As we move deeper into summer, the days of the dragonflies are gradually coming to an end. Their biological clocks are ticking as they feel compelled to make efforts to ensure the perpetuation of their species.
On Thursday I made a trip to Huntley Meadows Park, a local marshland park, and spotted this pair of mating Great Blue Skimmer dragonflies (Libellula vibrans). I could not help but notice that the wings of the dragonflies were looking tattered, especially those of the female, the dragonfly that is light brown in color. I can also see scratches along the the body of the male.
I also noticed that the female appears to be holding onto some kind of insect in her front legs. Was she planning for a snack during mating? Is the insect the dragonfly equivalent of a post-coital cigarette? I know a lot about dragonflies, but some things are meant perhaps to always remain a mystery.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s an impressive shot !!!
Thanks, Ted.
Amazing photo. And I agree some mysteries are best left unanswered. Although, I was fascinated my your musings on the possible reasons the female had food in her arms on that occasion.😊
Thanks, Suzette.
Nice Mike! Sadly Dragonflies are looking a little worn now! But still fun photo subjects!
Thanks, Reed. At this time of the summer, many butterflies and dragonflies have tattered wings, but they still seem to function ok and I definitely still find them to be beautiful.
What a contrast between the wings of the male and female. One with wings mostly intact and the other with damage all along the trailing edge. Nice image Mike. Let some mysteries remain. Thanks
Thanks, John. I too noticed all of the wing damage on the trailing edges of all of the wings of the female and couldn’t help but wonder about the cause of the damage.
Nice find, Mike, and superb photograph!
This is a great time to be outdoors as most creatures are incredibly active.
Thanks, Wally. It is a great time to be outdoors, though I must confess that the heat and the humidity this summer have really been kicking my butt.
That’s a great photo, Mike. I can hear the guy, “what? You had a snack?”
There are so many bad ways that a conversation like this could devolve that I hesitate to even comment. Thanks, Dan.
Mating must be hungry work! 😀
Excellent capture, Mike! I agree on leaving some mysteries alone.
Lovely photo. It is good that we don’t know everything 😊