When Americans hear the word “spangled,” they are likely to think of our flag and our national anthem, especially this past weekend as we celebrated Independence Day. I think too of Spangled Skimmer dragonflies (Libellula cyanea), like this handsome male that I photographed this past Saturday in Fairfax County, Virginia. While the “spangles” in the Star-Spangled Banner refer to the stars on the flag, the “spangles” of this species refer to the little white patches, known as stigmas, on their wings.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Another blue beauty, Mike, very well photographed.
Thanks, Ellen.
As Ellen shoots more smaller critters I appreciate your images even more 👍👍.
I think, Ted, that watching Ellen helps you understand the gyrations necessary to get some of these shots. Sometimes when I see a shot it is hard for me to judge how difficult it was to get it, especially if it is a type of photography that I don’t do. Recently, for example, I was helping a friend do some studio portraits and I realized that lighting a subject is not as easy as it seems.
Another lovely one.
A very special one and thank for explaining 😉
Very nice Mike! Great image of the Spangled Skimmer!
Wow! What a beauty!
Beautiful and well-shot.
Thanks, Louella.