Ray Fraley's Photo Gallery

Insects

Dragonflies

Autumn Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum vicinum)

D79A4948	1962x2943
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/8.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Reddish-brown with black striping along the thorax and abdomen
Eyes	Chestnut with a slight bronze sheen, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Resting horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leafs far from water. They have a hover-perch-hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile, they can fly in quick bursts; versatile flight includes straight up and down.

Autumn Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum vicinum)

_21A2195	2637x3955
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	2500
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Reddish-brown with black striping along the thorax and abdomen
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Resting horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leafs far from water. They have a hover-perch-hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile, they can fly in quick bursts; versatile flight includes straight up and down.

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

(Libellula pulchella)

D79A3834	1742x2613
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/10.0
Shutter	1/200

Wings	Three dark spots per wing (12 total); clear or slightly smoky tips.
Body	Powder blue abdomen with dark markings
Eyes	Dark brown to black
Range	Most of North America
Habitat	Large bodies of water, still or slow moving ponds.
Perching	Branches or reeds near water's edge.
Flight Style	Stong, direct, often patrols open water.

Halloween Pennant

(Celithemis eponina)

E21A2117	2201x3302
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (2x)
ISO	800
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/320

Wings	Transparent with orange-yellow and dark brown bands; often a reddish tint at tips.
Body	Slender, typically orange or yellow with dark striping.
Eyes	Large, reddish-brown or amber.
Range	Eastern and Central U.S.
Habitat	Ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams, grassy fields near water.
Perching	Likes swaying tall grasses or twigs; often perches in open sunlight.
Flight Style	Fluttery, slow

White-faced Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum obtrusum)

D79A0217	1854x2781
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	500
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/200

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Red with black striping along the thorax and abdomen.
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada.
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Rests horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leaves far from water. Exhibits a hover–perch–hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile; capable of burst flights and vertical movement.

White-faced Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum obtrusum)

D79A0209	4606x3071
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	800
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/200

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Red with black striping along the thorax and abdomen.
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada.
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Rests horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leaves far from water. Exhibits a hover–perch–hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile; capable of burst flights and vertical movement.

White-faced Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum obtrusum)

D79A0443	4606x3071
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/8.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Red with black striping along the thorax and abdomen.
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada.
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Rests horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leaves far from water. Exhibits a hover–perch–hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile; capable of burst flights and vertical movement.

White-faced Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum obtrusum)

D79A0448	6720x4480
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/8.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Red with black striping along the thorax and abdomen.
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada.
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Rests horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leaves far from water. Exhibits a hover–perch–hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile; capable of burst flights and vertical movement.

Autumn Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum vicinum)

_21A1763	3091x2061
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/11.0
Shutter	1/80

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Reddish-brown with black striping along the thorax and abdomen
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Resting horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leafs far from water. They have a hover-perch-hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile, they can fly in quick bursts; versatile flight includes straight up and down.

Autumn Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum vicinum)

_21A2185	4898x3265
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	1600
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Transparent with no bold banding; subtle amber tint near the base.
Body	Reddish-brown with black striping along the thorax and abdomen
Eyes	Dark reddish-brown, slightly separated.
Range	Northern U.S. and Southern Canada
Habitat	Shallow, permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and slow-moving streams near wooded areas.
Perching	Resting horizontally on grass stems, twigs, or leafs far from water. They have a hover-perch-hover rhythm.
Flight Style	Quick and agile, they can fly in quick bursts; versatile flight includes straight up and down.

Common Green Darner

(Anax junius)

D79A0053	6720x4480
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
ISO	400
Aperture	f/6.3
Shutter	1/1250

Wings	Transparent, strong venation, held forward when perched
Thorax	Bright green, often with bluish shoulder stripes
Abdomen	Slender, bluish to purplish with tapering tail
Eyes	Wraparound green, covering most of the head
Range	Throughout North America
Habitat	Ponds, marshes, fields, large water bodies
Flight Style	Strong, steady, capable of long-distance migration
Behavior	Frequently airborne, rarely seen perching for long

Widow Skimmer

(Libellula luctuosa)

_21A2259	2151x1434
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	1250
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Clear with black at the base, brown tips.
Body	Powder blue abdomen with dark markings
Eyes	Dark brown to black
Range	Throughout the U.S. except higher elevations. Southern Canada and Northern Mexico.
Habitat	Large bodies of water, still or slow moving ponds.
Perching	Long thin leaves, stems or low branches near shoreline.
Flight Style	Gliding and hovering, males patrol low over open water. Juveniles and females are more erratic to avoid males and predators.

