Pretty Checkered Wings

  Earlier today, a walk to the compost pile was necessary to empty the kitchen scraps.  This daily chore, not only helps to clean the kitchen, it supplies a good bit of healthy soil for the garden, snacks for whatever critter is hungry and a chance for me to be outside.  Compost piles are good for what ails you!  It was on that short outing that I noticed a dragonfly resting on one of the tomato crates.  The garden has gone the wayside but I have neglected to gather the crates.  The dragonfly was readily identified as a Common Whitetail Skimmer.  Earlier in the spring, dozens of the female dragonflies of this type visited the garden but nary a male could be found.  Now, a fine specimen was here.  Better late than never, I suppose.  Fortunately, there were still several females in the area flitting about the Frog Pond.

  The Common Whitetail Skimmers are a bit different from other dragonflies.  Their bodies sort of chunky compared to other dragonflies.  The wings are checkered black and clear.  The male and female wing bars are almost the exact opposite of each others.  With these dragonflies, it is easy to distinguish male from female even at a distance.  The female is dark brown while the male is almost white or pale blue.  This color difference is due to a coating called pruinosity.  It appears as a light dusting of color and the males use in it territorial displays.  (The female does not have this.) The males will lift the abdomen high to let other males know that this is their territory.  If that does not work, then an aerial battle will take place. After mating, the female lays her eggs in water where they will hatch and the nymphs live until they morph into adulthood.  The Common Whitetail Skimmers are highly dependent on fresh water.

  My short outings to the compost pile can be looked upon as a much needed break.  I can escape for a few moments before having to return to the reality of caring for the old dog.  Hopefuly soon, he will feel up to joining me on longer hikes but, for now, I will be thankful for a compost heap!