Species Libellula flavida - Yellow-sided Skimmer

Classification · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat · Season · Food · Life Cycle · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Yellow-sided Skimmer - Libellula flavida - male

16th Dragon of the Season - Libellula flavida - male

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)

Suborder Anisoptera (Dragonflies)

Family Libellulidae (Skimmers)

Genus Libellula

Species flavida (Yellow-sided Skimmer)

Size

Length 4.8 cm

Identification

Adult male is like a Spangled Skimmer, but lacks the white spot on wings. Side of abdomen is yellow. Female is also like female Spangled Skimmer, but has more yellow on abdomen. See references.

Range

Eastern United States, local, most common in coastal plain

Habitat

Seeps and bogs

Season

March-October

Food

Predatory on other insects

Life Cycle

Forages from weed stems in clearings. Males patrol and defend small pools.

Print References

Dunkle, page 178, plate 31 (1)

Internet References

Giff Beaton's page on King Skimmers includes this species.

NJ Odes

RLE Photo

Works Cited

1.	Dragonflies Through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America Sidney W. Dunkle. 2000. Oxford Press.

Contributed by Cotinis on 5 June, 2004 - 9:37pm
Last updated 12 June, 2004 - 6:40am

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