Nannothemis bella
(Uhler, 1857)
Elfin Skimmer
Nannothemis bella, commonly known as the skimmer, is the smallest in North America. It is the sole in the Nannothemis. Males are powdery , while females are black and with -like coloration. The species inhabits bogs and sedge fens across eastern North America, from Quebec south to Florida and west to Minnesota and Louisiana. Southern are disjunct and rare, making the species of concern in that region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nannothemis bella: /ˌnænəˈθɛmɪs ˈbɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The smallest in North America. Males are powdery ; females are black and , resembling a . coloration distinguishes sexes. Small size separates it from all other North dragonflies.
Images
Habitat
Bogs and sedge fens. suitability determined by proportion of silt in soil, temperature seasonality, percentage of clay and coarse components in soil, and soil .
Distribution
Quebec (Canada) south to Florida and west to Minnesota and Louisiana (USA). Common in northern part of range; southern disjunct and rare.
Behavior
Males are territorial at breeding sites, defending small territories at sites. Territory size varies with vegetation and increases as the season progresses. Males holding territories for more than one day achieve higher mating success than those holding territories for shorter periods. Larger males with more damage have higher mating success, suggesting experience and/or age advantages. Territorial residents win most contests against intruders.
Ecological Role
Bioindicator for freshwater .
Similar Taxa
- Perithemis teneraAlso among the smallest North ; both eastern U.S. overlap in size range and geographic distribution
- Leucorrhinia frigidaHeterospecific with which N. bella males engage in territorial defense
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- A Dragonfly to Behold: Within an Arm's Reach | Bug Squad
- Dragonflies! Who Isn't Fascinated by Dragonflies? | Bug Squad
- Dr. Charles L. “Chuck” Bellamy—Tribute to a friend | Beetles In The Bush
- Dr. Charles L. “Chuck” Bellamy – 12th Honorary Member of The Coleopterists Society | Beetles In The Bush
- North America’s most “extreme” jewel beetle | Beetles In The Bush
- Two new species of Agrilus from Mexico | Beetles In The Bush
- Territorial behaviour of male Nannothemis bella (Uhler) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)
- Male territoriality and mating success in Nannothemis bella (Uhler) (Odonata: Libellulidae)
- Looking out for the little guy: species distribution modeling and conservation implications of the elfin skimmer Nannothemis bella (Odonata: Libellulidae)