Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
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:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The stocky male has a pruinose white abdomen and a brown thorax. His wings have wide dark bands and small basal marks. The brown female is similar to the female twelve-spotted skimmer with 12 dark markings on the wings. The female has some white markings on its abdomen, creating a zigzag appearance down the sides. The length of the body varies from 1.7 to 1.9 inches
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout United States and southern Canada, it is found at almost any non-moving or slow waters, including marshes and ponds. It seems to tolerate disturbed habitats. The common whitetails are often found in same areas as the twelve-spotted skimmers. It is widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Mid-May to late August in Wisconsin.
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