Insect
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosaWidow skimmers patrol sunny pond edges and slow streams across North America, recognized by the striking dark brown bases on each wing. Mature males sport a brilliant chalky-white band across the middle of their wings, contrasting sharply with their dark bodies. Perched atop shoreline reeds or twigs, these territorial predators make swift aerial dashes to snatch flying insects from midair.
Pond SkimmerTerritorialInsectivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMosquitoes, Midges, Small flies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsPesticide runoff, habitat degradation, and wetland drainage
HabitatsPonds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshes
Life span1–2 years (mostly aquatic nymph stage; adults live 1–2 months)
Classification
- OrderOdonata
- FamilyLibellulidae
- GenusLibellula
- SpeciesLibellula luctuosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding Them: Look for adults perching on tall grasses or twigs along sunny pond edges.
- Best Time: Search during bright, warm afternoons when males actively patrol territories.
- Approach Strategy: Move slowly toward perched individuals, as quick movements flush them into flight.
Competitor (c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative D. Gordon E. Robertson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Bruce Marlin / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Peter Preus, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Preus · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Widow Skimmer is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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