Skimmer Dragonflies, Libellulidae, of California

This is the webpage for
California Skimmers
aka
California Libellulidae

The companion website to Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of California.

Family: SKIMMERS Libellulidae Field &/or Photo key to Skimmers	Family: SKIMMERS - Libellulidae 17 CA genera, totaling 42 species Links to Skimmer genera: Amberwings Perithemis - tiny; wings amber colored; arid regions; 1 CA species Blue Dasher Pachydiplax - small, blue with white-face; 1 CA species Clubskimmers Brechmorhoga - large, clubbed abdomen; moving water; 1 CA species Coastal Pennants Macrodiplax - small, dark, dark basal wing area; 1 CA species Corporals Ladona - UNCOMMON; medium, dark with white pruinosity; mountain lakes; 1 CA species Dragonlets Erythrodiplax - RARE; lacey wings, chevroned abdomen, striped eyes; 1 CA species Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon - RARE; small dark, developing thin pruinosity; 1 CA species King Skimmers Libellula - there are 3 types: 1. those with red bodies and red in the wings - common; showy; wings held out flat; 2 species with red; 2. a second type have blue bodies with wings that are clear or that have dark spots/bands - common; showy; wings held out flat; 6 with dark spots on the wings; 1 species with blue body & clear wings; 3. one species is brown with small dark markings on the wings; 9 total CA Libellula species Meadowhawks Sympetrum - small; reddish; wings held downward; all but one species is red, that one species is black, 1 is black; 10 CA species Pondhawks Erythemis- small/med, blue &/or green, with green-face; 1 CA species Rainpool Gliders Pantala - strong flyers; often seen flying high overhead; hang perch; 2 CA species Rock Skimmers Paltothemis - patterned red body with red in the wings; 1 CA species Saddlebags Tramea - dark areas at hind wing base; strong fliers; 3 CA species Tropical King Skimmers Orthemis - rose, purple & carmine red colored bodies; clear wings; 1 CA species Tropical Pennants Brachymesia - red, ski-tipped appendages; 1 CA species Whitefaces Leucorrhinia - small; dark body & eyes; bright white faces; 4 CA species Whitetails Plathemis - medium; bright white bodies and dark with bands; 2 CA species nymph are short with oval-shaped bodies, hide in bottom debris, ambush prey

male female (male-colored form) Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Flame Skimmer Libellula saturata archaic name - Big Red Skimmer size: medium/large, length 50 - 60 mm, wingspan 85 - 93 mm male: red-orange eyes, face, thorax, legs, abdomen and appendages; thorax unstriped; wings reddish from base to slightly beyond nodus, red streak along leading edge from nodus to stigma, red veins; wings when at rest held out flat, not downward female: usually paler than male, wings show an orange streak along the leading wing edges and brown streaks near the base; 2nd wing vein from front edge yellow; rarer male-like form exists similar species: male Neon Skimmer has less color in wings; Cardinal Meadowhawk often holds wings down and forward; female Neon Skimmer's second wing vein from front edge not yellow habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers behavior: males claim territory perching at water; perch with wings held out flat; hawk insects from perch females solo splash oviposit California flight period: February - December California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Neon Skimmer Libellula croceipennis size: large, length 54 - 59 mm, wingspan 78 - 92 mm male: very wide bright neon red/pink abdomen, thorax, face, eyes & legs; thorax and underside can be tawny; noticeable pale line atop thorax; red on wings does not extend as far as the nodus except near the leading edge, mostly basal, stigma wide, dark outline female: wide pale tan/orange body, noticeable pale stripe atop thorax; wings mostly clear, lacks brown streaks or 2nd vein from front's being yellow similar species: male Flame Skimmer has color in wings clear to the nodus comparison photo #1 to more common male Flame Skimmer comparison photo #2 to more common male Flame Skimmer female Flame Skimmer has more color in wings, with 2nd vein from front being yellow habitat: marshy creeks/ditches behavior: perches with wings out flat, often in the shade flight period: April - November California distribution: many areas but sporadic California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Red Rock Skimmer Paltothemis lineatipes archaic name - rusty skimmer size: medium, length 45 - 55 mm, wingspan 90 - 95 mm male: face red, legs and eyes rusty red; abdomen intricately patterned with rusty red and black; variable amount rusty red on inner wings (usually nearly to nodus), short dark stigma; thorax can be olive-brown on sides female: tan/brown; intricate batik-like pattern but no red on body; no color in wings behavior: perches on midstream rocks habitat: rocky streams flight period: all year in appropriate weather California distribution: all but far north eastern Calif. