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The Widow Skimmer is one of the group of dragonflies known as King Skimmers. The species occurs commonly across much of the United States except in the higher Rocky Mountain areas. It has a steely blue body area. Wings of both sexes are marked with prominent black basal bands. Adult males develop broad white spots at midwing (this appears to be a male specimen). This dragonfly got the "widow" name because the male doesn't stay near the female after she lays the eggs unlike other species. The nymphs live in the water, molting and growing until they are ready to emerge from the water and then molting a final time to reveal their wings. From our garden 2009. Thanks for viewing and comments.