A couple of Widow Skimmer dragonflies (Libellula luctuosa) were spotted while hunting for clubtail dragonflies along the Potomac River at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Riverbend Park is a “big river” habitat, so I was surprised to see Widow Skimmers.
Habitat Lakes, ponds, and pools in slow streams of all kinds with mud bottoms and usually much vegetation, in open and wooded habitats. Common at farm ponds and other created habitats. Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Locations 9061-9063). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.
Male
The first photo features a mature male, as indicated by his coloration, pattern of wing spots, and terminal appendages. This individual has mated many times, as shown by scratches on the white pruinescence covering his abdomen.
04 AUG 2016 | Riverbend Park | Widow Skimmer (male)
Female
A female is shown in the last two photos, as indicated by her coloration, pattern of wing spots, and terminal appendages.
08 AUG 2016 | Riverbend Park | Widow Skimmer (female)
08 AUG 2016 | Riverbend Park | Widow Skimmer (female)
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), female, Libellula luctuosa, mature male, Potomac River, pruinescence, Riverbend Park, terminal appendages, Widow Skimmer dragonfly
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