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Photo#29887
Sweetflag Spreadwing (Lestes forcipatus)  in mating wheel - Lestes forcipatus - male - female

Sweetflag Spreadwing (Lestes forcipatus) in mating wheel - Lestes forcipatus - Male Female
Arcadia State Forest, Washington County, Rhode Island, USA
August 25, 2005
Size: 2"
Spreadwings are types of damselflies that hold their wings spread at @ 45 degree angle while at rest as opposed to most damselflies which hold their wings closed and above their bodies. Dragonfly's wings are held open perpendicularly. Spreadwings are considerably larger than their damselfly relatives but smaller and more slender than dragonflies. This mating pair forms a heart shape known as a "mating wheel" formation during copulation. Insects can be romantic too! :-)

Nice!
Great shot!
Nice and crisp, clear shot and perfect angle to see the characteristics (of the females apendages anywys).

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