The hottest white

Brachythemis impartita, adult male over hot sands. A small group of three male individuals where landing and flying quite restlessly above the hot sands. I've spent a couple of minutes trying to capture one in flight, with no luck whatsoever... Every time I gazed one in focus it was only when they land arriving from a short mid flight, onto the hottest sands.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Any reason they land on such hot sand? Posted 9 years ago
1. RMFelix
  
  Lion
  
  This Libellulidae and also some others like Trithemis, Crocothemis, Oerthetrum can support high temperatures, and of course being that tolerating to heat they manage to control their body temperature, even with this conditions. Their posture is also unique when using body mechanisms to lose heat, such as the 'obelisk' posture, comon in Libellulidae. But there is something very interesting, too: nearby this very hot areas there are trees and therefore shadows. It is frequent to spot Brachythemis in either conditions. And there's more ;) If you get close enough to some Brachythemis on hot sands they will follow your shadow! In fact they use this areas for hunting while nearby there must be a water spot to engage on patrol looking for females. If fact, male and female use the same hunting areas and I never saw a male capturing a female for reproduction in this places. Only near the water. But I can be wrong ;) All of this is based on my observations. Cheers* Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for the detailed info, really interesting how they regular their body temperature. Posted 9 years ago
  2. Mark Ridgway
    
    Lion
    
    Fascinating info. Thanks. For a form that is so dependent on water this is impressive. Posted 9 years ago