Libellula lydia

Description

This dragonfly is a type of King Skimmer. The body and face are brownish with two lateral stripes- white above yellow in color – on the thorax and varying color on the abdomen based on gender. The male abdomen is white and tapered. The female abdomen is brownish with white spots along each side and straight. The wings are long and also vary in color based on gender. Male wings have a wide brown band in the middle of each wing and a small white spot at base of each hind wing. Female wings have brown spots along front edge at the base, middle, and tip of each wing.

Habitat

Found near calm bodies of water with muddy bottoms. The adults are attracted to the brown color of the mud.

Diet

Insects; has a strong, rapid, smooth flight pattern.

Size

Average size is 1 ½ - 2 inches.

Range

Common throughout the US and portions of southernmost Canada.

Other Useful Information

Males of this species are territorial. Territory is defended by raising the abdomen at another male; the submissive male will acknowledge by lowering his abdomen.

Similar Species

Twelve-spotted Skimmer, Eight-spotted Skimmer, Desert Whitetails, Prince Baskettail