Libellula

Linnaeus, 1758

Chasers, King Skimmers, Skimmers

Species Guides

19

Libellula is a of medium to large in the Libellulidae, commonly called chasers in English or skimmers in American usage. The genus contains approximately 28 extant distributed primarily throughout the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in North America. Many species exhibit showy wing patterns in yellow, orange, or brown, and males often develop a glaucous or coating when mature. The genus name derives from Latin libella, meaning 'a carpenter's level,' referring to the insect's ability to hover steadily.

Libellula cyanea by (c) John B., some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Libellula forensis by (c) Koji Shiraiwa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Koji Shiraiwa. Used under a CC-BY license.Libellula incesta by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Libellula: //lɪˈbɛl.jʊ.lə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Medium to large , 34–63 mm in length. can be white, yellow, red, brown, or black. Bodies range from light yellow through orange and red to brown. Mature males often display a glaucous or coating. Wings frequently bear yellow, orange, or brown patterns, though some have clear wings. Diagnostic features include: a characteristic brown area at the base of the forewing; a wide ; and two synapomorphies related to wing venation. However, unique characteristics exclusive to this are not well defined, and many traits vary among species and individuals.

Images

Habitat

are commonly found near bodies of water, perching or landing on reeds and branches. Larvae live exclusively in aquatic environments, particularly in the muddy bottoms of still or slow-moving water bodies. Some occupy artificial such as cattle drinking tanks.

Distribution

Distributed throughout the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Greatest diversity occurs in North America. A few are to Europe and Asia. Libellula herculea is the only species with extensive distribution in South America.

Life Cycle

are laid directly into water bodies by females and hatch into aquatic nymphs. Nymphs undergo development in water before emerging as adults.

Behavior

males are territorial and aggressive, defending ideal breeding sites that are in sunlight and lack surface vegetation. They fly around their territory and attack other male to eliminate mating competition. This territoriality is likely driven by male-biased sex ratios. Nymphs compete for resources with in shared and exhibit at high densities.

Ecological Role

Nymphs are often the top in fishless water bodies. within the are efficient predators, using mechanical and visual cues to deploy their and labial palpi to capture prey.

Similar Taxa

  • Ladona (corporals)Taxonomic relationship disputed; has been treated as synonym, subgenus, or separate by different authorities. Some phylogenetic analyses support subgeneric status within Libellula.
  • Plathemis (whitetails)Taxonomic relationship disputed; has been treated as synonym, subgenus, or separate by different authorities. Some phylogenetic analyses support subgeneric status within Libellula. As of April 2025, World Odonata List retains both Ladona and Plathemis as distinct genera.

Sources and further reading