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Band-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum semicinctum This species known as Western Meadowhawk Sympetrum occidentale prior to 2007 size: medium length 28 - 36 mm, wingspan 45 - 55 mm male: abdomen deep red with black markings on the lower sides and atop segments 8 & 9; hind wings rusty to nodus, front wings usually less colored than hind wings; 3 irregular black stripes on thorax sides that are shaped like black flames; black legs; eyes and face dark rusty red; immature males are yellow like females female: usually yellow where male is red, but mature females may turn red; often less color in wings than males habitat: weedy ponds, lakes flight period: April - November California distribution: found in many areas, usually in the hills or mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Cardinal Meadowhawk Sympetrum illotum archaic name - dusty skimmer size: medium, length 31 - 40 mm, wingspan 52 - 60 mm male: cardinal red head, thorax, abdomen, wing veins; red on wings diffuse, only close to body and near leading edge; wings have very small dark streaks at extreme base; thorax sides have two small white spots; body with no black, appears stubby; red legs female: less colorful, often reddish tan; stout; pale red legs similar species: Red-veined Meadowhawk has black legs; Flame Skimmer holds wings out flat behavior: like all meadowhawks, it perches with wings often held down and forward tandem oviposit most frequently, but sometimes males hover guard if no other males are around and all females will solo oviposit if they can get away with it: video clip (~5 MB) of female solo ovipositing on Facebook - click on link to play Emerge on vegetation about 3" above the waterline, most often during the mornings habitat: ponds, lakes flight period: February - December California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Red-veined Meadowhawk Sympetrum madidum size: medium, length 40 - 45 mm, wingspan 60 - 68 mm male: dark red face and abdomen.; thoracic stripes partly obscured by red; underside abdomen dark, usually dark spots atop segments 8 & 9; distinct red wing stripe touches darkish stigma; no black areas near wing base; jet black legs female: tawny body; segments 1 & 2 bulbous; dull yellow face; wings like male; jet black legs; can become red like a male similar species: Cardinal Meadowhawk has pale red legs, Saffron-winged Meadowhawk has black on thorax sides behavior: like most meadowhawks, perches with wings often held down and forward habitat: ponds, marshes, lakes flight period: March - September California distribution: sporadic, sometimes uncommon California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum internum size: small/medium length 28 - 36 mm, wingspan 46 - 52 mm male: overall dark red; plain brown-red thorax; dull cherry red face when mature immature - tawny yellow; black legs; clear wings with leading veins reddish yellow, only a small basal amber wash; triangular black marks low on abdomen sides female: body less colorful; wings at base extensively amber colored with orange veins at the wing base; can have as much color in wings as a Western/Band-winged Meadowhawk similar species: compare male to White-faced Meadowhawk, females to Band-winged Meadowhawk habitat: wet meadows; slow waters California flight period: June - September California distribution: RARE: north eastern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Saffron-winged Meadowhawk Sympetrum costiferum size: small, length 31 - 39 mm, wingspan 52 - 63 mm male: body red when mature; immature is golden; leading wing veins golden to yellow/red dark edged stigma; usually dark spots atop seg. 8 & 9; underside abdomen black; legs striped black and yellow female: like immature male; beautiful saffron yellow body similar species: Red-veined Meadowhawk has white on thorax sides habitat: woody marshes, ponds, lakes, creeks California flight period: June - late October California distribution: eastern mountains (Sierra Nevada, Cascades) California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	White-faced Meadowhawk Sympetrum obtrusum size: small, length 30 - 39 mm, wingspan 48 - 55 mm male: white face; abdomen and thorax red; thoracic side stripes on immatures only, no top stripes; distinct black triangles lower sides of abdomen; wings with amber wash near base, veins not reddish female: golden or similar to male; face greenish white similar species: Striped Meadowhawk has white stripes on thorax; rounded dark marks low on abdomen habitat: marshes, lakes, wet meadows in highlands California flight period: May - late October; more common in the fall California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Striped Meadowhawk Sympetrum pallipes size: medium, length 34 - 38 mm, wingspan 56 - 62 mm male: mature red, immature golden; 2 pale top and side thoracic stripes (top stripes lacking in other red-abdomen CA meadowhawks); pale face; clear wings, one rust vein; velvet-like dots where wings join thorax; rounded black marks low on abdomen female: tawny or red brown similar species: White-faced Meadowhawk lacks white stripes on thorax; has jagged dark marks low on abdomen; Variegated Meadowhawk's abdomen isn't mostly red habitat: ponds and lakes behavior: tandem oviposit, sometimes over dry ground near lakeshore California flight period: April - December, more common in fall California distribution: all but far southern Calif. