This is one of our most recognizable insects due to its spots, yet there is confusion over its name for the same reason.
The scientists who do the official bug-naming decided that this must be called a 12-Spotted Dragonfly, because he and the female members of his species have a dozen dark brown spots.
On the other hand, white spots are easier to count in the wild, where Dragonfly wings often are whirring blurs.
Therefore, many people call this a 10-Spotted Dragonfly due to the number of his white patches. The problem is that only males of this species have white spots, while both sexes have 12 brown ones. Here’s the female:
. (Brooklin, Maine)