Alternate name: Big Red Skimmer
Family: Libellulidae, Common Skimmers view all from this family
Description 1 1/8-2 3/8" (28-61 mm), wingspan 3 3/8-3 3/4" (85-95 mm). Red with brown on top of head. Thorax brownish red without stripes. Wings yellowish with reddish veins and clear tips; brown streak near base of hind wing, far from front and hind margins.
Food Adult eats small insects caught in flight. Naiad feeds on small aquatic insects and worms.
Life Cycle Male may defend territory while female places eggs in water. Hairy naiads creep and squat in dark ooze on bottom of stagnant pool, ambushing prey. Fully grown, they leave the water, crawl a short distance, then climb up any convenient support and transform into adults. Primarily a southern species, this dragonfly is sometimes found near warm springs farther north. There are considerable differences in details of venation between sexes.
Habitat Stagnant small ponds and pools.
Range Kansas to Mexico, northwest to California, north to Montana.
Discussion Primarily a southern species, this dragonfly is sometimes found near warm springs farther north. There are considerable differences in details of venation between sexes.
