Dragonfly Smiles
by Miroslava Jurcik
Title
Dragonfly Smiles
Artist
Miroslava Jurcik
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Since the Tiger dragonfly was so relax with me I decided to take a shot from the other side. By the way she can still see me as dragonflies have 360 vision.
In this shot you can see her mouth, it actually looks like she is smiling at me. Dragonflies are the perfect killers.
Dragonflies belong to the scientific order Odonata. In Greek, that means “toothed ones,” which is fitting because dragonflies mash their prey to a pulp with powerful serrated jaws. You don’t normally think of dragonflies as dangerous; in fact, most small dragonflies aren’t powerful enough to break a human’s skin (although larger ones can, and will). To a small fly, however, those jaws mean instant death. They don't have teeth. They also never stop eating, they have an amazing appetite !!!
Dragonflies do two things when they intercept their prey: first, their front legs curve up to cage it in, cutting off its escape. Second, their hinged jaws clamp down and shred the wings of the fly, immobilizing it. After that, they’re free to chow down without any chance of losing their prey. Dragonfly jaws can open as wide as their entire head, allowing them to eat virtually anything within reason, and they’ll often consume their food in mid-air without even bothering to land.
The photo was taken in my garden at Northern beaches, Sydney.
Uploaded
March 22nd, 2017
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Viewed 897 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/17/2024 at 4:45 AM
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Comments (20)
Asbed Iskedjian
Excellent macro of this camouflaged insect in its environment Miroslava. Likes + Favorites.
Rainbow Artist Orlando L
I love the dragonfly smile in this charming image!! a rare angle for me to see dragonfly!! and a very fascinating read about the way they catch and eat their prey!! L/F
Michele Myers
Marvelous close-up and composition of the dragonfly's leafy surroundings, Miroslava - l/f!