This is a nymph of one of the large Darner dragonflies (Aeshna spp.) and was photographed in my 2-gallon aquarium setup. It has recently molted so its body surface is quite clean. The structure at the bottom of the head and extending back between the legs is a modified mouthpart called a labium. It has an elbow-like hinge at the back and can shoot forward quite rapidly to capture a prey item and bring it back to the mandibles for consumption. 40D, MP-E 65 mm, 1/250, f/16, ISO 100, MT-24EX macro twin lite (diffused), tripod, cable release. RAW file PP in CS3 - levels, saturation. I cloned some bits of debris in the water. All comments are welcome and appreciated.







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If you are an aquatic invert, it's a very dangerous world out there!


