Dragonfly: Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)

Widow Skimmers are the most numerous dragonflies at our place at the moment. True to their name, they are skimming across the field near the house and near the road, rarely alighting. I got some of these photographs before they became active; otherwise, It’s been easiest to get photographs in the morning or late afternoon when it's cooler and they're warming in the sun.

Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) - Female

This photograph of a female shows the pattern on the wings but not the gold stripe along the abdomen.

Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) - Female

The gold stripe along the side of the abdomen on a female is shown clearly in this photograph.

Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) - Male

Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) - Male

These photos show the slightly different pigmentation pattern on the wings, the light patches on the upper thorax and the absence of a gold stripe on the abdomen.

Identification resources:
- Dragonflies of Georgia: Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
- BugGuide: Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) [Male] [Female]
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