3.30.2005

Fragile Forktail (Ischnura posita) Posted by Hello


Many thanks to my husband for the id of the little damselfly in the picture! He searched through a number of sources and found a match. What was I doing? I was reading a novel -- _The Rule of Four_ by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. See, I do have other interests.

9 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Another fine collection. I especially liked making a wish. I think I'd like to be you for a few days.

Happy and Blue 2 said...

Very nice. I have know idea what the species name of anything is..

Crystal* said...

Swampy,

I have questions. These have NOTHING to do with the damselfly. Sorry.
If a nonvenomous snake bites you, what does it do to your body? And do they only bite once and slither on? What exactly? I'm thinking of walking my dirt roads, but the thought of running across a serpentine guest is freaking me out. Please advise, my Dear Abby of the nature world.
Grins*

swamp4me said...

chryscat, non-venomous snake bites are ususally no big deal. However, any bite from any type of reptile should be washed with soap and water to help prevent infection -- reptiles have germy little mouths :)

Most of the time, when a snake feels threatened enough to bite it will make one or more very quick defensive strikes. It will lunge at you, generally with mouth open, in an attempt to scare you off. (Even when you expect it, it can still make your heart beat faster *g*) Non-venomous snakes do not have fangs. Instead, all their teeth are about the same size and curve back -- this helps them hold on to their prey.

Occassionally, one of those curved teeth may get caught up on fabric (less commonly on skin) and the snake may not be able to pull away as quickly. But, it will pull away!

If the snake makes complete contact with skin, it may leave a sort of horse-shoe shaped series of little punctures. Again, a little soap and water will usually take care of such a bite.

The only time I have had a snake to bite, and not let go, was when I was retrieving one of my own snakes that had gotten out of its tank. The snake was hungry, assumed my hand was food, and latched on. He coiled around my hand and proceeded to try to consume my ring finger. He got all the way down to my hand, but could go no further because his mouth wasn't big enough. It took my husband five minutes to free my finger from those curved teeth.

Now, I know you are thinking that is a horrible story to tell someone who is not a fan of snakes. The point of the story is this -- no lasting harm came to either one of us from the experience. Both my finger and my snake survived.

So go enjoy your walk and if you see a snake go around it!

Cuppa said...

Anvilcloud pointed me over to your blog and I am glad he did. Love your pictures. I will be back for more.

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

*shutters at finger story above*

Blame all our fears on the early western movie I say. (well maybe not all)

"Filthy sidewinder!"

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

What's with these pop-up comment thingies anyway?

swamp4me said...

Bloggy, I was messing around with settings and such yesterday and just decided I'd try the pop-up comments. After all, Blogger seemed so excited about it when they first made it available. Didn't want them to think I didn't care :)

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

There I go, sleeping through the excitement again. Missed that little memo I guess :(