If I had wings as fragile as those of this male Spangled Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula cyanea), I am not sure that I would choose to perch on a branch with so many thorns. I can personally attest to the fact that those thorns are sharp, very sharp.
Although I see quite a few blue dragonflies, Spangled Skimmers are pretty easy to identify—they are the only local dragonflies with both black and white stigmas on their wings. I love it when the differences among species are that obvious.
On the day I took this shot, the field seemed to be full of Spangled Skimmers and Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies. If I had only seen an American flag, i.e. the Star Spangled Banner, I would have exhausted the short list of items that I associate with the word “spangled.”
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a beauty! Nice shot.
Thanks, Allen. It probably shows from my recent photos that we are now in prime dragonfly season. There are plenty of the more common ones that can be seen from the safe confines of the boardwalk, but I like to go off the beaten path to see some of the less common ones like this beauty.
So distinctive with the white in the wings and such beautiful dusky blue body!
Thanks, Chris. I believe that the dusky looking coating in the body of some of these dragonflies is technically referred to as “pruinescence,” a term I am not wont to use in a normal conversation.
Beautiful shot! I always love to see them close, but I have to admit, their chaotic flying doesn’t always make me feel very comfortable.
No problem with that. Some of my friends refuse to look at my spider shots and I understand that not everyone wants to slog around in the mud and get close to these beautiful little creatures.
Exquisite photo, Mike, and I, too, am intrigued by the juxtaposition of gossamer wings so close to jagged thorns.
Thanks, Jet. I often wonder how often others see things the way that I do and your comment confirmed that at least one other person is truck by the same elements that drew my attention.
Looks like the virile young male dragonfly was feeling thorny. 😉
Ouch!
If I had any wings at all, as fragile as these or not, I, too, would be extremely careful where I’d land, but I’d use them to the best of my ability. I’ve heard that flying dreams fade as most folks get older, but I still have them, and I still cherish them.
How old is “older?” I have 60 in my rearview mirror and still dream of flying. There is a real joy to being able to look at nature with childlike enthusiasm and curiosity and I try to cultivate those impulses.