Widow Skimmer Dragonfly Images

Widow Skimmer Dragonfly Images, Facts and Information:

Libellula luctuosa

• Widow Skimmer dragonflies are medium-sized dragonflies with broad wings, large compound eyes, and stout bodies. Mature males develop distinctive dark bands across the wings and a pale bluish-white abdomen, while females and immature males are yellowish with dark striping.
• Widow Skimmer dragonflies are found throughout much of the United States, especially east of the Rocky Mountains, and extend into parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico. Widow Skimmers inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-moving streams, and other calm freshwater environments. They are often seen perching on vegetation near water or flying low over shorelines.
• Widow Skimmer dragonflies are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small flying insects including mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other soft-bodied prey, which they capture in flight. Female Widow Skimmer dragonfly nymphs live underwater, where they are active predators, before emerging as adults after metamorphosis.
• Widow Skimmer dragonflies get their name from the dark, widow-like bands on the wings of mature males, which contrast with their pale bodies.
• A group of dragonflies can be called a “swarm” or a “cluster” of dragonflies.

I hope you enjoy viewing my Widow Skimmer dragonfly photos.