[Draco]

We were miles offshore in Lake Michigan. He/she came in for a rest and then took advantage of some of the flies on board. My uncle gets credit for the shot (I would have got the whole bug).

[steve_nova]

They must be the green eyes of envy! Tell your uncle it's still a nice shot.
It also goes to show just how strong fliers they are too.

[Michael Frankis]

Its a dragonfly (Odonata) not a bug (Hemiptera)

Michael

[Draco]

Well, I have to give you that one Michael.

Thanks Steve!

When I sent some of the photos down to my father in Florida he decided to get me "The Book" (Dragonflies Through Binoculars). So, I know that it's an Emerald (could have guessed) but I can't figure out which one it is. Process of elimination on location leads me to think maybe a Williamson's, but I can't find anything that mentions the yellow spots on the abdomen.

Any other guesses?

[Forcreeks]

Hey Mark,
What a cool, cool photo your Uncle took! Boy I'd love to see one of those. I believe you have an Illinois River Cruiser, Macromia illinoiensis (sounds absurd: ill-anoy-ensis). I make that call based on what we can see from the single view (no lateral thoracic view) and the geographic mapping in Dunkle's guide. Take a look and see if you agree. Macromia's are very highly sought and regarded by Odonatists from my limited exposure of a couple yrs. We have a great one Macromia magnifica out here, Oregon and I've yet to see it. Take care. Oh, it's on Plate 21; #6