Mike Powell

Dragonfly identification can sometimes be quite difficult—many species, and especially the females of the species, are similar in color and in markings. There are, for example, quite a few blue male dragonflies with females that are yellow and brown, like these Spangled Skimmers (Libellula cyanea) that I spotted last week at Occoquan Regional Park.

Fortunately, however, this dragonfly is quite easy to identify  because of its unique black and white stigmata, the spots on the outer leading edge of each wing. As far as I know, no other dragonfly in our area has bicolor stigmata. The stigmata are not there for decoration, but serve an important role in the flight of dragonflies. I do not really understand the physics of flight, but have read that the stigmata are heavier than the adjoining cells and help to stabilize the vibrations of the wings.

Now that we are into June, I have noticed that most of the summer dragonflies have appeared on the scene. There are a few that I have not yet spotted, but with a little luck I will see (and photograph) them soon.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.