Family: Libellulidae, Common Skimmers view all from this family

Description 1 5/8-1 3/4" (42-45 mm), wingspan 2 1/8-2 1/2" (55-65 mm). Head and thorax reddish brown and hairy; thorax with 2 white spots on each side. Abdomen red with row of pale spots on each side. Wings clear with reddish or brown veins. Naiad, to 3/4" (20 mm), is dark brown.

Food Adult eats small flying insects. Naiad feeds on small aquatic insects and worms.

Life Cycle Mated pair flies in tandem above water, while female washes off as many as 30 eggs individually. Then pair goes separately to rest on nearby twigs. Naiads overwinter in water. Adults are active mid-June to late July.

Habitat Near reedy pond edges.

Range Northwestern Wyoming to Texas, west to California, north to British Columbia, especially Vancouver Island.

Discussion As it flies low near pond margins, this skimmer's bright scarlet body is clearly visible against the green reeds. Specialists base identification of the different species in this genus on the form of male genitalia.