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Nannothemis bella
Elfin Skimmer

(Uhler, 1857)
Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
photo of Male elfin skimmer
Male elfin skimmer — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G4 Wisconsin: S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the smallest dragonfly in United States, from 0.7 to 0.8 inches. Juvenile males have a black thorax and abdomen, becoming powdery blue in 5-10 days. The male's abdomen widens into a flat club at end. The female differs from the mature male by its wasp-like appearance. The thorax is black, mottled with yellow. The abdomen is black with yellow basal spots and yellow tip. The female's wings may be tinted with orange near the base. The face is black except for white on the top and sides. The eyes are silver, striped vertically with red-brown.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found throughout eastern United States, with some exceptions, the elfin skimmer prefers bogs, and sometimes calcium-deposited fens in sedge meadows. Populations are infrequently found in Wisconsin in appropriate habitats, mostly in the northern half of the state.
Flight Season:
Late May to early August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male elfin skimmer
Male elfin skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Intermediate male elfin skimmer
Intermediate male elfin skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral male elfin skimmer
Teneral male elfin skimmer — Mike Reese
photo of Close-up of male elfin skimmer thorax
Close-up of male elfin skimmer thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Female elfin skimmer
Female elfin skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Female elfin skimmer
Female elfin skimmer — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female elfin skimmer thorax
Close-up of female elfin skimmer thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Elfin skimmer pair in wheel
Elfin skimmer pair in wheel — Dan Jackson
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