Widow Skimmer dragonfly – 7/31/11

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/31/11

Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Widow Skimmer dragonfly

Scientific Name: Libellula luctuosa

Comments: The widow skimmer is famous for its pruinosity – the white, waxy coating on the dragonfly’s wings and abdomen. Dragonflies have excellent eyesight. Their compound eyes have up to 30,000 facets, each of which is a separate light-sensing organ or ommatidium, arranged to give nearly a 360° field of vision.

More Information: CirrusImage