This striking dragonfly is a female Libellula luctuosa, better known as the "widow skimmer

June 25, 2020

This striking dragonfly is a female Libellula luctuosa, better known as the "widow skimmer." It's a pretty common dragonfly and can be found across the United States (except in some of the higher parts of the Rocky Mountains).

Dragonflies look similar to a related group of insects, the damselflies (Zygoptera). It's easy to tell the difference, however; most dragonflies hold their wings flat and away from their bodies, as seen here, while damselflies fold their wings while they're at rest. Damselflies are also weak fliers, while dragonflies are incredibly agile.

If you're an insect, the dragonfly is a predator to be feared. They spend their larval stage as predatory aquatic nymphs. When they emerge from the water and molt their old exoskeleton, they become flying adults that can grab other insects out of mid-air. They can consume as much a fifth of their body weight in insects per day!

Dragonflies also have excellent vision, which makes them tricky to sneak up on when you're trying to get a good photo. If I manage to snap a shot of another species of dragonfly, I'll be sure to share it here! #BenInNature

This post brought to you by VMNH Supporters Linda and Roscoe Reynolds.

ABOUT THIS POST
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

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