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Bar-winged Skimmer

Libellula axilena

The Bar-winged Skimmer is a beautiful dragonfly with bright colors and unique wing patterns. They love to fly around ponds and lakes, where they can be seen darting through the air.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Bar-winged Skimmer has a robust body and clear wings, distinctively marked with a dark brown or black patch at the base of each hindwing. Males are powdery blue, while females are yellowish-brown, both featuring a prominent dark pterostigma near the wingtip.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusLibellula
Bar-winged Skimmer
aerial trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgewetland trait badge
Bar-winged Skimmer

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Dragonflies are ancient insects, soaring for over 300 million years!

Males patrol territories over water, chasing away other dragonflies that intrude.

Their young live underwater for up to two years, breathing through special gills!

They can control their body temperature by adjusting how much they fly or perch.

Special abilities

Ability

360 Vision

Bar-winged Skimmer has huge compound eyes that help them spot tiny flying prey and predators from almost any direction.

Ability

Aerial Acrobatics

Bar-winged Skimmer can instantly change direction mid-air because of their four independently controlled wings, allowing amazing agility.

Ability

Lightning Strike

Bar-winged Skimmer can dart forward at incredible speeds to snatch insects right out of the air using their spiny legs like a basket.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
40-50 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
35 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These skillful aerial hunters feast on tiny flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, keeping populations in check.

Age differences: Nymphs hunt underwater insects; adults catch flying prey.

Primary Foods

  • mosquitoes
  • flies
  • gnats
  • midges
  • smaller moths

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

Eats these pesky flying insects

eaten by

Green Frog

Rana clamitans

Often becomes a meal for hungry frogs

eaten by

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Large fish prey on their aquatic nymphs

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

An effective predator of mosquito adults

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Dragonflies are friendly and won't hurt you, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bar-winged Skimmer's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Bar-winged Skimmer?

40-50 mm

How long does Bar-winged Skimmer live?

30-60 days

How fast can Bar-winged Skimmer fly?

35 km/h

What does Bar-winged Skimmer eat?

These skillful aerial hunters feast on tiny flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, keeping populations in check.

Where is Bar-winged Skimmer usually found?

Wetlands

How does Bar-winged Skimmer hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Bar-winged Skimmer have?

6

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