Missouri Department of Conservation

Damselflies

Common Blue Damselfly

Blue-form female

(Enallagma cyathigerum)

_21A1640	1849x2773
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Clear with a small dark spot
Body	Segment 2 has a distinct "U" shape. Males: Slender, blue with black bands. Females: green-blue or brown.
Eyes	Blue with a thin black top line
Range	Northern U.S. and Canada
Habitat	Ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams, grassy fields near water.
Perching	Likes swaying tall grasses or twigs; often perches in open sunlight.
Flight Style	Fluttery, slow

Eastern Forktail

(Ischnura verticalis)

D79A0192	2327x3490
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	400
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/400

Wings	Clear with a small dark spot
Body	Segment 8 has a blue abdominal tip. Green thorax. Black abdomen.
Eyes	Blue or green
Range	Widespread in North America
Habitat	Patches of dense vegetation, lakes, marshes, ponds, edges of large rivers
Perching	Prefer low vegetation; leaves, twigs, stems.
Flight Style	Weak. They normally stay within small territorial zones.
Illinois DNR - Eastern Forktail

Eastern Forktail

(Ischnura verticalis)

Female, heterochrome phase

D79A0203	2327x3490
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	1600
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/200

Wings	Clear with a small dark spot
Body	Orange thorax. Black abdomen.
Eyes	Orange
Range	Widespread in North America
Habitat	Patches of dense vegetation, lakes, marshes, ponds, edges of large rivers
Perching	Prefer low vegetation; leaves, twigs, stems.
Flight Style	Weak. They normally stay within small territorial zones.
Illinois DNR - Eastern Forktail

Eastern Forktail

(Ischnura verticalis)

Blue morph

_21A1520	2266x1511
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/29.0
Shutter	1/20

Wings	Clear with a small dark spot
Body	Segment 8 has a blue abdominal tip. Blue morph, though normally green. Black abdomen.
Eyes	Blue or green
Range	Widespread in North America
Habitat	Patches of dense vegetation, lakes, marshes, ponds, edges of large rivers
Perching	Prefer low vegetation; leaves, twigs, stems.
Flight Style	Weak. They normally stay within small territorial zones.
BugGuide - Eastern Forktail
Life on CSG Pond - Eastern Forktail

Photo ID: _21A1646

Common Blue Damselfly

Brown-form female

(Enallagma cyathigerum)

_21A1646	1573x1049
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/16.0
Shutter	1/125

Wings	Clear with a small dark spot
Body	Segment 2 has a distinct "U" shape. Females: green-blue or brown.
Eyes	Blue with a thin black top line
Range	Northern U.S. and Canada
Habitat	Ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams, grassy fields near water.
Perching	Likes swaying tall grasses or twigs; often perches in open sunlight.
Flight Style	Fluttery, slow

Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar

(Euchaetes egle)

_21A2381	2068x3102
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	12800
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/500

Coloration	Alternating tufts of black, white, and orange hairs across segments
Body	Hairy, soft-bodied; black head hidden beneath forward tufts
Defense	Hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Host Plants	Primarily milkweed; also dogbane and other Asclepias relatives
Range	Eastern and central North America
Habitat	Fields, roadsides, and meadows with abundant milkweed
Behavior	Often found in groups when young; become solitary as they mature

Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar

(Euchaetes egle)

_21A2380	2068x3102
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
ISO	10000
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/500

Coloration	Alternating tufts of black, white, and orange hairs across segments
Body	Hairy, soft-bodied; black head hidden beneath forward tufts
Defense	Hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Host Plants	Primarily milkweed; also dogbane and other Asclepias relatives
Range	Eastern and central North America
Habitat	Fields, roadsides, and meadows with abundant milkweed
Behavior	Often found in groups when young; become solitary as they mature

Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar

(Euchaetes egle)

D79A0222	1861x1241
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	12800
Aperture	f/11.0
Shutter	1/1600

Coloration	Alternating tufts of black, white, and orange hairs across segments
Body	Hairy, soft-bodied; black head hidden beneath forward tufts
Defense	Hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Host Plants	Primarily milkweed; also dogbane and other Asclepias relatives
Range	Eastern and central North America
Habitat	Fields, roadsides, and meadows with abundant milkweed
Behavior	Often found in groups when young; become solitary as they mature

Monarch Butterfly caterpillar

(Danaus plexippus)

D79A0327	2445x3667
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	800
Aperture	f/5.0
Shutter	1/125

td>Milkweed species (Asclepias spp.)

