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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) » Dragonflies (Anisoptera) » Skimmers (Libellulidae) » Libellula » Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta)
Photo#26598
Dragonfly - Libellula incesta - male
Copyright © 2005 Joanne Shuman

Dragonfly - Libellula incesta - Male
Stafford, Stafford County, Virginia, USA
July 30, 2005
Seen at vegetation along water. I am guessing it may be a male Slaty Skimmer? I have noticed from looking at images in guide and elsewhere that my blue dragonflies always look more faded in their coloring not just by the camera but in the field also. Is this age related or just a variation?
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Contributed by Joanne Shuman on 3 August, 2005 - 1:47am
Last updated 17 September, 2005 - 8:56am

Yes, Slaty Skimmer
Yes, I believe you are correct there--male Slaty Skimmer. It is very dark all over, including eyes, face, and has a tapered abdomen. Great Blue Skimmer is somewhat similar, but a paler blue and has a white face, plus dark marks at angle of wing, lacking in Slaty.

Patrick Coin
Durham, North Carolina
… Cotinis, 16 September, 2005 - 7:16pm login or register to post comments

Dragonfly
Not that this will help with ID, but I can tell that this dragonfly is an older one by looking at the wings. You can see that they are pretty worn compared to the younger ones. If you feel them, they should be a bit more rough than a dragonfly's wings that are in good condition.
… Matthew Roth, 3 August, 2005 - 8:13am login or register to post comments

 
Thanks, Matthew
I saw the wings were a bit tattered and did not know if that was age or too many battles.
… Joanne Shuman, 3 August, 2005 - 4:49pm login or register to post comments

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