Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Libellula pulchella
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Libellula
- Species: pulchella
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Libellula pulchella: /lɪˈbɛl.ju.la pʊlˈkɛl.la/
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Summary
The twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a common North American skimmer dragonfly recognized for its distinctive wing patterns and widespread distribution across the continent. It is prominent in summer and typically found near calm water bodies.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 48-53 mm long. Mature males have twelve brown wing spots, additional white wing spots, and a whitish basal area on the hind wing. Females and immature males have twelve brown wing spots without the white spots. Their abdomens are brown with a yellow stripe along each side.
Identification Tips
In adult males, look for the twelve brown wing spots with additional white spots between them. Females have a narrow dark area at the wingtip, exposing most of the stigma. The anterior thoracic stripe in pulchella is a long dash, while lydia has a dorsal dash and a separated ventral dot.
Habitat
Ponds and lakes; sometimes bogs or slow-moving streams.
Distribution
Extreme southern Canada; all 48 contiguous U.S. states; range continues across the border into Mexico.
Diet
Small flying insects.
Life Cycle
The first form is called teneral (brand new), followed by an immature stage which is still an adult. True immatures are nymphs in the water.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Formerly known as Ten-spot Skimmer, leading to confusion due to the variable appearance of wing spots.
Tags
- dragonfly
- Libellula pulchella
- Twelve-spotted Skimmer
- North America
- insect