Species Spotlight: Filigree Skimmer

Next up in the species spotlight is a dragonfly with rather striking markings—the Filigree Skimmer. This dragonfly has striped eyes, which is unusual for dragonflies, and complex stripes along the abdomen. In addition, its wings have an intricate, splotchy pattern of dark markings. Here's an example of a male Filigree Skimmer:

We typically see the Filigree Skimmer flying and perching along small streams in Arizona. Good places to find them are on Queen Creek in the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and on Tortilla Creek at Tortilla Flat.

Here's another view of the individual shown above:

The next photo shows the wing and abdomen patterns more clearly:

Finally, here's a side view of a female Filigree Skimmer:

The "egg scoop" projecting downward near the tip of the abdomen identifies it as a female. Notice that its coloration and markings help it blend into its surroundings.