Insect · GBIF taxon 1427950
Flame Skimmer
Libellula saturataAlso known as Firecracker Skimmer
The Flame Skimmer is a robust dragonfly whose mature males glow orange-red across the body, wing veins, and broad wing bases. It patrols warm ponds and slow water, repeatedly returning to exposed lookout perches.
Orange DragonflyPond HunterPerching Insect
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Midges
- Mosquitoes
- Small flies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland loss, water pollution, pesticide use, drought, and removal of shoreline vegetation
HabitatsWarm ponds, desert springs, slow streams, marshes, reservoirs, and urban water features
Life spanAquatic development takes months to years; the flying adult stage lasts weeks to months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLibellulidae
- SpeciesLibellula saturata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe perched adults without netting them or entering fragile spring margins.
Responsible observation
- Look: Check bare twigs beside warm still or slow-moving water.
- Identify: Mature males show orange-red color extending into the wing bases.
- Watch: Stay still and a patroling male may return to the same perch.
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