A large dragonfly with three black spots on each wing (twelve total) and bright white markings between the dots in adult males. They're one of the easiest dragonflies to identify and a feast for backyard photographers.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The twelve-spotted skimmer is a common North American skimmer dragonfly, found in southern Canada and in all 48 of the contiguous U.S. states.
Source: Wikipedia — Twelve-spotted skimmer Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium-large dragonfly with three black spots on each wing (12 total); males additionally have 8 white spots between the dark patches; pale brown body.
Similar species. Common Whitetail (different pattern; broad dark wing patches). Eight-spotted Skimmer (different wing pattern). Ten-spotted Skimmer (different pattern).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: small flying insects. Larvae: aquatic invertebrates.
Behavior. One of the easiest dragonflies to identify in eastern North America due to the distinctive 12 dark wing spots (3 per wing). Males have additional 8 white spots between the dark patches when fully mature. Common at ponds and slow streams; perches on prominent stalks and rocks. Larvae live in shallow vegetation at pond margins.
§ Range
Throughout the US and southern Canada
§ Habitat
Pond, lake, and slow-stream edges
§ Threats
Wetland loss, pesticide-driven prey decline, light pollution.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the twelve-spotted skimmer is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Build a backyard pond. Maintain shoreline vegetation. Skip pesticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Twelve-spotted skimmer
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Libellula pulchella
- iNaturalist · taxon 49332
- IUCN Red List — search for Libellula pulchella
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Libellula pulchella
§ Sources cited
- Odonata Central
- iNaturalist
- BugGuide
