Widow Skimmer
ExploreInsects
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
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Also known as
Black-shouldered SkimmerWidow Dragonfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
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
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