• Saturday-What'sUP August 13 - 04:41 pm

Frederic Koski was able to get "up close and personal" with this unique insect, called the Damselfly. As a kid, I remember calling them "sewing needles" and always was afraid to get "stung" by one. Fred had no fear of getting himself nipped in the picture taking process, since neither damselflies or the closely related dragonflies have the capacity to sting. One thing they are capable of is swift, strong flight, especially when they're acting the predator, searching for some other insects to fill their belly for dinner. So next time you see one of these creatures flitting about in the Upper Peninsula, remember it may be feasting on a few mosquitoes, decreasing the chance you'll hear that familiar buzzing in your ear!

Today marks the last day for bidding in the Still Waters silent auction. All of the items were donated, so 100 percent of the sales price will help Still Waters. Online bidding closes at 6 pm today. Bidding continues tomorrow, 12:30-3, at the Still Waters open house. Stop by if you are in the area.

I HATED those things as a kid. MY parents said they would "sew" me. They were sewing needles. Oh my goodness, what a terrible thing to do to a child. LOL

Those eyes, the better to see you with my dear! Had a dragonfly snatch a fly near my head a couple of days ago. I could hear wings/jaws/whatever snap as the catch was made and direction reversed! It was over and done with before it registered what was happening, re-constructed after the fact.

Deb, My parents told me the same thing when I was a kid. Said they would sew my mouth shut!!! LOL

volitant:aeronautical

Deb and Kenty,yup they'd sew us. Like you Deb,it was the mouth that got sewed.

i had the pleasure, if thats what you want to call it, of having a king size one of these land on my chest and eat a fly while i was out fishing gene's pond by ralph, mi. i don't think they like eyeballs though, two small round things rolled down my chest during the feast.

For some reason, everyone called them "snake doctors" when I grew up in GA. We have them around the house now sometimes, esp. the turquoise w/ black wings type. Pete, what a unique experience you had -- I'm a bit envious.

Am I not seeing the picture correctly or something? Where are it's wings?? Or could this be a female and they are wingless??
Best wishes,
Renee in AL

When these damsel flies are at rest, the wings are held together up over the back, so they are almost invisible in the picture.

Thank you Eugenia! On closer inspection of the picture I can just barely make them out.
Best wishes,
Renee in AL