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Autumn Meadowhawk Sympetrum vicinum [formerly Yellow-legged] size: small/medium, length 28 - 35 mm, wingspan 42 - 46 mm male: all red body when mature; immature yellow; no stripes on thorax; slender abdomen with greatly reduced or no black; thin yellow-red legs; wings clear with yellow-amber at base and no stripe ; often the last species flying in the fall female: less colorful; very prominent ovipositor; segments 2-3 bulbous when seen from the side habitat: lakes, ponds California flight period: July - November. primarily a late season flier California distribution: northeastern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Variegated Meadowhawk Sympetrum corruptum archaic name - pastel skimmer size: medium, length 34 - 43 mm, wingspan 60 - 66 mm male: quite variable; olive/gray and reddish-orange plaid, turns redder as it ages; unique white porthole-like spots low on abdomen; thoracic white stripes end in yellow spot, then the white becomes obscured as it matures; stigma bicolored; leading wing veins colored female: less red; more muted &/or pastel habitat: all slow water behavior: migratory; some over winter flight period: year round, migratory; may over winter California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	*Red-tailed Pennant (Brachymesia furcata)* size: length 39 - 46 mm, wingspan 65 - 74 mm male: Meadowhawk-like; stocky; face & dark eyes; abdomen red; thorax olive/brown; usually thin dark ring each abdominal segment, black spots atop segment 8 & 9; wings have dark veins, amber at base with long stigma; segments 2 & 3 bulbous; legs black; appendages appear ski-tipped female: yellowish brown with pale stripe between wings; wings with amber wash at abdomen base; small black spots segments 8 & 9 habitat: ponds, lakes, canals behavior: perches with wings out flat California flight period: April - December California distribution: southern Calif. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Mexican Amberwing Perithemis intensa size: very small, length 23 - 29 mm, wingspan 40- 45 mm male: very small & stubby; all bright orange including legs and wings, orange stigma; thorax tawny, no distinct spots; very unwary; tend to perch on twigs; immatures more yellow female: yellow-orange body; wings - amber-orange bands with dark spots, darker stigma than male behavior: very unwary; tend to perch on twigs habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams, pools of rivers California flight period: April - November California distribution: southern Calif. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Roseate Skimmer Orthemis ferruginea size: medium, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 80 - 92 mm male: thorax rose pink &/or plum pruinose; rose pruinose on abdomen; clear wings very narrowly tipped with brown, wide stigma; face purple, top metallic; purple/brown eyes female: orange-brown; complex pale pattern thorax sides; light stripe atop thorax center; segment 8 with noticeable flanges; long stigma, brown tip similar species: Carmine Skimmer (O. discolor) has bright red top to the frons (face) whereas on Roseate the top of the frons is irridescent purple habitat: ponds, lakes, canals California flight period: all year in the south California distribution: southern Calif. - found once in Santa Cruz (2013) California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Red Saddlebags Tramea onusta size: medium length 41 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 90 mm male: red or rusty red including eyes; thorax tawny; black spots atop segments 8-10; hind wings base has broad red saddle mark does not show dark streaks at the base of the forewing female: tawny; black spots atop tip of abdomen similar species: Rare Striped Saddlebags has stripes on thorax, much narrower 'saddle' marks behavior: migratory; during especially warm weather has dispersal events when it flies to the north; powerful flier; frequently perch with abdomen lowered, using the saddle mark to shade their abdomen habitat: warm shallow ponds California flight period: January - November California distribution: southern (strays north) California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Striped Saddlebags Tramea darwini note: formerly T. calverti size: medium length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 