An eight-spotted skimmer dragonfly (Libellula forensis) near Klickitat, WA. These are gorgeous creatures. I've had a hard time getting good photos because they seldom sit still. This one finally cooperated. They live throughout the western US. Lots of interesting details up ...

close. Here you can see the spiny legs, useful for snatching up prey on the wing. The network of wing veins is pure art. West of the Sierra Nevada mountains, only males have white wing spots.