Male Widow Skimmer

As with most gender-inspired species names, the names don't actually change with the gender, so this is a male Widow Skimmer and not a Widower Skimmer [1]. These are 1 of my favorite dragonflies:

  • They'll perch so you can get a picture most of the time.
  • The males are very distinctive with wings that are black near the base and (as they get older) with white patches before going translucent near the ends [2]. White pruinose on the abdomen is also frequently present as they get older, though not in the individual below.
  • Though far from a griffinfly, they're big enough to spot if you're looking for this sort of animal.

June 13, 2023 at Washington Valley Park
Photo 300987064, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

[1] Similarly, male Painted Lady and American Lady butterflies are not called Painted Gentlemen and American Gentlemen.

[2] Despite their distinctiveness, I'm pretty sure I originally would confuse them with the Common Whitetail.

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