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Widow Skimmer Dragonfly (male)

Libellula luctuosa

Photo by HemaShah
Published on Project Noah
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37.8944, -122.036

Field Notes

Description:

Bluish gray abdomen.Black and white wings.

Habitat:

Riparian

Species ID Suggestions

Widow Skimmer Dragonfly (male)

Libellula luctuosa

Widow Skimmer

Libellula luctuosa

Comments (13)

Thanks Argy! Where are you buzzing around these days?!
Nice shot Jemma. It is rare to spot these guys sitting still!
Thanks so much for the awesome info , Gators!I did see them defending their territory ,vigilantly chasing of pond hawks!
The Widow Skimmer dragonfly will perch on vegetation in open areas, like meadows and fields. They will claim and ferociously defend their favorite perch from other Widow Skimmers looking for a perch. The Widow Skimmer will wait until their prey in sight to start their attack. Once the prey is in sight, the Widow Skimmer will swoop in and capture their quarry. They will proceed to eat the small flying insect with their small, scissor-like mouth-parts. They can consume thousands of mosquitos, biting flies and midges. :)
The species name means sorrowful or mournful, perhaps because the wings of both male and female seem to be draped in mourning crepe.
Photographed
PublishedMay 19, 2013

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