EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

6-12 March 2023

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Violet Dropwing

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata), Family Libellulidae
Lake Baringo, Kenya

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  Widely distributed in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa and beyond is the Violet Dropwing.  The name dropwing comes from their habit of dropping their wings upon alighting on a perch. 

Here is the female; the male is a brilliant scarlet color.   

The individual in this photo is likely executing a so-called obelisk posture whereby the body is aimed at the sun so as to present the least surface area to avoid overheating.  We encountered this posture previously with a related species in the Congo.


Acknowledgment:
     My thanks to Dennis Paulson for the likely identification of this species.

   

Next week's picture:  Island Trio

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