Coloration	Bold black, white, and yellow bands along the entire body
Body	Smooth, cylindrical body with two pairs of black tentacle-like filaments (front and rear)
Defense	Sequesters toxins from milkweed, making it distasteful to predators
Host Plants
Range	North, Central, and South America; migratory in North America
Habitat	Open fields, meadows, and roadsides with abundant milkweed
Behavior	Feeds almost exclusively on milkweed; grows through 5 instar stages before pupating

Ladybug (Ladybird)

Photo ID: _21A1534

2485x1657

Photo ID: _21A1535

2485x1657

Photo ID: D79A4836

Coccinellidae

Photo ID: _21A1650

1201x800

Harvestman

(Opiliones)

_21A1700	3765x2510
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/9.0
Shutter	1/60

Body	Small, rounded body with no visible waist between cephalothorax and abdomen; color varies from brown to reddish with possible dorsal patterns.
Legs	Extremely long and slender; often held outstretched; legs may detach easily as a defense mechanism.
Eyes	Two small eyes set close together on a central raised turret.
Range	Worldwide, especially in temperate and tropical regions.
Habitat	Moist forest floors, under logs, leaf litter, rocks, and sometimes on vegetation.
Behavior	Not venomous; scavenges for small insects, decaying plant and animal matter; sometimes seen in large groups.
Defenses	May release a pungent odor or shed a leg to escape predators.

Harvestman

(Opiliones)

_21A1700	3765x2510
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	800
Aperture	f/14.0
Shutter	1/60

Body	Small, rounded body with no visible waist between cephalothorax and abdomen; color varies from brown to reddish with possible dorsal patterns.
Legs	Extremely long and slender; often held outstretched; legs may detach easily as a defense mechanism.
Eyes	Two small eyes set close together on a central raised turret.
Range	Worldwide, especially in temperate and tropical regions.
Habitat	Moist forest floors, under logs, leaf litter, rocks, and sometimes on vegetation.
Behavior	Not venomous; scavenges for small insects, decaying plant and animal matter; sometimes seen in large groups.
Defenses	May release a pungent odor or shed a leg to escape predators.

Goldenrod Crab Spider

(Misumena vatia)

D79A0274	2787x4181
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/8.0
Shutter	1/8

Coloration	White to yellow (slow color change over days); females often with red side stripes
Body	Flattened, crab-like; front legs long and raptorial; no capture web
Sex Differences	Females large (up to ~10 mm), variable color; males much smaller (~3–5 mm), darker legs
Hunting / Prey	Ambush predator on flowers; takes bees, flies, butterflies—often larger than itself
Camouflage	Matches flower color (white ↔ yellow) for concealment on asters, daisies, goldenrod
Habitat	Meadows, roadsides, gardens—especially where composite flowers are abundant
Range	Widespread across North America and Eurasia
Season	Most visible on blooms late spring through fall; egg sacs guarded by females
Notes	Often seen perched near flower centers; will shift spots as blooms age

Red-legged Grasshopper

Photo ID: D79A0489

2660x3990

Two-striped Grasshopper

Photo ID: D79A1617

2194x1234

Tree Cricket nymph

(Grylidae)

D79A0354	3771x2514
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	6400
Aperture	f/8.0
Shutter	1/200 sec

Common Name	Tree Cricket (nymph)
Scientific Name	Oecanthus sp.
Size	Body length ~5–12 mm at nymph stage
Key ID Marks	Slender pale green body; extremely long thread-like antennae often 2–3× body length; hind legs adapted for jumping.
Head	Small and rounded; pale green; long antennae bases visible.
Thorax	Slim with light ridging; legs long and delicate.
Abdomen	Tapered; pale green; wing buds small or absent in early instars.
Antennae	Filiform (thread-like), pale to slightly darker at tips, greatly exceeding body length.
Legs	Long, pale green; hind femora thickened for jumping.
Behavior / Diet	Feeds on plant material, pollen, and small insects; often active at night.
Season	Late spring through early fall; adults appear later in summer.
Habitat	Meadows, shrubs, gardens; often on leaves and stems.
Range	Widespread across North America.
Similar Species	Katydid nymphs (shorter antennae relative to body), meadow katydids (stockier build); lacewings have wings as adults and shorter legs.
Notes	Adults are known for their clear, rhythmic songs; species ID often requires song analysis or close examination.