80 - 86 mm male: similar to Red Saddlebags but with 2 pale stripes on side of thorax; mostly red or rusty red including eyes; segments 8-10 become dark on top & sides; hind wings have narrow dark saddle mark; often slightly yellow; powerful flier female: tawny; 2 broad side stripes on thorax; segments 8-10 of abdomen black similar species: Red Saddlebags has NO stripes on thorax, much wider 'saddle' marks habitat: warm shallow ponds and other quiet waters, including brackish and temporary California flight period: August - November California distribution: RARE: only rarely found in CA (possibly strays) California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Black Saddlebags Tramea lacerata archaic name - black-mantled glider size: medium/large, length 47 - 55 mm, wingspan 92 - 100 mm male: black body; diffuse yellow spot top of abdomen; broad black saddle mark on hind wings; folded long legs give thorax bulky look in flight at least some of the time, shows dark streaks at the base of the forewing female: similar but more brown, yellow spots atop segments 2-7 habitat: ponds, lakes, creeks, and slow areas of rivers behavior: tandem oviposit - "Tramea Dance 1" powerful flier; usually perch horizontally; migratory flight period: March - November California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Marl Pennant Macrodiplax balteata size: small/medium, length 36 - 44 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm male: all dark wide head & eyes; small dark basal patches on wings; dark hairy thorax; abdomen with thin pale rings female: wings like male; pale face; thorax & abdomen yellow on golden brown; thorax sides have 3 pale areas; abdomen tip dark habitat: brackish coastal ponds, desert oases; specializes on saline & especially alkaline habitats California flight period: May - October California distribution: southeastern, uncommon California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Pale-faced Clubskimmer Brechmorhoga mendax size: large, length 52 - 63 mm, wingspan 68 - 88 mm male: narrow abdomen is club-shaped at end, 2 large very closely spaced pale spots atop segment 7, smaller gray areas segments 1-5; gray face and thoracic stripes; clear wings; female: like male but wings tips and small basal area brown; abdomen not as clubbed behavior: hang perch; males patrol streams, rivers, flying across the width at areas with ripples; females oviposit at river areas with ripples similar species: Clubtails often perch on rocks and near river edges; their eyes don't touch habitat: moving waters of rivers and streams California flight period: March - December California distribution: valleys and foothills California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Common Whitetail Plathemis lydia formerly Libellula lydia size: medium, length 40 - 48 mm, wingspan 65 - 75 mm male: mature has broad gleaming white pruinose abdomen with wings having a dark band for 1/3 width extending from just before the nodus towards tip, small black basal bar surrounded by a small white area; immature with abdomen like female's but with wing markings like a mature male - it then develops thin bluish white pruinosity; thorax top white only near wings; face dark female: 3 dark wing spots; wide brown body; yellow side dashes separated and angled; face dark similar species: compare male to Desert Whitetail which has much more white in the wing; compare female with female 12-spotted Skimmer, which has continuous yellow side stripe and pale face behavior: often perches on wood or rocks extending from the water, or near the water's edge habitat: marshes, streams California flight period: March - November California distribution: statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Desert Whitetail Plathemis subornata formerly Libellula subornata size: medium length 39 - 50 mm, wingspan 65 - 75 mm male: pruinose white abdomen; wings have 2 narrow zigzag black bands, develops dark between bands, extensive white pruinosity interior half with basal black patches usually having a 'window' in it; segment 10 and appendages remain dark female: brown body; 2 pale, jagged thoracic stripes; row of straight (not angled) yellow side dashes on abdomen; each wing has dual zigzag bands, clear wing tips similar species: compare male to Common Whitetail which has much less white in the wing habitat: desert springs, ponds, lakes flight period: April - October California distribution: all deserts California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Widow Skimmer Libellula luctuosa size: medium, length 40 - 50 mm, wingspan 76 - 80 mm male: inside half of wings blackish-brown, outer wings develop extensive white pruinosity; body becomes pale blue pruinose, color often rubbed off on mid-side of abdomen; range expanding female: brown with yellow side stripes; wings have large dark basal patch like male's, but don't develop white pruinosity and have dark tips habitat: