Elfin Skimmer

nannothemis bella

The Elfin Skimmer (Nannothemis bella) holds the proud title of being the smallest dragonfly in North America. Measuring barely two centimeters in length, this minuscule insect is a true gem of pristine wetlands. Found primarily in acidic bogs, fens, and cedar swamps across eastern North America, it relies heavily on calm, shallow water sheltered by dense sedges and sphagnum moss. Despite its diminutive size, the Elfin Skimmer is an active and fascinating predator, performing agile aerial maneuvers to catch tiny insects just above the water's surface. What makes this species particularly captivating is its striking sexual dimorphism and its specialized habitat requirements, which make it a key indicator of high-quality wetland ecosystems.

Habitat: Found in acidic, sphagnum-dominated bogs, fens, and marshy seepages with shallow, standing water and abundant sedges.

Appearance

This tiny dragonfly is easily recognized by its extremely small size, with a body length averaging only 2 cm and a delicate wingspan. Mature males feature a highly distinct, powdery, pale blue (pruinose) abdomen paired with a dark thorax. In contrast, females exhibit a striking black-and-yellow striped pattern on their abdomen, which closely mimics the appearance of a small wasp to deter potential predators. Both sexes possess clear wings with a dark spot (pterostigma) near the tip, and they fly with a low, weak, fluttering flight pattern close to the vegetation.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusNannothemis

Elfin Skimmer

Interesting facts

It is the smallest dragonfly in North America, with a total body length that is often shorter than a standard paperclip.

Male Elfin Skimmers are highly territorial and will vigorously defend patches of moss as small as a square meter from rival males.

Unlike most dragonflies that fly high and fast, the Elfin Skimmer rarely flies higher than a few inches above the wetland moss.

Special abilities

Females sport bold black and yellow stripes, mimicking stinging wasps to ward off avian and insect predators.

Utilizes a highly maneuverable, low-altitude flight pattern that allows it to hover and navigate through dense sedge stems without colliding.

Perches on dark vegetation or moss at specific angles to rapidly absorb morning sunlight, boosting its body temperature for early-day hunting.

Measurements & details

Length: 1+ cm
Wingspan: 2+ cm
Weight: 0.00003+ kg
Lifespan: 1+ years
Top Speed: 8 km/h
Clutch Size: 50+
Incubation: 10+ days

Diet & Feeding

The Elfin Skimmer is an opportunistic carnivore, preying on miniature flying insects close to the water surface, while its aquatic nymphs hunt tiny water invertebrates.

Primary Foods

Mosquitoes
Midges
Thrips
Small flies

Foraging Method

Pursuit Slide And Catch Style Hunting From A Perch. This Dragonfly Darts Out From A Twig To Capture Prey In The Air. Only Adults Hunt Like This. See Diet Changes For Nymphs. Description: Dragonfly Perches On Grass And Darts At Passing Insects. Note: We List Pursuit As Hunt Method. Let's Simplify: Pursuit. Let's Adjust Slightly: 'pursuit'. Let's Keep It Simple. It's 'pursuit'. Let's Avoid Any Errors. Yes, 'pursuit'. Let's Write 'pursuit' Or 'ambush' As Per The Permitted Types. I Will Use 'pursuit'. Let's Write: "pursuit" For Huntingmethod. Let's Use Simple List: ["mosquitoes","midges","thrips","small Flies"] For Primary Foods. Let's Write "pursuit" For Huntingmethod. No Nested Objects Inside Main Fields That Shouldn't Be. Checked. Let's Verify Diet Changes With Age. Let's Write: "larvae Live Underwater And Feed On Microscopic Aquatic Organisms And Tiny Insect Larvae, While Adults Exclusively Catch Flying Insects In The Air."

Ecological connections

hunts

Chironomid Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Preys on emerging adult midges near the bog's surface.

eaten by

Six-spotted Fishing Spider

Dolomedes triton

Predator that catches adult Elfin Skimmers as they fly low over moss.

eaten by

Common Green Darner

Anax junius

Larger dragonfly that opportunistically preys on the tiny Elfin Skimmer.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Elfin Skimmer?

The easiest way to identify Elfin Skimmer is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Elfin Skimmer?

1+ cm

What is Elfin Skimmer's wingspan?

2+ cm

How much does Elfin Skimmer weigh?

0.00003+ kg

How long does Elfin Skimmer live?

1+ years

How fast can Elfin Skimmer move?

8 km/h

What does Elfin Skimmer eat?

The Elfin Skimmer is an opportunistic carnivore, preying on miniature flying insects close to the water surface, while its aquatic nymphs hunt tiny water invertebrates.

Where is Elfin Skimmer usually found?

Found in acidic, sphagnum-dominated bogs, fens, and marshy seepages with shallow, standing water and abundant sedges.