Needham's Skimmer? - Libellula needhami - Meaher State Park, Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama, USA July 28, 2012
I took this photo during the Bugguide Swarm a few weeks ago at Meaher State Park in Mobile, AL. My initial thought was that this is a golden-winged skimmer. On further analysis, however, I now believe this is Libellula needhami. Using G.& J. Strickland's diagnostic tools, I found this specimen has 4 paranal cells proximal to the anal loop and the hind tibia were brown. The color change in costa at the node is also consistent with the diagnostics. The outer half is lighter while the inner half is darker. Am I correct in this assesment? Given the coloration of the thorax, I believe this specimen is probably a female. Will appreciate any comments or confirmation.
Contributed by Lew Scharpf on 7 August, 2012 - 9:22pm Last updated 8 August, 2012 - 12:00pm |