ponds, lakes, pools of rivers & creeks, marshes California flight period: end of April - October California distribution: all but eastern Calif.; expanding its range within CA California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Twelve-spotted Skimmer Libellula pulchella archaic name - ten spot size: large, length 51 - 58 mm, wingspan 84 - 92 mm male: 3 dark spots each wing, including tip, 3 white spots develop between them with age, middle dark spot does not touch trailing wing edge; brown abdomen develops thin bluish-white pruinosity with maturity; 2 yellow stripes thorax sides, top remains brown female: brown abdomen with continuous straight yellow side stripe; wings have 3 dark spots, no white spots; pale face similar species: compare male with male Eight-spotted Skimmer which has clear wing-tips; 8-spot tends to perch more; compare female to female Common Whitetail which has yellow dashed & angled stripe along abdomen side and a dark face habitat: ponds, lakes, rivers California flight period: April - October California distribution: most areas California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Eight-spotted Skimmer Libellula forensis size: medium/large, length 49 - 51 mm, wingspan 77 - 80 mm male: wing tips clear, 2 dark spots each, outer spot forms 8 , extends leading to trailing edge, 3 white spots; 2 oval thorax side marks; abdomen and thorax top become blue pruinose female: brown body; straight yellow side stripe dashed but not angled; wings like male's, may develop white spots ; 2 yellow spots topr of face similar species: compare male with male Twelve-spotted Skimmer which has dark wing-tips; tends to stay on wing more; compare female with female Twelve-spotted Skimmer and female Common Whitetail which both have dark wing-tips and no white in the wings habitat: ponds, lakes, ditches California flight period: April - October California distribution: all but southern Calif. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Hoary Skimmer Libellula nodisticta size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm male: thorax and abdomen become pruinose blue-gray; thorax has 2 broken yellow stripes; yellow spots low on abdomen; wings have small dark area at base and nodus, basal dark wing area becomes surrounded by white, black stigma; no other white on wings female: dark gray/brown with row of yellow dashes along thorax and abdomen side; older females may become pruinose like male similar species: Bleached Skimmer has no white on wings; pale eyes and dark stigma habitat: springs; spring-fed streams California flight period: April - October California distribution: all foothills; sporadic, uncommon California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Bleached Skimmer Libellula composita size: medium, length 41 - 50 mm, wingspan 75 - 85 mm male: pruinose blue body becomes bleached/washed out and dirty in appearance; pale eyes; white face; pale areas thorax sides; wings have a dark patch at base and usually a small dark spot at nodus, dark veins, wide black stigma, pale costa (vein along leading edge of the wing) female: wings like male; abdomen has interrupted pale yellow stripes, pale eyes and face similar species: Comanche Skimmer has white stigma; Blue Dasher is smaller and lacks spots at nodus habitat: alkaline ponds, springs in the desert California flight period: early April - Octber California distribution: south-eastern CA, Modoc Co. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Comanche Skimmer Libellula comanche size: medium/large, length 46 - 56 mm, wingspan 70 - 89 mm male: pruinose blue body with white face; pearly blue or greenish eyes; wings clear, bold white stigma with dark edge; immature has the thorax with bold pale yellow patches female: brown abdomen has a continuous pale yellow side stripe; pale eyes, pale yellow face and stigma with dark edge; wings often darkish at tips and leading edge similar species: Blue Dasher lacks white stigma; Bleached Skimmer has pale eyes and dark stigma habitat: alkaline ponds, springs, ditches California flight period: April - late October California distribution: all desert regions California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Blue Dasher Pachydiplax longipennis size: medium length 32 - 42 mm, wingspan 50 - 60 mm male: pruinose blue, developing dark tip, tan under segments 1-3; distinctive white face with black between the eyes which are all black on the rear edges; striped thorax can become all blue; teal green/blue eyes; wings can show brown tinted areas female: rectangular buff marks on dark background; no other is like it; white face similar species: Western Pondhawk has GREEN face and alternating green and black spots on the rear of the eyes (visible from the side or from behind); Comanche Skimmer has white stigmas; Bleached Skimmer has pale eyes behavior: often perches with wings held down and forward, but also often holds them out flat; usually