Libellula saturata

Uhler, 1857

Flame Skimmer, Firecracker Skimmer

Libellula saturata, commonly known as the flame skimmer or firecracker skimmer, is a native to western North America. males display striking firecracker red to dark orange coloration, while females are medium to dark brown. The species exhibits pronounced in both size and color, with males reaching two to three inches in length and exceeding females in size. Research by UC Davis doctoral candidate Christofer Brothers has focused on this species to investigate predatory and leg in dragonflies.

Libellula saturata by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Libellula saturata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Libellula saturata: /lɪˈbɛluːlə ˌsætʃʊˈreɪtə/

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

Identification

Males are readily distinguished by their vivid red to orange coloration, contrasting with the brown females. The size difference between sexes is notable, with males substantially larger. The can be differentiated from other Libellula species by the combination of male coloration, body proportions, and geographic range. Close examination of wing venation and abdominal patterning may be necessary for definitive identification where ranges overlap with similar species.

Images

Appearance

males are firecracker red to dark orange in coloration. Females are medium to dark brown. Males measure approximately two to three inches in length and are larger than females. Like other , the possesses large containing up to 30,000 simple each, providing nearly 360-degree vision. are present but highly reduced. Wings are typical of the order Odonata. Nymphs are aquatic and possess modified mouthparts for .

Habitat

frequent ponds, streams, ditches, and other aquatic . Females oviposit in warm ponds and small streams. The nymphal stage is entirely aquatic, occurring in the same water bodies used by adults for .

Distribution

Native to western North America. Records indicate presence in Middle America and North America broadly.

Diet

capture bees, flies, , and other soft-bodied insects in , returning to perches to consume prey. Nymphs are ambush that feed on insect larvae including mosquitoes and aquatic flies, as well as small fish, tadpoles, and conspecifics.

Life Cycle

Development includes aquatic nymphal stages and terrestrial stages. Nymphs can live for extended periods, with some exhibiting nymphal durations up to eight years, though adult lifespan is typically brief, ranging from weeks to months. Females deposit in warm ponds or small streams. Nymphs undergo multiple instars before emerging as adults.

Behavior

employ two predatory strategies: active pursuit relying on speed or endurance, and sit-and-wait ambush tactics using stealth or surprise. Adults frequently perch near water and are not notably skittish, allowing close approach. Prey capture success in adult has been observed to reach 97 percent. Nymphs are ambush .

Ecological Role

Functions as an aerial of soft-bodied insects and an aquatic predator in nymphal stages. Nymphs contribute to regulation of mosquito and aquatic fly . The serves as both predator and prey within aquatic and riparian .

Human Relevance

Featured in the 2014 Entomological Society of America calendar. Subject of ongoing behavioral research at UC Davis. Specimens displayed at the Bohart Museum of Entomology and the Vacaville Museum's 'Art of Death' exhibition. Nymphs may provide incidental mosquito control through on larval mosquitoes.

Similar Taxa

Other Libellula speciesCongeneric may overlap in range and require examination of coloration, size, and wing venation for separation; male L. saturata distinguished by distinctive red-orange coloration

More Details

Research significance

Christofer Brothers, UC Davis doctoral candidate in the Stacey Combes laboratory, has selected this as a primary study organism for investigating the relationship between capture tools and behavioral tactics in , including phylogenetic comparisons of leg spine across species.