The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is common across the United States (except in the Rocky Mountain region). It is a member of the king skimmer family of dragonflies.
The name is derived from the black patches on the wings that are said to resemble the mourning crepe worn by widows (although both males and females have this pattern on their wings).
It is found near still bodies of water including marshes, ponds, and lakes. Males are very territorial -- guarding egg laying females. Eggs are laid just under the surface of the water. Larva (call naiads) live underwater and eat other aquatic insects. They eventually leave the water, molt and emerge as adults.
Adults feed on small insects.