perches on vegetation habitat: ponds, slow waters California flight period: February- December California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Plateau Dragonlet Erythrodiplax basifusca size: small/medium, length 24 - 34 mm, wingspan 43 - 53 mm male: black abdomen develops thin blue pruinosity on segments 1-7; face tawny to metallic black; wings clear except hind wing often with small basal dark amber patch female: yellow, brown side stripe habitat: marshy ponds, lakes California flight period: mid-July; single occurrence California distribution: RARE; West Pond, Imperial Dam Recreation Area, Imperial Co. California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Western Pondhawk Erythemis collocata size: medium length 39 - 42 mm, wingspan 60 - 65 mm male: pruinose blue with bright green face; deep blue eyes with back margin patterned with alternating green and black spots; dark yellow stigma edged in black; dark appendages; immature like female with thorax last to turn blue, no dark patches/spots/bands on wings female: emerald green body has a thin dark line along middle top; some yellow near tip; green eyes; no other like her similar species: Blue Dasher has WHITE face (but green eyes can fool you, look carefully!) and black rear of eyes; Comanche Skimmer has white stigmas; Bleached Skimmer has pale eyes behavior: usually perches low, often on or near the ground or on floating vegetation; can perch with wings held down and forward, but often hold them out flat; known to prey on other dragonflies, (2nd image) habitat: ponds, creek pools California flight period: February - October California distribution: common statewide California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Great Pondhawk Erythemis vesiculosa New to Calif. 2012 size: large, length 55 - 65 mm, wingspan 80 - 82 mm male: flattened, narrow long abdomen with dark and pale green bands; green face; eyes green-gray; appendages white; juvenile has green stigma; wary female: like male; eyes dark brown; thin abdomen with short inconspicuous ovipositor ovipositing<: into almost any standing or slow moving water habitat: ponds; pools of creeks and rivers behavior: holds wings down and forward when at rest; often perches on the ground or floating vegetation: wary; often flies with the abdomen raised 30 degrees flight period: March - November distribution: southern, rare California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens aka Globe Skimmer (Europe) size: medium, length 44 - 51 mm, wingspan 81 - 91 mm male: golden yellow-brown with dark pattern along abdomen top; yellowish face; mature has red eyes; broad clear wings, hind wing very wide, sometimes a yellow wash at tips and at the base, golden stigma female: similar similar species: Spot-winged glider has a dark basal wing spot; comparison shot, another behavior: strong gliding flight; vagrant, migrant; seldom perch, often feed in mixed swarms, follow weather fronts; can complete life cycle in only a few weeks/months, unlike other dragonflies which take about a year habitat: open still waters (even temporary); frequently found in yards California flight period: all year in the south, March - December in the north California distribution: statewide; a cosmopolitan species California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Spot-winged Glider Pantala hymenaea size: medium length 43 - 51 mm, wingspan 85 - 95 mm male: robust; body patterned golden browns, generally darker brown than Wandering Glider; tawny or rufous stigma; red face; clear front wing; wide hind wing with a small round dark basal spot (often difficult to see in flight) female: like male, patterned less boldly; yellow face similar species: Wandering Glider lacks basal dark spot on hind wing; comparison shot, another behavior: flier, seldom perch, often feed in mixed swarms, strong gliding flight; migrant, often seen after weather change follow weather fronts; can complete life cycle in only a few weeks/months, unlike other dragonflies which take about a year habitat: ponds (even temporary), lakes, river backwaters, yards California flight period: February- December California distribution: statewide; common in southern lowlands California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Filigree Skimmer Pseudoleon superbus size: medium length 38 - 45 mm, wingspan 63 - 73 mm male: wings variably dark & lacy, sometimes almost all dark; brown body with pale chevrons ages to nearly all black; eyes are striped and when mature are nearly all black; perch low, often on rocks/debris, often in oblique posture which can make the look a dead leaf from a distance female: lace pattern on wings more open; spout like ovipositor habitat: rocky, clear streams California flight period: February - September California distribution: RARE: but had an explosion in 2015!! TWO have emerged from a San Diego Pond!! California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Four-spotted