Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonfly Images

Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonfly Images, Facts and Information:

Libellula pulchella

• Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonflies are medium-sized dragonflies with dark brown bodies, broad wings marked with twelve distinct black spots and white patches in males. Females lack the white patches and show only the dark spots.
• Twelve-spotted Skimmers are found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, inhabiting ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation. They are often seen perching on reeds or flying low over the water.
• Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonflies are aerial predators that feed on small flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and midges, which they catch in midair.
• Females lay eggs by dipping the tip of their abdomen into the water while hovering, releasing eggs that adhere to vegetation or sink to the bottom. The aquatic nymphs, called naiads, live in the water and prey on aquatic insects and small invertebrates before emerging as adults in summer.
• Male Twelve-spotted Skimmers are territorial and often patrol or defend sunny spots along the water’s edge.
• A group of dragonflies can be called a “cluster” or a “swarm.”

I hope you enjoy my Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly photos.