Widow Skimmer
ExploreInsect
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa
The Widow Skimmer is a dragonfly with a unique black-and-white pattern on its wings. They are often seen resting on branches!
Habitat: Ponds and lakes
Appearance
The Widow Skimmer is a medium-sized dragonfly. Males have striking dark patches at the base of their hindwings, followed by broad white patches, and a body often covered in powdery blue. Females are yellowish-brown with dark wing bases but lack the white patches.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusLibellula
Category
InsectRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
41
Interesting facts
An adult skimmer can eat thousands of tiny insects, including mosquitoes, in its short life!
Male Widow Skimmers are fierce defenders, often patrolling the same sunny spots all day.
The "widow" in their name comes from the dark wing patches that look like mourning clothes!
Their underwater babies, called nymphs, can use "jet propulsion" to escape predators!
Special abilities
Ability
Acrobatic Flight
Widow Skimmers can hover and fly backward because of their independent wing control that helps them chase and escape.
Ability
Amphibious Life
Widow Skimmer larvae can breathe underwater because of gills that allow them to live as aquatic hunters for years.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-90 mm
- Size
- 45-55 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 30 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Tiny flying insects like mosquitoes and flies are a favorite meal for this speedy hunter.
Age differences: Larvae eat aquatic insects, small tadpoles, and even tiny fish, while adults only eat flying insects.
Primary Foods
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Midges
- Small moths
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Common Malaria Mosquito
Anopheles quadrimaculatus
Adult skimmers help control mosquito populations.
hunts
House Fly
Musca domestica
They are expert hunters of many types of flying insects.
eaten by
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Fish will prey on both nymphs and adult dragonflies.
eaten by
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Frogs ambush adult dragonflies when they perch.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Insectivorous
Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!
Diurnal
Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.
Freshwater
Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.
Also known as
Black-shouldered SkimmerWidow Dragonfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Widow Skimmer's wingspan?
70-90 mm
How big is Widow Skimmer?
45-55 mm
How long does Widow Skimmer live?
30-60 days
How fast can Widow Skimmer fly?
30 km/h
What does Widow Skimmer eat?
Tiny flying insects like mosquitoes and flies are a favorite meal for this speedy hunter.
Where is Widow Skimmer usually found?
Ponds and lakes
How does Widow Skimmer hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Widow Skimmer have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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William O'Brien State Park
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New York, US
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Virginia, US
Burke Lake Park
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Park54 sightings13 species
Massachusetts, US
Ames Nowell State Park
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Zoo18 sightings13 species
Virginia, US
Metro Richmond Zoo
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Park6 sightings5 species
Mississippi, US
Vicksburg National Military Park
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