First One Out - _TNY_5142
The common winter damsel (Sympecma fusca) has evolved a hack to get a head start on the other species in spring. Unlike the other species which hibernate through winter as larvae underwater, these guys hatch late in summer and overwinter as adults so they can get going immediately when the temps go up again.
Sleeping through the winter means you need better camouflage so instead of a bright blue or red body, these have a more muted colour scheme which in a way looks even better.
This particular one was photographed in late August (of 2021) in Tyresta National Park.
Shot showing the entire animal here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53527946324/
First One Out - _TNY_5142
The common winter damsel (Sympecma fusca) has evolved a hack to get a head start on the other species in spring. Unlike the other species which hibernate through winter as larvae underwater, these guys hatch late in summer and overwinter as adults so they can get going immediately when the temps go up again.
Sleeping through the winter means you need better camouflage so instead of a bright blue or red body, these have a more muted colour scheme which in a way looks even better.
This particular one was photographed in late August (of 2021) in Tyresta National Park.
Shot showing the entire animal here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53527946324/