The brightly colored bodies of the Great Blue Skimmer are characteristic of most of the dragonflies in the Libellulidae family. Members are sometimes called King Skimmers because of their large size. The wings of the Great Blue Skimmer have black bands and spots. The males have an abdomen that is thick and light blue. They may have some green markings on the sides of their thorax ('chest'). Females have brown abdomen and aren't really blue at all!
Adults are most active in the peak summer months. Males can be seen resting on vegetation for long periods of time. Females flick fertilized eggs onto the shore after picking up a drop of water to help them stick on land. Larvae hatch and develop in still waters. It's common to see many living and resting in the same area.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Colors: blue; black; white; brown; green; yellow
