O. chrysostigma, or Epaulet Skimmer based on the features I can see. This is a common species in north Africa, and one of the most widespread dragonflies in Sinai.

Roy.

Many thanks for your very comprehensive reply. It has certainly made me realise I have a lot of studying to do before I can identify a species with confidence.

You mention that O. chrysostigma is a common species in North Africa and Sinai so I assume you have a field guide covering this area. Can you recommend one? Also, do you know of a book that covers the Levant, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria?

Regards

Jacqueline

[Colin Key]

Jacqueline,

Sorry have not had time to help with this one - I am very busy with "other things" at the moment.

You might consider buying an excellent book entitled "Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe, including Western Turkey and N.W. Africa" by Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra and illustrated (superbly) by Richard Lewington.

It is published by "British Wildlife Publishing", 2006, and the ISBN number is: "ISBN 0-953-1399-4-8".

U.K. price is £22 (for the paper-back), but well worth it.

Best,

Colin

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Jacqueline,

Sorry have not had time to help with this one - I am very busy with "other things" at the moment.

You might consider buying an excellent book entitled "Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe, including Western Turkey and N.W. Africa" by Klaas-Douwe B Dijkstra and illustrated (superbly) by Richard Lewington.

It is published by "British Wildlife Publishing", 2006, and the ISBN number is: "ISBN 0-953-1399-4-8".

U.K. price is £22 (for the paper-back), but well worth it.

Best,

Colin

Thank you for your advice. I have a friend coming to Egypt in a couple of weeks who will bring the book with him - specialised English language books are a rare as hen's teeth here.

Its fascinating how one's life changes. First, I was passionate about landscape photography and recording Egyptian street life. Secondly, I became interested in birds and joined SB a year ago. But birding can be frustrating when there is little of interest around so I found myself taking photographs of Araneae, Lepidoptera, Odonata and other insects and learned to appreciate the macro world.

Cheers:beer:

Jacqueline

[Colin Key]

Jacqueline,

You will not be disappointed with this book, it is fabulous.

I have always bemoaned the fact that many "insect, plant, etc." guides are restricted to "Britain and Northern Europe". I just happened to meet a Dutch guy (F Weihrauch) one day earlier this year at Ria de Alvor (a haven for dragonflies) and I mentioned this to him and, hey presto, he produced a well worn copy of the aforementioned book from his rucksac. He is one of the contributing authors

I am still getting to grips with it, but to take it into the field and actually try to I.D. some of these lovely creatures is rather like being a novice birder all over again.

I am currently considering buying a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens plus extension tubes to get into insect photography.

Regards,

Colin :smile:

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Jacqueline,

You will not be disappointed with this book, it is fabulous.

I have always bemoaned the fact that many "insect, plant, etc." guides are restricted to "Britain and Northern Europe". I just happened to meet a Dutch guy (F Weihrauch) one day earlier this year at Ria de Alvor (a haven for dragonflies) and I mentioned this to him and, hey presto, he produced a well worn copy of the aforementioned book from his rucksac. He is one of the contributing authors

I am still getting to grips with it, but to take it into the field and actually try to I.D. some of these lovely creatures is rather like being a novice birder all over again.

I am currently considering buying a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens plus extension tubes to get into insect photography.

Regards,

Colin :smile:

Colin,


The "Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe” is indeed fabulous and it is very remiss of me not to thank for the suggestion before this.

I do not, of course, know whether you invested in a 100mm macro lens but if you did or for when you do I can recommend a some sites specialist sites that you might not be aware of.

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php - The list of forums includes ‘overseas’ and I have always been fortunate with IDs.

http://www.diptera.info/news.php - Good for flies and midges but the site also has a section for other insects.

http://www.forum.hymis.de/viewforum.php?f=8 – A knowledgeable group for wasps and bees.

I hope this makes up for my bad manners.:err:

Regards,

Jacqueline.:smile:

[Colin Key]

Jacqueline,

Certainly no need for apologies, and many thanks for the links - I have bookmarked them. Very pleased that you are enjoying the dragonflies book I recommended.

Not yet acquired the macro lens - like most British expats living in the Eurozone I am not spending very much at the moment due to the dire £/€ exchange rate!

Regards,

Colin

P.S. Like your new avatar.