Paltothemis lineatipes

Karsch, 1890

Red Rock Skimmer

Paltothemis lineatipes, commonly known as the red rock skimmer, is a in the Libellulidae. Males exhibit variation in mate-locating that appears related to : in high- years, males defend small streamside territories and frequently raid neighboring territories, while in low-density years, they defend territories more than twice as large with reduced aggression. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable .

Paltothemis lineatipes by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Paltothemis lineatipes by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Paltothemis lineatipes. Red Rock Skimmer. - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paltothemis lineatipes: /ˌpæltoʊˈθɛmɪs ˌlɪniˈætɪpiːz/

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

Identification

Can be distinguished from other skimmers by association with rocky stream ; males observed perching on shorelines. Similar include other Libellulidae skimmers, though specific diagnostic features are not documented in available sources.

Images

Appearance

Medium-sized skimmer . Males and females can be distinguished; specific coloration patterns not detailed in available sources.

Habitat

Rocky stream and river environments. Males defend territories along streamside perches. One observation notes a female near a fish pond and garden, suggesting some flexibility in use near water sources.

Distribution

Found in the Americas, with confirmed presence in Middle America, North America, and South America. Specific regional records include New Mexico (Gila River area) and Colorado (Cheyenne Mountain State Park).

Behavior

Males exhibit territorial with variation in strategy. In high- years: defend small territories, regularly raid neighboring territories to steal females, frequently displaced after few hours of ownership, and practice temporal partitioning of sites. In low-density years: defend territories more than twice as large, rarely take females from neighbors, and less frequently share site ownership. Territorial males perch on objects in or over water, including shorelines and vegetation.

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science observation and photography. One record represents a state record for Colorado. No documented economic or medical significance.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Conservation Status

Listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature; is stable.

Research Note

A 1989 study in Journal of Zoology documented variation in male mating system, but average daily copulatory success of territorial males did not differ between high- and low- years, though variance in mating success was greater in high-density years.

Sources and further reading