I knew I had today’s post!

[Except for trimming to 4:3, SOOC]
Haven’t seen a dragonfly like this before, but it didn’t take much searching to determine what I’d found. This is a mature, male Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa). I have photographed many females (apparently), but this is the first male.

Confirmed at BugGuide as Libellula luctuosa or “Widow Skimmer”; http://bugguide.net/node/view/833437

Taken in the campus garden next to the SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/greenhouse/

One year ago (“Short-winged Meadow Katydid”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-08-30
Two years ago (“August abstract #8: hexagons”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-08-30

[Tami Skipper]

Beautiful! I've never seen a dragonfly like that either. I enjoyed looking through your album. You have a lot of information on the butterflies. I am sending a link for you to look at. Wondering if the purple dust is from the flowers. http://365project.org/tskipper/cool-shots/2013-08-25

[Rick Schies]

Love that color pattern, very unique

[Thom Mitchell]

@tskipper I saw some of those shots of yours, Tami. Let me contact my butterfly-and-moth "guru"!

[Lisa Pouncy]

The wings are fabulous. Fantastic shot xx

[Myrna O'Hara]

Haven't checked in with you in a while, Tom. You are still taking fabulous shots. Wonderful. FAV

[ZambianLass]

Very lovely shot

[MaryBeth Dailey]

I have seen these (I Think) lately....I found a good pond at the University to watch d flies. So that is their name?! Good to know! THey are so gorgeous.

[Rachel]

This is beautiful!