Lydia

As a child, we called them darning needles and sewing needles. I was an adult before I knew they didn’t deserve the frightening appellation. This beauty came to rest on our back walk this afternoon, a favorite spot for all visiting Dragonflies. I had to photograph it from farther away than I would have liked, because each time I got just a half-step too close, it took flight. I tried to identify it, but with over 5,000 species worldwide, it was a challenge. I suspect it is the Common Whitetail (Libellula lydia), perhaps an immature male. With all due respect to the Odonata experts, until further notice, he/she will be known simply as “Lydia”.

Feel free to click on the photo to get a closer look at Lydia.