I love it when there are unique characteristics that help in identifying species. In the case of dragonflies, the Spangled Skimmer (Libellula cyanea) is the only dragonfly in our area that has both black and white stigma on the leading edge of its wings. It was therefore relatively easy to identify this beautiful female dragonfly when I spotted it this past Monday at Huntley Meadows Park and she cooperated by perching for a moment so that I could capture this image.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I think I remember “stigma,” but now you’ve impressed the word on my mind. It’s not even 7 a.m., and I’ve learned something!
Yesterday, I had a first experience. A tiny damselfly landed on my hand while I was at work, and seemed happy to stay there. It was hard to see its details, even at a distance of about two inches, but it clearly was moving its mouth. Either it was having a late breakfast, or it was talking to itself. I certainly enjoyed the encounter.
That a cool experience. I have had dragonflies perch on me multiple times, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a damselfly land on me. As for moving its mouth, you should have looked for tiny ear buds–it might have been talking on a tiny cell phone. 🙂
That’s an excellent photo with great detail.
Thanks, Allen.