Virginia Ctenucha

(Ctenucha Virginica)

_21A1663	1551x2326
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/9.0
Shutter	1/30

Wings	Forewings dark brown to black with white edge; hindwings slightly lighter. Both appear velvety, with no bold patterns.
Body	Metallic blue-green, often iridescent. Slender form with long legs.
Head/Collar	Bright orange to yellow
Antennae	Comb-like, black (pectinate), more feathery in males.
Size	Wingspan 40–50 mm (about 1.5–2 inches).
Habitat	Meadows, fields, woodland edges; often seen visiting flowers during the day.
Range	Eastern North America, from Canada through the Midwest and eastern U.S.
Notes	Diurnal moth; sometimes mistaken for a wasp or beetle in flight. Larvae feed on grasses and sedges.

Virginia Ctenucha

(Ctenucha Virginica)

_21A1660	1608x2412
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/9.0
Shutter	1/30

Wings	Forewings dark brown to black with white edge; hindwings slightly lighter. Both appear velvety, with no bold patterns.
Body	Metallic blue-green, often iridescent. Slender form with long legs.
Head/Collar	Bright orange to yellow
Antennae	Comb-like, black (pectinate), more feathery in males.
Size	Wingspan 40–50 mm (about 1.5–2 inches).
Habitat	Meadows, fields, woodland edges; often seen visiting flowers during the day.
Range	Eastern North America, from Canada through the Midwest and eastern U.S.
Notes	Diurnal moth; sometimes mistaken for a wasp or beetle in flight. Larvae feed on grasses and sedges.

Virginia Ctenucha

(Ctenucha Virginica)

_21A1656	1003x1505
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	200
Aperture	f/9.0
Shutter	1/30

Wings	Forewings dark brown to black with white edge; hindwings slightly lighter. Both appear velvety, with no bold patterns.
Body	Metallic blue-green, often iridescent. Slender form with long legs.
Head/Collar	Bright orange to yellow
Antennae	Comb-like, black (pectinate), more feathery in males.
Size	Wingspan 40–50 mm (about 1.5–2 inches).
Habitat	Meadows, fields, woodland edges; often seen visiting flowers during the day.
Range	Eastern North America, from Canada through the Midwest and eastern U.S.
Notes	Diurnal moth; sometimes mistaken for a wasp or beetle in flight. Larvae feed on grasses and sedges.

Yellow-bearded Hammertail

(Efferia pogonias)

_21A2883	3305x2203
Image Details	Field Reference Details

Camera	Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens	EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
ISO	8000
Aperture	f/13.0
Shutter	1/800

Group	Fly (Order Diptera)
Family	Asilidae — Robber Flies
Common Name	Bearded Robber Fly
Size	Approx. 18–28 mm (typical for Efferia)
Key Marks	Dark, robust body; yellow-golden mystax (beard); long spiny legs; distinct white terminal abdominal segments; strong piercing proboscis.
Behavior	Perches on grass or stems and sallies to capture other insects in flight; returns to perch to feed.
Habitat	Open, grassy or sandy areas, prairies, field edges, disturbed ground.
Seasonality (MN)	Late June–September (mid-summer peak).
Similar Species	Promachus rufipes (larger, browner, usually no crisp white tail); Efferia aestuans (silvery, not starkly white, last segments); Laphria spp. (bumblebee mimics, fuzzier).
ID Confidence	Genus certain (Efferia); species probable (pogonias) based on white-tipped abdomen and mystax color.
Notes	For definitive species ID, experts inspect terminalia and wing venation; close dorsal and lateral photos of the abdominal tip and face are most helpful.

Northern Pearly-eye butterfly

Photo ID: D79A4109

716x1074

Northern Pearly-eye butterfly

Photo ID: _21A1748

2902x1935

Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo ID: _21A2002

2902x1935