Skimmer
Guides
Brachymesia gravida
Four-spotted Pennant
Brachymesia gravida, commonly known as the four-spotted pennant, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to North America and holds a Least Concern conservation status with stable populations. The species is relatively well-documented with over 12,000 observations on iNaturalist.
Brechmorhoga
clubskimmers
Brechmorhoga is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly called clubskimmers due to their widened abdominal segments resembling those of clubtail dragonflies (Gomphidae). The genus was established by Kirby in 1894 and contains approximately 16 species distributed in the Americas. Members can be distinguished from true clubtails by their contiguous eyes, a characteristic feature of skimmers. The genus includes notable species such as the pale-faced clubskimmer (B. mendax), masked clubskimmer (B. pertinax), and slender clubskimmer (B. praecox).
Brechmorhoga mendax
Pale-faced Clubskimmer
Brechmorhoga mendax is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as the Pale-faced Clubskimmer. It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a total length of 52–64 mm. Despite being a skimmer, it resembles clubtails (Gomphidae) in appearance, though its eyes meet at the top of the head—a definitive skimmer characteristic. The species has been documented in riverine habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Cannaphila insularis
gray-waisted skimmer
Cannaphila insularis, commonly known as the gray-waisted skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. The species includes two recognized subspecies: C. i. insularis (nominate) and C. i. funerea. It is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America, with the nominate subspecies occurring on Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Isla de Pinos (Cuba), while C. i. funerea ranges from southern Texas through Colombia and is widely distributed in Cuba. The species inhabits lentic freshwater environments including lagoons, ponds, and slow-moving streams with abundant herbaceous vegetation. The last instar larva of C. i. funerea has been formally described, providing diagnostic morphological characters for identification.
Celithemis
pennants, small pennants
Celithemis is a monophyletic genus of eight dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as pennants or small pennants. Species are primarily distributed in eastern North America. Males of multiple species perch conspicuously on vegetation to defend territories and exhibit resource partitioning through differential perch height selection.
Celithemis amanda
Amanda's Pennant
Celithemis amanda, commonly known as Amanda's Pennant, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to the southeastern United States. The species is part of a genus of small to medium-sized skimmer dragonflies found primarily in North America.
Celithemis bertha
Red-veined Pennant
Celithemis bertha, commonly known as the red-veined pennant, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population. The species was first described by Williamson in 1922.
Celithemis martha
Martha's Pennant
Celithemis martha, commonly known as Martha's Pennant, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It was described by Williamson in 1922 and is named in honor of entomologist Martha Wadsworth. The species occurs in North America and holds a Least Concern conservation status from the IUCN, with a stable population as of 2017.
Celithemis ornata
ornate pennant, faded pennant
Celithemis ornata is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as the ornate pennant or faded pennant. The species is widely distributed across the Americas, occurring in Central America, North America, and South America. It holds a Least Concern conservation status from the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species was last reviewed by the IUCN in 2017.
Celithemis verna
double-ringed pennant
Celithemis verna, the double-ringed pennant, is a species of dragonfly (skimmer) in the family Libellulidae. It is native to North America and has been assigned a conservation status of Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. The specific epithet 'verna' refers to spring, suggesting seasonal activity patterns.
Dythemis fugax
Checkered Setwing
Dythemis fugax, commonly known as the checkered setwing, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species holds a stable population with no immediate conservation concerns.
Dythemis maya
Mayan Setwing
Dythemis maya, commonly known as the Mayan Setwing, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was last reviewed in 2017.
Dythemis nigrescens
Black Setwing
Dythemis nigrescens, commonly known as the black setwing, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across Central America and North America, with documented observations concentrated in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations. The common name refers to its dark wing coloration, a distinctive feature among setwings in the genus Dythemis.
Erythemis attala
Black Pondhawk
Erythemis attala, the black pondhawk, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations. As a member of the genus Erythemis, it shares the pondhawk common name with related species such as the Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis).
Erythrodiplax basifusca
plateau dragonlet
Erythrodiplax basifusca, commonly known as the plateau dragonlet, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records from regions including Oaxaca. The species has been observed in at least 2002 iNaturalist records. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, a status reviewed in 2017.
