Males and females have different appearances, but they still recognize each other without issue. Male Yellow-sided Skimmers develop a powdery blue color over the thorax and tail. Yellow peeks out from the thorax under his wings. The wings are mostly clear, but the leading edge has a smoky orange line from base to tip. The eyes are dark. Females have yellow sides on the long abdomen and a black stripe runs down the 'spine'. Her wings also have a smoky orange line, but are dark and sooty at the tips. Her thorax has clear yellow marks. Her face is light tan and brown.
Wet areas with standing water are common habitat for this species. The Yellow-side Skimmer is active early in spring and through autumn. Males are defensive of territory and check for trespassers by circling the perimeter of it.
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: yellow; black; orange; blue
