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Photo#57903
8 Spots - Plathemis lydia - male

8 Spots - Plathemis lydia - Male
Ridgeville, Mineral County, West Virginia, USA
June 10, 2006
This one has 8 spots rather than 12, but both are listed in the guide as being the same. Is this gender related or just variability? Corrections welcome.

Yes - gender dimorphism
This is the male pattern. The female looks very much like Libellula pulchella except Plathemis has a heavier stouter body and a broken stripe down the side of her abdomen. (And the 8 spot is yet another Libellula - forensis!)

 
Thanks again, John and Jane.
I love this site and the ability to eventually get it right with competent help. I'm always grateful for such help.

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