Libellula vibrans

Fabricius, 1793

Great Blue Skimmer

Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the Great Blue Skimmer, is a large in the skimmer Libellulidae. It is one of the largest skimmers, with a total body length of 50 to 63 mm. individuals are brown, while mature develop blue coloration. The inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in the eastern United States, with rare occurrences in southern Ontario.

Libellula vibrans by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Libellula vibrans by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.Libellula vibrans by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Libellula vibrans: /lɪˈbɛl.jʊ.lə ˈvi.brɑːns/

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Identification

Distinguished from other skimmers by its large size (50–63 mm) and the color change from brown in individuals to blue in mature . The combination of size, coloration, and preference (lakes, ponds, slow streams) helps separate it from similar Libellula in the eastern United States.

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Appearance

Large skimmer with total length of 50–63 mm. forms are brown in color; mature are blue-hued. As a member of the skimmer Libellulidae, it has the characteristic broad, flattened typical of the group.

Habitat

Found near lakes, ponds, and slow streams.

Distribution

Eastern United States; rarely recorded in southern Ontario, Canada.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Libellula speciesSimilar body plan and preferences, but L. vibrans is distinguished by its large size and distinctive color change from brown immatures to blue .

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