Skimmer Libellula quadrimaculata size: medium length 40 - 46 mm, wingspan 65 - 71 mm male: tapered triangular olive-brown to orange-brown abdomen with dark tip, yellow dashes low on sides; hairy thorax, sides have pale marks; wings with small dark spots at nodus, leading edges sometimes orange, dark area at hind wing base female: very similar to male habitat: bogs, marshes, lakes, streams in mountain areas; acidic waters California flight period: April - October California distribution: mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Chalk-fronted Corporal Ladona julia formerly Libellula julia size: medium, length 38 - 45 mm, wingspan 61 - 70 mm male: thorax top has 2 chalky white stripes; first 4 abdominal segments become covered with chalky white pruinosity; rest of body, including head and eyes dark; wings clear - very small dark basal area female: orangish to dark brown with a black stripe down the top of the abdomen; can become pruinose like male habitat: slow mountain streams, mountain lakes California flight period: June - August California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Black Meadowhawk Sympetrum danae aka Black Darter (Europe) size: very small, length 27 - 32 mm, wingspan 44 - 49 mm male: when mature, all black including face; clear wings, dark stigma; legs all black; very petite; immature shows complex yellow markings thorax sides including 3 yellow dots in black belt, yellow areas along and atop abdomen and on face female: like immature male; variable amber wing wash habitat: all slow mountain waters California flight period: June - late October California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Dot-tailed Whiteface Leucorrhinia intacta size: medium length 29 - 35 mm, wingspan 48 - 58 mm male: black body and eyes with bright white face; mature male has large yellow dot only on segment 7; immature is marked like female, then as it matures the yellow becomes obscured. Make identification carefully as there are many transitional stages female: like male or showing much more yellow, even atop abdomen, and always including segment 7 habitat: spring-fed ponds, bogs, lakes; often with water lilies California flight period: late April - early September California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male male Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Crimson-ringed Whiteface Leucorrhinia glacialis size: medium, length 35 - 39 mm, wingspan 54 - 60 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendages half the length of the uppers female: same or yellow & black;two rows of cells on radial planate (see link below) similar species: RARE Belted Whiteface's lower appendages are 2/3rds length of uppers. To identify species use wing venation illustration for males and females and appendage length for males. habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes California flight period: late May - early September California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male male Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Belted Whiteface Leucorrhinia proxima Formerly Red-waisted and now considered 'historic' in California size: medium, length 35 - 39 mm, wingspan 54 - 60 mm male: black with only segments 1 & 2 and thorax marked with red; bright white face; lower appendages half the length of the uppers female: same or yellow & black;two rows of cells on radial planate (see link below) similar species: RARE Belted Whiteface's lower appendages are 2/3rds length of uppers. To identify species use wing venation illustration for males and females and appendage length for males. habitat: boggy ponds, mountain lakes California flight period: late May - early September California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map
male female Link to more scans and photos including in-situ and nymph/exuvia	Hudsonian Whiteface Leucorrhinia hudsonica size: small, length 30 - 36 mm, wingspan 44 - 57 mm male: dainty; dark eyes; bright white face; red on thorax and segments 1 & 2; abdomen black with red spots along top of segments 3-7 (yellow in immature); costa yellow from nodus; the veins within the dark hindwing spot are pale and can often be seen female: same or black with yellow similar species: compare closely to immature and females of other Whiteface species - pale spot on segment 7 always longer than wide habitat: sedge marshes; shallow pond edges with sedges California flight period: late May - September California distribution: northern mountains California distribution map Southwestern distribution map

I'm glad you enjoy the dragonflies too! THANK-YOU for visiting!!

This website is totally privately funded. If you've found it helpful and can help support it, please make a donation!

Kathy Biggs, Azalea Creek Publishing
Kathy Biggs
Back to California Dragonflies front page
Go to the California Damselflies page
Or, use your back button to return to the opening page of CA Anisoptera