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Widow Skimmer


Widow Skimmer
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerda Kettner (gerdakettner) (22)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-06-09
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/5.2, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Insects' World, Illinois Forest Preserves [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-18 8:22
Viewed: 386
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Widow Skimmer : ( Libellula luctuosa)
are Dragonflies of the Family Libellulidae
this is a female

Habitat: ponds, shorelines, marshlands lakes, streams, creeks, perched on plants at the water’s edge or on fallen tree branches and logs near or in the water,but also found in open meadows and fields clinging on grasses and wildflowers.
They will defend their territory especially seen in males chasing after each other and clashing their wings and will chase after other speciesof dragonflies. They are quite the fliers, maneuvering over open water and thru grasses will change directions quickly and speedy. Never sitting still for to long, always on the move.

Food: other aquatic insects

Body: 1 5/8” – 2” (approx. 42-50mm)
Wingspan: 1 1/8” – 3 ½” (30-90mm)

Male: outer band of white on each of their wings, a larger band of brown closer to the body, brown abdomen will get whiter in later stage of life, eyes are brown-black.

Female: brown wing tips, brown band on wings (no white) abdomens are yellow stripe on each side running downwards.
Reproduction: females will fly close over the surface of the water and than dip their abdomen into the surface of the water to drop their eggs

Immature: similar in appearance as the female which will change gradually in stages

I had a chance to observe a lot of Skimmers at Beaver Lake over the past weekend. If you wait long enough and sit at the shoreline they will come out and fly near and over you quite an aerial show and more and more dragonflies will appear.
They enjoy the sunshine they do not like rainy days.

This photo was taken at one of the Preserves (Penny Pond) late spring.
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To Diegaso: photogerdakettner 1 06-19 11:16
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Gerda,
good shot, perfect sharpness, nice colours and light in the wing. Very bright and clear image.
cheers
Adrian

Hello Gerda!!!!
Very good picture the focus is excellent light the whole picture is very good.
Information about this species is very complete, thank you for this.

Greetings from [Tandil - Bs. Ace. -- Argentina]

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