#libellula pulchella

[lazer-t]

Twelve-Spotted Skimmer for a $15 Ko-fi supporter

The twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a species of dragonfly, named after the 12 characteristic dark spots found on its wings. It is sometimes known as the ten-spotted skimmer, named after the 10 white spots on the wings, though these are not typically found on females. Like other dragonflies, they are predators that feed on other flying insects, such as damselfies. (x)

[platycryptus]

a twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) staking out his territory by a pond

(Massachusetts, 8/29/24)

[overdoso]

A libélula-de-doze-manchas ( Libellula pulchella ) é uma libélula comum na América do Norte, encontrada no sul do Canadá e em todos os 48 estados contíguos dos EUA.

[malavoie1]

The Twelve-spotted Skimmer

On a very overcast, hot and muggy day, I captured this image of a Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) dragonfly. Using an 18-135mm kit lens, I got close to the dragonfly perched on a thin reed by the edge of a small man-made pond. The background is the calm water of a man-made pond, adding a peaceful feel to the scene. The dragonfly’s wings have striking black and white spots, and its delicate details stand out beautifully against the soft, muted backdrop.

The Twelve-spotted Skimmer is a common North American dragonfly, found in southern Canada and across all 48 contiguous U.S. states. This large species measures about 50 mm (2.0 in) long. Each wing has three brown spots. In adult males, additional white spots form between the brown ones and at the bases of the hindwings, sometimes earning them the name "ten-spot skimmer." If given time to count, you can see a total of twelve black spots on all four wings of the male, with eight bright white spots in between. Females and immature males have the twelve brown-black spots but lack the white ones, making it still acceptable to call them all twelve-spotted. Males have a powdery blue abdomen or 'tail,' while females have a mostly black tail with a long yellow stripe on each side. Adults feed on small flying insects.

Twelve-spotted Skimmers are usually found near water. Females lay eggs in ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams and rivers, where they hatch into naiads. The naiads look more like crustaceans than dragonflies and spend their early life stage underwater. After feeding and growing, they eventually crawl out of the water and molt into winged adults. This species is common across North America and is mostly active in the summer. Look for these large, robust skimmers near water's edge by lagoons, creeks, ponds, and lakes.

Processed with Affinity Photo v2 and Topaz Photo AI.

Camera: Pentax K-3

Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

135mm / ƒ/11 / 1/80s / ISO 400

Taken: July 16, 2024

[celestialmacros]

Twelve-spotted skimmer males (Libellula pulchella)

Northern Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Summer 2018

I thought the dragonfly in the bottom photo was a female when I was photographing it, but it turns out that it is a juvenile male.  The female don’t have white spots on their wings.

[dendroica]

Twelve-spotted Skimmer, Libellula pulchella (by me)

[geopsych]

Dragonfly.

Twelve-spotted skimmer, Libellula pulchella.

[mudpuddling-moved]

twelve-spotted skimmer in edina, mn, usa