Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (male)

A Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula incesta), one of the larger skimmers, perched on a twig. Notice that the Slaty Skimmer perches on four of six legs, with the two front legs curled around its head. This individual is a mature male, as indicated by its dark bluish-black body and black head. Photo 1 of 2 is a copy of the original photograph, cropped to highlight the dragonfly; Photo 2 of 2 is the original photograph.

I spotted this dragonfly during a photowalk through Huntley Meadows Park, a 1,425 acre wetland area in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.

Tags: Huntley Meadows Park, Libellula incesta, male, Slaty Skimmer dragonfly, wildlife photography