This Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) was parked just off the path around 730pm, so I think it was roosting for the night. The black markings looked velvety in the light.
This is a mature male. If you counted the white spots, too, he would be a twenty-spotted skimmer. To matters more confusing, this species used to be known as the Ten-spot… can you guess why?
Hanging the Night
3 responses to “Hanging the Night”
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Only the white spots count?
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Seems they were counting the markings at the base of the wings as one going across the thorax, and hence 2 “spots” instead of four.
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Ah! Higher math was always beyond me!
Backyard and Beyond 
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