I took a photo of a male widow skimmer dragonfly near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. This species is common here, especially during summer. The male widow skimmer is easy to identify with its bold white wing bands, a unique feature that stands out against the landscape.
During summer, the roads near the Ouachita National Forest offer plenty of chances to spot these and other dragonflies. I often explore this area, camera ready. On this walk, I spotted this skimmer holding its ground, likely guarding its territory.
Here are some quick facts on the widow skimmer’s behavior:
- Male widow skimmers are territorial. They patrol open areas aggressively, often chasing off other males.
- Their primary aim is to attract females for mating. They cover large stretches of sky to ensure they’re the dominant presence in an area.
- Nearby ponds or lakes are critical for breeding, as the females lay eggs in shallow water. I saw a pond nearby, so this skimmer was likely on guard over a prime breeding spot.
For those photographing widow skimmers, here are a few tips:
- Approach slowly: They can be skittish, especially when guarding territory.
- Focus on their wings: The white wing bands and intricate veins make for compelling close-up shots.
- Look for nearby water: Males often patrol spots near ponds and lakes, giving you a higher chance of observing their territorial behavior.
Every wildlife walk can turn up something new. For me, photographing the widow skimmer was a reminder of how much happens around us, even in the small details.