Dot-tailed Whiteface at Dodge Nature Center

Another dragonfly that I saw quite a few of while visiting Dodge Nature Center in mid June is the dot-tailed whiteface.
This small, 1 5/16 to 17/16 inches, mostly black dragonfly is a member of the Libellulidae, or skimmer family. They are easily Identified by their white face and the square yellow spot on the top of the seventh abdominal segment.

Their preferred habitat is ponds or marshy lakes with heavy vegetation. They are frequently seen perched on algae mats or vegetation along the shore. They often use these perches to hunt their prey, which consists of soft-bodied insect such as mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths, and butterflies.
Mating typically occurs while the pair is perched near the waters edge. After mating the male will often guard the female as she lays her eggs by dipping her abdomen into the water while she hovers slightly above the surface. The male guards the female to prevent her from mating with competing males. Typically this type of dragon will watch the female by Hover Guarding. The male will hover or perch near where the female is laying her eggs so that he can attack and chase away rival males. On rare occasions a male may grab a competing male, pretty much the same way that he would hold his mate during copulation, and hold him until the female has completed laying her eggs. This type of guarding is known as karate guarding. Immature and female dot-tailed whiteface dragonflies often have more then one yellow dot on their abdomen, as pictured above.