Erythrodiplax fervida
Red-mantled Dragonlet
Erythrodiplax fervida, commonly known as the Red-mantled Dragonlet, is a small dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species occurs in the Caribbean and South America, with records from Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. It is one of five Antillean Erythrodiplax species found in Cuba. The last instar larva was formally described in 2007, filling a gap in the taxonomic knowledge of Cuban dragonflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Idiataphe
Metallic Pennants
Idiataphe is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as metallic pennants. Species range from 34–42 mm in length. The genus occurs from northeastern Argentina through Brazil and the Antilles to Florida. Four species are currently recognized, including the metallic pennant (I. cubensis).
Idiataphe cubensis
metallic pennant
Idiataphe cubensis, known as the metallic pennant, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a stable population and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Ladona deplanata
Blue Corporal, Little Corporal
Ladona deplanata, commonly known as the Blue Corporal or Little Corporal, is a dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. First described by Jules Pierre Rambur in 1842, it is common across much of the eastern United States. The species is relatively small among corporal dragonflies and is active during spring.
Ladona julia
Chalk-fronted Corporal
Ladona julia, commonly known as the Chalk-fronted Corporal, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the northern United States and southern Canada. The species is well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 18,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed within its range.
Leucorrhinia borealis
Boreal Whiteface
Leucorrhinia borealis, commonly known as the boreal whiteface, is a species of dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. The species is found across North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. As a member of the genus Leucorrhinia, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized dragonflies often associated with northern or boreal habitats.
Leucorrhinia glacialis
crimson-ringed whiteface
Leucorrhinia glacialis, the crimson-ringed whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is found in North America, with disjunct populations in the Appalachian Mountains. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN with stable populations.
Leucorrhinia patricia
Canada Whiteface
Leucorrhinia patricia, known as the Canada whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It was described by Walker in 1940 and is endemic to North America. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations.
Libellula auripennis
Golden-winged Skimmer
Libellula auripennis, commonly known as the golden-winged skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is native to North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Libellula composita
Bleached Skimmer
Libellula composita, commonly known as the bleached skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Colorado and other regions. The species is characterized by notably pale, almost translucent wing coloration, particularly in females. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC) as of 2017, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.
Libellula cyanea
Spangled Skimmer
Libellula cyanea, commonly known as the spangled skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to the United States. Males exhibit a blue thorax and abdomen, while females are brown with yellow stripes. Both sexes have clear wings with brown wing tips.
Libellula flavida
Yellow-sided Skimmer
Libellula flavida, the yellow-sided skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae found in North America. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. Like other members of its genus, it is an aerial predator as an adult and aquatic as a larva.
Libellula forensis
Eight-spotted Skimmer
The eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensis) is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a medium-sized skimmer native to western North America. Like other dragonflies in the genus Libellula, it is a predatory species with aquatic larvae and aerial adults. The species is named for the distinctive pattern of spots on its wings.
Libellula gaigei
Libellula gaigei is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, described by Gloyd in 1938. As a member of the genus Libellula, it belongs to a diverse group of dragonflies commonly known as skimmers. The species is accepted in current taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in the available literature.
Libellula incesta
slaty skimmer
Libellula incesta, commonly known as the slaty skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 5.28 cm in length. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration: mature males are dark blue with black heads, while females and juveniles display brown abdomens with a darker dorsal stripe. Larvae are specialized inhabitants of lake benthos, and adults are active from June through August.
Libellula jesseana
Purple Skimmer
Libellula jesseana, the purple skimmer, is a threatened dragonfly endemic to Florida, United States. Adults measure approximately 5 centimeters in length. The species is restricted to infertile, clear, sandy-bottomed lakes with specific shoreline vegetation, and is critically imperiled due to habitat degradation from human development.
Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata, known as the four-spotted skimmer in North America and four-spotted chaser in Europe, is a holarctic dragonfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. This species exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in males, who adopt either territorial or satellite mating strategies depending on competitive conditions. It is also recognized for its gregarious migratory behavior, with historical records of immense swarms in Europe and documented migration flights in North America.
Libellula vibrans
Great Blue Skimmer
Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the Great Blue Skimmer, is a large dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is one of the largest skimmers, with a total body length of 50 to 63 mm. Immature individuals are brown, while mature adults develop blue coloration. The species inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in the eastern United States, with rare occurrences in southern Ontario.
Macrothemis imitans
ivory-striped sylph
Macrothemis imitans, commonly known as the ivory-striped sylph, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species is widely distributed across the Americas, with records from North, Central, and South America. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified. Two subspecies are recognized: M. i. imitans and M. i. leucozona.
