Dragonfly rescued

[revert]

This little guy was trapped in the bird bath in my mom's garden. So I did a rescue mission, and then a nice little photo shoot. Pretty cool little dude. I got a couple shots in, then his wings started to dry and he flew off. Comments are welcome as always. Haha I am having fun running outside finding a little critter taking a few shots, then posting them up here. haha. I should have gone digital a long time ago, best thing ever.

http://home.comcast.net/~orange73gt/_IMG_0979_resized.jpg

[skade]

Very nice! Love the colours in this one!

[RockOne]

This is a really nice shot. Looks like your dragonfly might be a robberfly ?

[TammieO]

Pretty colors. I might have gone for a little more DOF. I think Steve's correct about it being a robber fly.

[revert]

Thanks for the comments. A robber fly huh? Well I learn something new everyday. What is the difference between a dragonfly and a robber fly? I am really aweful at insects, but want to learn a much as I can about them. Thanks again guys.

[RockOne]

Robber flies are 'True Flies' of the order Diptera. This order is characterised by having only 2 wings ((A single pair). The rear set of wings have been modified into small drumstick like appendages called halteres. Dragonflies (Order Odonata) possess two pairs of wings (as do most non-dipteran winged insects).
This should help:
http://www.earthlife.net/insects/orders.html
and more indepth:
http://www.bugguide.net

[dancinec]

That was a great answer Steve; Revert, your composition is great, but Tammie is right you need more depth of field, boost up f-stop to f11 or greater to capture more of that beast.

[revert]

Thanks guys. It was definately a robberfly then. Thanks for explaining the difference between the two steve. I will start to shoot at a higher f-stop from now on. I also would like a sharper image, and be able to see more of the body. Thanks again, I'm learning a lot.

[Bald Eagle]

revert, This a great picture, The number 1 rule of insect Macro is, get the eyes in Focus, you have done that well, Steve did a great job with the I.D. I agree with DOF, Dennis had a great suggestion on the f stop. f11 is my favorite. Check out some of my recent Robber flies, you'll see why. Great job on this one.:D :D :D

[revert]

Thanks Bald Eagle. Your robberflies are very cool looking. The ones over here are kinda boring compaired to yours. I'll try to find another one and take some more shots at f11 or up. Thanks again.