Lens-Artists Challenge #338 – Pick a Word
Incoming fast! That was my first impression when I caught this Familiar Bluet (also known as Civil Bluet) damselfly approaching a reed in a small puddle on top of the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. I had not climbed to the top of that enormous granite dome in search of damselflies. However, there I was. So, my answer to John’s Pick-a-word challenge is “adaptable.” John gives us ample room to explore the theme. You can read his entry and the beautiful photos he shared in his post. He says, “You must choose a word that fits your topic and select three or four appropriate photos to share.”
The Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile) damselfly is my choice for “adaptable” because we must learn how to face nature’s changing elements as this damselfly does. This fragile insect braves nature with grace and strength. It transforms from an aquatic nymph to an aerial adult. It easily adapts to its environment, whether windy or calm. It is also interesting to note that having “familiar” in their name suggests that we can find beauty in everyday life and the small things around us—another facet of adaptability.
When we reached the top of the granite dome, there were some puddles in several areas. Besides damselflies, we also saw several small fish in these tiny puddles. It made me wonder how long they live and what happens when intense rains wash down everything on top of the dome. Regardless of what happens, they adapt and return. Knowing that odonates are creatures of habit, I sat by one puddle and waited for a damselfly to land there.
The Familiar Bluet is native to the USA and southern Canada. According to the Insect Identification website, this damselfly is not very picky where it goes. If there is water, it can be found there. I have seen other blue damselflies around Austin, Texas, but the Familiar Bluet stands out with its bright blue colors. In these photos, you see a typical male: blue eyes and a thick black line in the middle of its thorax. An adult Familiar Bluet will measure 1.33-1.73 inches (34-44 mm).
Last week, Sofia’s challenge guided us in bold directions. From colors to textures, your photos showed beautiful and bold examples. This week, John wants us to pick a word. What will your word be? Whatever it is, there will be an incredible display of beautiful photos. I look forward to seeing your work. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, it will be Anne’s turn to lead us with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring Damselflies, Enchanted Rock SNA, Lens-Artists, Parks, Texas, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Anne Sandler
What a beautiful damselfly Egidio. Great macro too! At least she had a great photographer taking her as she posed.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne. They are such beautiful insects.
Teresa
Wonderful detail of the macro shots. Great word choice.
Egidio Leitao
Teresa, thank you for this comment. I’m glad you liked the photos.
margaret21
A clever choice of word, and subject. And beautifully explained and illustrated.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for these kind words, Margaret.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful images Egídio and such a lovely word for the challenge 😊
Egidio Leitao
Xenia, I’m thankful for your kind words.
photobyjohnbo
Beautiful images focused on your word of choice, Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, John. I’m glad you liked the post.
Vicki
Excellent images of a blue Damselfly.
I’ve photographed them here in the Botanical Gardens, but nowhere near as good (or as close) as your shots. I really admire Photographers who can photograph Damselflies and Dragonflies successfully as they move about. But as you’ve shown, if you’re patient enough, you’ll catch one land and they can stay still for a fair while. I think I read somewhere that they move up, down & even backwards.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, you’re very kind. Thanks for your lovely compliment.
Leanne Cole
Great word Egidio and I love the damselfly, is that the right word. They are so beautiful and the colours against the backdrop just make them pop.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Leanne. Yes, damselfly is the right word for this odonate. Dragonflies keep their wings open when they rest.
Dawn M. Miller
These are wonderful!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Dawn.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che delicatezza!
Egidio Leitao
Grazie mille.
Tina Schell
I’ve spent hours by several of our ponds here capturing dragon and damsel flies but none are a perfect as yours Egidio! The “against the wind” image is just superb!!
Egidio Leitao
Tina, thank you so much for your kind words.
norasphotos4u
These are so tiny and you captured them perfectly!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Nora.
Sofia Alves
Amazing shots, Egídio. You should be so proud 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sofia.
restlessjo
It’s a lovely thing! I especially like that last shot, Egidio xx
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Jo.
restlessjo
Not sure if that comment went through, Egidio, so delete this if so. A lovely creature. Especially love your last shot xx
Egidio Leitao
Much gratitude, Jo. xx
Ana
Oh, what wonderful images! I love your dragonfly.
Egidio Leitao
I’m glad you liked it, Ana. Thanks for the feedback.
carabeinsplash
What a beautiful creature. As always, loved your photos. That last one though… great pose from the damselfly and then I noticed the water droplet… great for a double-take Egidio!
Egídio
Cara, thank you for your kind feedback. I appreciate that. I’m also glad you noticed the droplet.
Prior...
you captured the blue so well and I liked the different poses – yet a key takeaway was your wise words about being adaptable and tidbits like this:
” having “familiar” in their name suggests that we can find beauty in everyday life and the small things around us—another facet of adaptability.”
ahhhhh
such good reminders today
and Lauren (fromt he gym) has the tagline “learn to bend so you do not break”-
Egidio Leitao
Yvette, the tagline you shared is so timely. Great quote. Thank you for this feedback.
Prior...
🙂
Rebecca Cuningham
Excellent damselfly photos! So beautiful.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rebecca. They are indeed pretty insects.
Leya
Fantastic photos of the damsel fly, Egidio – they are very beautiful. With the green backdrop it shines!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Ann-Christine. I’m glad you liked these photos.