Miathyria marcella
hyacinth glider
Miathyria marcella, commonly known as the hyacinth glider, is a skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the Caribbean through Central and North America to South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), with a stable population last assessed in 2017. Larvae have been documented in wetlands of Northern Colombia, where their distribution has been studied in relation to water quality parameters.
Micrathyria aequalis
spot-tailed dasher
Micrathyria aequalis, commonly known as the spot-tailed dasher, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The IUCN status was last reviewed in 2017.
Micrathyria hagenii
Thornbush Dasher
Micrathyria hagenii, commonly known as the thornbush dasher, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Nannothemis
elfin skimmer
Nannothemis is a monotypic genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, containing a single species, Nannothemis bella (elfin skimmer). It is the smallest dragonfly in North America, with males exhibiting powdery blue coloration and females displaying black and yellow wasp-like patterning. The genus is native to eastern North America, where it inhabits specialized wetland habitats.
Orthemis
An undescribed species in the dragonfly genus Orthemis, recognized as distinct from described congeners but not yet formally named. The genus Orthemis is part of the skimmer family Libellulidae, with most described species occurring in the Neotropical region. This taxon represents one of many insect species awaiting formal taxonomic description.
Orthemis discolor
carmine skimmer, orange-bellied skimmer
Orthemis discolor is a medium-sized dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae, commonly known as the carmine skimmer or orange-bellied skimmer. It is widely distributed across the Americas, occurring from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. It is a sibling species to Orthemis ferruginea (roseate skimmer), with which it has been historically confused; the two are distinguished primarily by coloration and subtle structural differences in females.
Pachydiplax
Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, containing at least one widespread North American species, Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher). These dragonflies are medium-sized skimmers characterized by blue coloration in mature males. The genus is notable for extensive research on territorial behavior, breeding dispersal, and agonistic interactions among males. Members are commonly found at freshwater habitats across their range.
Pachydiplax longipennis
Blue Dasher
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a common and widely distributed dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is the sole species in its genus. Adults are characterized by a blue pruinose abdomen, particularly in males, and are known as "perchers" that hunt from stationary positions. Males exhibit pronounced territorial behavior at breeding and feeding sites, with social dominance hierarchies influencing dispersal patterns. The species occurs throughout North America and into the Caribbean.
Paltothemis
Rock Skimmers
Paltothemis is a genus of skimmer dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, established by Karsch in 1890. The genus contains at least three described species, commonly known as Rock Skimmers. The best-known species, Paltothemis lineatipes (Red Rock Skimmer), has been studied for its variable mating system, which shifts between territorial defense and alternative strategies depending on male population density. Members of this genus are associated with rocky stream habitats in western North America.
Perithemis domitia
slough amberwing
Perithemis domitia, commonly known as the slough amberwing, is a small skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Plathemis lydia
Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer
Plathemis lydia, commonly known as the Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread dragonfly species across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism: males possess a conspicuous white abdomen and brownish-black wing bands, while females have a brown body with different wing spot patterns. Research has documented significant wing morphometric differences between sexes, with males showing adaptations for faster flight and higher acceleration capacity, likely related to territorial behavior and predator evasion. The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats and is among the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America with over 110,000 iNaturalist records.
Sympetrum madidum
red-veined meadowhawk
Sympetrum madidum, the red-veined meadowhawk, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distinguished from congeners by gold to red clouding of its wings and red wing veins. The species ranges across western and northern North America, inhabiting shallow marshy ponds and lakes. Adults are active from mid-June to mid-September, with some populations flying from April through September.
Sympetrum pallipes
Striped Meadowhawk
Sympetrum pallipes, commonly known as the striped meadowhawk, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found across North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017. As a member of the genus Sympetrum, it shares characteristics with other meadowhawks, including late-season flight activity.
Tauriphila argo
Arch-tipped Glider
Tauriphila argo, commonly known as the arch-tipped glider, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is found in South America. The species was first described by Hagen in 1869. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival; this status was last reviewed in 2017.
Tauriphila australis
Garnet Glider
Tauriphila australis, commonly known as the Garnet Glider, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America. The species was described by Hagen in 1867. As a member of the skimmer family, it likely exhibits typical libellulid characteristics including broad wings and perching behavior, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Tauriphila azteca
Aztec Glider
Tauriphila azteca, commonly known as the Aztec Glider, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species was first described by Calvert in 1906 and is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Tauriphila, it belongs to a group of dragonflies commonly referred to as gliders.