Are your eyes focused? See the black butterfly? Uh, no... it only looks like a butterfly.
The dark bands near the body fool you into forgetting to look for the rest of the wings, but there they are- it's a beautiful perching dragonfly. But which one?
It's a Widow Skimmer. I can't help it... that's the name. It's a female, so it might be a widow if something nabbed its mate. However, there were plenty of males hanging around, I just couldn't get a picture of one. The males don't have the gold stripes on the body, but they do have chalky white spots on the wings.
 | See Spangled Skimmer See Ruby Meadowhawk |
This is the first time that I have seen a picture of this dragonfly. You have done it justice for it is a perfect picture like a sculpture. Tell me are they silent fliers or do they have that wonderful enduring hum that large dragonflies have.
ReplyDeleteYou can't help it. Me too
ReplyDeleteYou have outdone yourself with this picture, Joan. This is magnificent. For once, perhaps, the female is prettier than the male!
ReplyDeleteVery special photo. Widow or bride to be, it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking skimmer. I've never seen one like this before. Thanks for showing this photo.
ReplyDeleteI have seen dragonflies, but not this one. Excellent! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteId like to invite everyone to read a blog post today of a woman who joined the old order Mennonite church from the outside. I'm extremely lucky in publishing her very first, and most likely last post on Amish Stories. A lot of work was involved in her getting permission to be even able to write anything on the internet, and permission was given by her bishop. So please stop by and read about a woman who gave-up her car and other worldly possessions for the person that she loved. Richard from Amish Stories
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool! And so beautiful!
ReplyDeletenice capture
ReplyDeletebeutiful shot!
ReplyDeletenice! it's pretty. =)
ReplyDeleteAnother black widow. Why do widows get such a bad press? Beautiful creature. Great photo.
ReplyDeleteDragonflies are some of my favorite bugs. This one is a beauty.
ReplyDeletePolly- these are pretty good size, but they've been quieter than the really big ones that look like helicopters.
ReplyDeleterainfield- i think you hunt them out more, but when they pose so nicely i can't resist
carmen- wait till you see mister. I "caught" him today, but he'll get his own post.
unikorna- thanks- always a treat when a picture actually is in good focus!
eileen- my book says they are all over US except rocky mts. so you might see them
vanilla- i'm trying to learn more of them, but i have to make them hold still with the camera to remember them
Richard- thanks for visiting, but your comment is a bit spammy
adina- they are magnificent insects!
IP- thanks- I take a bunch, and then usually a few are really in focus
wenn- sometimes i get lucky
moirai- dragonflies are like the gemstones and crystals of the insect world.
john- i wonder how they got this name- they sure aren't the only black dragonfly
ratty- they are so interesting, i agree.
I've never seen one like this before. It's beautiful.
ReplyDelete