Needham's Skimmer
Libellula needhami
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Libellula
- Species: needhami
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Libellula needhami: //lɪˈbɛl.jʊ.lə ˈniːd.ha.mi//
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Summary
Libellula needhami, or Needham's skimmer, is a species of skimmer in the family Libellulidae, known for its distinctive coloration and stable population in its habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Males have a red face and body, while females exhibit a brown or yellow face. The hind tibia of males are brown instead of black. Their posterior wing veins do not become orange, and the costa color changes on opposite sides of the node, with the outer half being lighter and the inner half darker.
Identification Tips
Males can be distinguished from male Golden-Wings by their redder face and body, along with brown lower hindlegs and less orange wings. Females and juvenile males can be separated from Golden-Wings by their lateral thoracic pattern and the two-toned costa.
Habitat
Breeds in brackish, mineralized, or fertilized waters, including marshes, lakes, ponds, tidal rivers, and canals.
Distribution
Found in the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, particularly along the Gulf and U.S. Atlantic Coast where it is common.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC), with a stable population and no immediate threat to the species' existence.
Cultural Significance
Named after American entomologist James George Needham.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- dragonfly
- Odonata
- Libellulidae
- Needham's skimmer
- Libellula needhami