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Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer

Linnaeus, 1758
Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
photo of Male four-spotted skimmer
Male four-spotted 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: S5
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The four-spotted skimmer has small dark marks on the wings at the nodus and near the base. The thorax is gray-brown with hairs. The abdomen is gray-brown with narrow lateral yellow stripes. The female lacks the flange of the male, near the end of the abdomen. A very active dragonfly, it will eat other smaller dragonflies.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is commonly found throughout Canada and northern United States, including mountains in the west. It is usually found at boggy wetlands, slow streams, and borrow pits. It is very common and widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early May to mid-August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male four-spotted skimmer
Male four-spotted skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male four-spotted skimmer
Immature male four-spotted skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male four-spotted skimmer
Immature male four-spotted skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male four-spotted skimmer thorax
Close-up of male four-spotted skimmer thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male four-spotted skimmer cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male four-spotted skimmer cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female four-spotted skimmer
Female four-spotted skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female four-spotted skimmer
Immature female four-spotted skimmer — Dan Jackson
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