Wisconsin Odonata Survey title graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic

Libellula incesta
Slaty Skimmer

Hagen, 1861
Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
photo of Male slaty skimmer
Male slaty skimmer — Dan Jackson
Species of the genus Libellula (king skimmers) often perch on shoreline vegetation, are stout bodied, and usually have distinctive body and wing patterns.
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S2S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The juvenile has a brown face, brown shoulders, red-brown eyes, yellow dorsal stripe on thorax, and a yellow abdomen with a wide black dorsal stripe. As the male gets older, he develops a black face and a black body, with the side of thorax being last. The eyes also turn dark brown. The female is similar to the juvenile stage. As the female gets older, the body becomes brown or brown-gray. The wings have black stigmas (near the tips of wings) and tips edged with black. The average length of the body is 2.0 inches. The juveniles are similar to the great blue skimmer juveniles.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found throughout eastern United States and southeast Canada, this species prefers quiet waters with a muck bottom, usually in or near forest, and sometimes including rivers. In the north, habitat preferences may include bog lakes. In Wisconsin, we are at northwestern limit of its range, and it is only known from a few eastern counties.
Flight Season:
In Wisconsin, a few adults have been recorded in July. The flight season in the northern part of its range, is from early June to early September.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male slaty skimmer
Male slaty skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Male slaty skimmer
Male slaty skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male slaty skimmer face
Close-up of male slaty skimmer face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male slaty skimmer thorax
Close-up of male slaty skimmer thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male slaty skimmer cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male slaty skimmer cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female slaty skimmer
Female slaty skimmer — Dennis Paulson
This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use.