Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly (female)

Libellula pulchella

Description:

A female Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly spotted at quite a distance from the boardwalk that goes through the central wetland area at Huntley Meadows Park. The pattern of its wing spots is similar to the female Common Whitetail dragonfly. The distinctive yellow stripes along the sides of its abdomen are faded and difficult to see in the bright afternoon sunlight. Two observations suggest this a Twelve-spotted Skimmer rather than a Common Whitetail: 1) Twelve-spotted Skimmers perch with their front legs wrapped around their head; Common Whitetails don't. 2) "Whitetail commonly perches on ground and logs, [Twelve-spotted] skimmer usually on branches and leaves." Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Location 8810). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.